Things to do in Longboat Key

    Discover amazing Longboat Key activities and premium in-home experiences.

    Longboat Key is a picturesque barrier island renowned for its pristine beaches, upscale amenities, and lush natural beauty. This idyllic destination invites visitors to unwind with leisurely strolls along the Gulf’s soft sands or indulge in fresh culinary offerings at waterfront restaurants. With its blend of serene ocean views and luxurious charm, Longboat Key offers a quintessential coastal escape that refreshes both spirit and soul.

    Popular Activities in Longboat Key

    Longboat Key Mangrove Kayak & SUP Rentals

    Explore Longboat Key’s mangrove islands at your own pace with fully equipped half-day rentals

    5.0 912 reviews
    $45/ rental

    Longboat Key Kayak Tour with Dolphin Spotting

    Paddle crystal-clear bays to spot dolphins and manatees with expert naturalist guides

    5.0 912 reviews

    Half-Day Longboat Key Paddling with Gear & Map

    Explore scenic waters with included gear, map, and lesson for a fun half-day adventure

    5.0 912 reviews

    Lido Key Mangrove Tunnels Kayak Tour

    Paddle Sarasota's serene mangrove tunnels with a naturalist guide and spot birds, manatees, and dolphins.

    5.0 912 reviews

    Lido Key Mangrove Kayak & Paddleboard Rental

    Explore Lido Key’s mangrove tunnels with included gear, map, and a brief lesson

    5.0 912 reviews
    $45/ kayak

    Private Inshore Fishing Charter in Bradenton FL

    Fish inshore waters with a US Coast Guard–licensed captain on a 2019 Sea Pro, tailored for all ages

    Sarasota Bay Tritoon Rental for Up to 12 People

    Cruise the Intracoastal with room for up to 12 and flexible 4–8 hour rentals

    4.5 730 reviews
    $425/ boat

    Private Sandbar Tour with Snorkeling at Jewfish Key

    Discover Jewfish Key and local sandbars on a private excursion with swimming and snorkeling opportunities.

    4.5 730 reviews
    $511/ private tour

    Bradenton Beach Dolphin & Sandbar Sunset Tour

    Experience dolphins, sandbars, and a relaxing sunset cruise in the bays of Anna Maria Island.

    4.5 730 reviews

    Bradenton Beach Dolphin & Wildlife Eco Tour

    See non-migratory dolphins and unique wildlife while exploring the bays of Manatee and Sarasota.

    4.5 730 reviews
    $30/ person

    Egmont Key Express Boat Tour from Bradenton Beach

    Discover Egmont Key’s history and wildlife on a relaxing boat cruise with snorkeling and shelling.

    4.5 730 reviews
    $75/ person

    Dolphin Watching & Sandbar Cruise in Bradenton

    Cruise to local sandbars and spot dolphins while learning about unique island wildlife.

    4.5 730 reviews
    Contact for pricing

    Parasailing in Bradenton Beach & Anna Maria

    Soar up to 800 feet for a thrilling 10-minute parasail flight with an expert crew over the Gulf of Mexico

    5.0 1.1K reviews
    $65/ person

    Bradenton Beach Parasailing: 800 Foot Flight

    Soar up to 800 feet over the Gulf on a 10-minute flight during an easy 1.5-hour parasailing outing.

    5.0 1.1K reviews
    $65/ person

    Beach Horseback Ride & Swim in Palma Sola Bay

    Ride a gentle horse along the sand, then cool off with a unique swim in Palma Sola Bay.

    4.9 406 reviews
    $155/ person

    Stand Up Paddle Board Rental in Bradenton FL

    Enjoy a self-guided paddle adventure with a versatile inflatable board.

    4.9 134 reviews
    $35/ hour

    Holmes Beach Picnic with Setup & Cleanup

    Customize a 3-hour beach picnic with setup and cleanup included

    5.0 163 reviews
    $1,200

    Holmes Beach Glamping Cabana Setup for 6

    Enjoy a full-day beach suite for six with cabanas, chairs, towels, games, and a cooler—set up and cleaned up for you.

    5.0 163 reviews

    Sarasota Dolphin & Wildlife Boat Tour

    Experience marine life up close on a comfortable pontoon cruise for all ages.

    4.9 345 reviews
    Contact for pricing

    Small Group Pedal Kayak Tour in Bird Key Park

    Pedal effortlessly through Sarasota Bay and encounter vibrant marine life on a small-group guided adventure

    4.9 184 reviews
    $69/ person

    Sarasota Party Boat Fishing with All Gear & License

    Fish 11–14 miles offshore with gear, bait, and license included

    4.4 311 reviews
    $90/ person

    Deep Sea Fishing Charter Sarasota Private Boat

    Experience custom deep sea fishing with comfort and flexibility on a private charter.

    4.4 311 reviews
    St. Armands Circle Food & History Walking Tour

    St. Armands Circle Food & History Walking Tour

    Savor Sarasota’s flavors and history in one unforgettable afternoon!

