Morning Adventures: Paddle Through Nature’s Wonders

Start your Sarasota adventure with a serene morning paddle on the Turtle Beach Kayak Tour. This two-hour tour, available at 10:00 AM on both December 28th and 29th, offers a peaceful escape into the natural beauty of Sarasota’s mangroves and wildlife. As you glide through the calm waters of the Jim Neville Marine Preserve, keep your eyes peeled for playful dolphins and gentle manatees. The tour’s highlight is a visit to a secluded beach, accessible only by boat, where you can stretch your legs, take a refreshing swim, or simply soak in the tranquility of the Gulf of Mexico.

Magical Manatee Experience - This was one of the coolest kayaking trips I’ve ever been on. My friend and I booked a 12:30 tour super early the day of the trip. It was off season in late September, so no issues. Upon arrival at Turtle Beach, we discovered we were the only 2 on the tour. As we stood on the bank waiting to launch our kayaks, we could see several manatees surfacing in the water! Our guide, Aaron, said they had been unexpectedly active today and over the past week, which was great for us. Once in our kayaks, we followed Aaron to the lagoon as we sat quietly watching 5-7 manatees surface, blow air, flip around and even gently bump our yaks. At one point, a manatee approached Aaron and he pet his head and back! The manatee then flipped to expose his stomach like a dog. It was so cool. We were excited/nervous but never scared. They are the most docile creatures, and we were so fortunate to get up close to them to observe them in their element. After spending 30-40 minutes in the canal, we ventured to other bodies of water where we saw unique birds and mangroves. The water was so calm everywhere and it was so quiet and peaceful. Aaron took us through a mangrove tunnel area and to a land mass which led to a beach. We got out of our yaks and swam for about 15 minutes in the ocean. Then, we headed back. Aaron was a GREAT guide. He was super knowledgeable and was happy to answer all of our questions. Can’t say enough about this tour and this experience. It’s peaceful; it’s beautiful and it’s a wonderful way to be one with nature. Highly recommend. (Reviewed at: 2024-09-25)

This tour is perfect for families looking to bond over a shared love of nature and adventure. With the weather being partly cloudy and temperatures ranging from 63.4°F to 76.6°F, it’s an ideal time to explore the outdoors without the harsh sun.

Afternoon Thrills: Ride the Waves on Electric Bikes

As the afternoon sun casts a golden glow over Sarasota, it’s time to switch gears and embark on an exhilarating Electric Bike Tour. Available at 4:30 PM on both December 28th and 29th, this two-hour tour takes you on a thrilling ride along Siesta Beach, one of America’s top-ranked beaches. With state-of-the-art electric bikes, you can choose your level of exertion, making it a fun and accessible activity for all ages.

The tour begins with a tutorial on the bikes before you set off to explore the stunning shoreline. After riding the length of Siesta Beach, you’ll stop at Siesta Key Village for a quick break before heading back to the beach access point. The tour concludes with a delightful picnic featuring fresh fruit, wine, and cheese, as you watch the sun dip below the horizon.

Wonderful Beach Sunset Riding! - The beauty of riding at Sunset. Stunning views! It was a birthday gift for my daughter, Derek was wonderful. He took many pictures of us and even had champagne for the whole group. He made sure nobody was ever left behind and a wonderful host!!! (Reviewed at: 2024-11-04)

This tour is a fantastic way to experience the beauty of Sarasota’s beaches while enjoying the refreshing breeze and stunning sunset views. With no precipitation expected and a moderate UV index, it’s a perfect day to be outdoors.

Evening Reflections: Celebrate with a Unique Flag Ceremony

As the day winds down, gather at Patriot’s Point on Siesta Key for a heartwarming flag-lowering ceremony. This local tradition, held each evening, offers a moment of reflection and gratitude as you listen to a rendition of taps on the bugle. It’s a touching tribute to servicemen and women, past and present, and a beautiful way to end your day of adventure.

The ceremony is a fitting conclusion to your Sarasota exploration, allowing you to pause and appreciate the community spirit and natural beauty that make this city so special. With the sun setting at 5:44 PM, you’ll have just enough time to soak in the last rays of daylight before the ceremony begins.

Whether you’re paddling through mangroves, riding along the beach, or participating in a local tradition, Sarasota offers a wealth of experiences to make your New Year’s celebration unforgettable. So pack your sunscreen, grab your sense of adventure, and get ready to explore all that this vibrant city has to offer!