Kayaking in the downtown Sarasota area has some neat little treasures. There are three primary options: 1. Bring your own; 2. Rent from City Island (at the end of Ringling Blvd) downtown; or 3. Rent from one of the area outfitters (see list at the end).
The best places to drop in a boat downtown are:
-Off City Island
-From the backside park on Lido Key (follow Ben Franklin Dr to the south end of the Key)
-Off Bird Key Park
Wherever you put your boat, the best things to look for include:
--the mega-McMansions all around the bay. Look for celebrities to be around their pools, if you're lucky, at the south side of Longboat or on Bird Key
--The mangrove tunnels on and near the south end of Lido Key
--Manatees, fish, and birds all over
Try to stick to one side of the intercoastal or another, not just for the views, but also for the speedboats.
Fishing from your kayak can be rewarding as well. Just be sure you know what you're doing. Don't want to have a tarpon dragging you all around the Bay!
KAYAK RENTALS
Island Style Watersports...(941) 954-1009
North of downtown at 2433 N Tamiami TRL
Economy Tackle and Watersports...(941) 922-9671
South of downtown at 6018 S Tamiami TRL
Siesta Sports Rentals
On Siesta Key at 6551 Midnight Pass Rd