    4.8 103 reviews
    $119/ person

    Sarasota Mangrove Kayak to Hidden Beach

    Paddle through Jim Neville mangroves to a secluded beach accessible only by boat

    5.0 2.9K reviews

    Explore Turtle Beach Waters by Kayak or SUP

    Explore calm Turtle Beach waterways at your own pace with quality kayaks or paddleboards

    5.0 2.9K reviews
    $45/ rental

    Historic Sarasota: 90-Min Narrated Trolley Tour

    Explore Sarasota's historic neighborhoods and cultural landmarks on a 90-minute air-conditioned trolley ride.

    4.5 222 reviews
    $55/ person

    Sarasota Murder Mystery Trolley with Drinks

    Solve a circus-themed murder mystery on a rolling trolley with interactive fun and complimentary drinks.

    4.5 222 reviews
    $59/ person

    6-Passenger Golf Cart Rental in Anna Maria

    Explore Anna Maria Island with a street-legal 6-seater and included delivery

    4.9 390 reviews
    $350/ cart

    Siesta Key Boat Tour to Sandbars & Shell Beaches

    Explore pristine sandbars, collect shells, and relax on a fun 3-hour boat excursion

    4.9 1.2K reviews
    $50/ person

    Siesta Key 6-Passenger Golf Cart Rental

    Explore Siesta Key at your own pace with a street-legal golf cart rental.

    5.0 9.4K reviews
    $134/ cart

    Siesta Key Tiki Boat Tour with Music & Drinks

    Cruise Siesta Key’s waterways on a 2024 tiki boat with music, drinks and coastal wildlife views.

    5.0 9.4K reviews
    $41/ person

    Siesta Key Parasailing with Dolphin Watching

    Soar above Florida's top-rated beach and spot dolphins during a 12–15 minute parasail flight.

    5.0 9.4K reviews
    $65/ person

    Siesta Key Sunset Tiki Boat Cruise with Dolphins

    Enjoy a relaxed evening cruise along Siesta Key with music, LED lights and possible dolphin sightings.

    5.0 9.4K reviews
    $53/ person

    Dolphin Watching Sunset Cruise in Siesta Key

    Watch playful dolphins and a vibrant Gulf sunset while enjoying complimentary beer and wine.

    4.9 7.9K reviews
    $45/ person

    Siesta Key Dolphin Cruise with Mimosas

    Enjoy a morning cruise with complimentary drinks while spotting dolphins in Siesta Key.

    4.9 7.9K reviews
    $35/ person

    Parasailing in Siesta Key with Dolphin Viewing

    Soar above Siesta Key and spot dolphins on a safe, family-friendly 2.5-hour parasailing cruise

    4.9 7.9K reviews
    $60/ person

    Sarasota Dolphin Cruise with Sandbar & Drinks

    Spot playful dolphins and relax at a scenic sandbar while enjoying complimentary drinks

    4.9 7.9K reviews
    $45/ person

    Siesta Key Jet Ski Rental in Sarasota FL

    Ride new Yamaha jet skis across Florida's largest riding area at your own pace

    4.9 7.9K reviews

    Sarasota Pontoon Boat Rental on Gulf Waters

    Cruise Sarasota’s Gulf waters on a spacious pontoon with flexible 4- or 8-hour options.

    4.9 7.9K reviews

    Siesta Key Private Catamaran Charter

    Customize your day exploring sandbars, islands, and marine life on a private catamaran.

    4.9 7.9K reviews

    In-Home Experiences

    Private Chef Dinner in Your Sarasota Rental

    Private Chef Dinner in Your Sarasota Rental

    A custom chef‑curated feast celebrating bold local flavors and dietary wellness—served right in your home or rental

    5.0 105 reviews
    $150/ guest
    Private Yoga Session at Your Sarasota Rental

    Private Yoga Session at Your Sarasota Rental

    Stretch, unwind, and rejuvenate—right in the comfort of your vacation rental.

    $125/ guest

    Explore the Charms of Longboat Key

    Longboat Key is a serene barrier island known for its pristine beaches, upscale amenities, and tranquil atmosphere. Located between Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, this destination offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and refined leisure. Unlike busier nearby spots like Siesta Key or Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key provides an exclusive retreat where visitors can unwind in style.

    Begin your day with a sunrise walk along Coquina Beach's soft sands or rent a bike to explore miles of scenic paths that weave through lush landscapes. For those interested in marine life, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is just across the bridge—an ideal spot for families to learn about local sea creatures up close. The calm waters around Longboat Pass are also great for kayaking or paddleboarding adventures.

    Dining on Longboat Key is as much about ambiance as it is flavor. Savor fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants while enjoying spectacular sunset views over the Gulf. Don’t miss out on visiting St. Armands Circle nearby—a vibrant hub offering boutique shopping and diverse dining options set amidst charming architecture and tropical landscaping.

    Whether you're lounging by crystal-clear waters or indulging in culinary delights under swaying palms, Longboat Key promises an unforgettable escape filled with relaxation and discovery.

    Longboat Key FAQs