Ride and Paddle at The Bay (Guided Kayak Tour)

Explore the restored mangroves and other flora and fauna of The Bay on this free, intermediate-level guided kayak tour led by one of Ride & Paddle’s expert guides (a $60 value!).

Please refrain from registering for multiple dates to ensure there is enough space to accommodate everyone interested.

Due to popular demand for free guided tours, registrations are accepted only four weeks in advance.

Event sold out? Please consider the following options:

• Check back online closer to the event to see if cancellations result in openings.
• Stop by the Kayak Launch before the start of the scheduled Free Kayak Tour to see if there are any “no-shows".
• Prefer to explore The Bay your own way? Ride & Paddle rentals are available. To reserve, visit: http://www.rideandpaddlethebay.com/

Important Information

• Age Requirements: This ride is only recommended for children 12 years and older. All minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
• Kayaks and life jackets are provided.
• Where to Meet: Please go to The Bay’s ADA-accessible kayak and paddle launch located at the southeast edge of the bayou near the corner of Van Wezel Way and Blvd of the Arts.

IF YOUR PLANS CHANGE: Space is very limited and in popular demand for this event. As a courtesy to other park guests, please promptly cancel your Eventbrite reservation if you are no longer able to attend so your spot can be released to someone else.

Ride & Paddle is presented by the Amy P. Goldman Foundation.

Know Before You Go

• Free Parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis in front of the Van Wezel (777 N. Tamiami Trail), Municipal Auditorium and Blue Pagoda (655 N. Tamiami Trail), as well as along the north side of Blvd of the Arts and in the nearby Rosemary District. Please avoid parking on the south side of Blvd of the Arts and in designated Sarasota Orchestra parking areas.

• Pets: Well-behaved, non-aggressive pets are welcome and must remain on up to a 6-foot leash at all times. Pet owners are asked to pick up after their pets. For events held indoors, only service dogs are permitted.

• Safety: Please report any safety concerns to the Sarasota Police Department Non-Emergency Line, available 24 hours a day, at (941) 316-1199.

Weather Updates: In the event of inclement weather, this event will be CANCELLED. Updates will be shared on The Bay website calendar, Eventbrite, Facebook and Instagram up to one hour before the scheduled start time.

About The Bay “One Park FOUR All” 4th Anniversary Community Celebration

"One Park FOUR All" is a month-long community celebration offering 70+ FREE events that bring the best of The Bay to life and recognize the four-year milestone of the park since it first opened in October 2022.

• Click here to explore the full Schedule of 4th Anniversary Events.
• Click here for other FREE Nature & Discovery events at The Bay.

FOUR Years. FOUR All. FOUR You.

Celebrate four years of this "One Park for All" and double your impact. Thanks to the Gulf Coast Community Foundation $2 Million Challenge Match, every gift is doubled to help maintain, complete and sustain The Bay so it can be enjoyed today and by future generations. Click here to become a Friend of The Bay or renew your Friendship today.