Our Desoto Kayak Tours Blog provides information about our kayak tour, wildlife, and information about the surrounding Bradenton / Sarasota area.
Manatee Migration
Manatees are coming back to coastal waters! Manatees are warm-blooded mammals that require water temperatures above 68°F (20°C) to stay healthy. Unlike whales or dolphins, they have a low metabolic rate and lack a thick layer of blubber, making them vulnerable to cold stress. When temperatures drop in the winter, the manatee migration begins to…
The Vital Role of Florida Mangroves in our Ecosystem
Mangroves, the coastal forests that thrive at the intersection of land and sea, are among the most valuable ecosystems on Earth. In Florida, where over 500,000 acres of mangroves stretch along the coast, these unique habitats are critical to the state’s environmental health, economy, and resilience against climate change. Biodiversity Hotspots Florida’s mangroves are home…
Roseate Spoonbill: A Colorful Icon of Wetland Ecosystems
The Roseate Spoonbill (Platalea ajaja) is one of Florida’s most striking and iconic wading birds. With its vivid pink plumage, distinctive spoon-shaped bill, and graceful flight, the Roseate Spoonbill captivates nature enthusiasts and bird watchers alike. While often overshadowed by the more famous flamingos, these unique birds are a quintessential part of Florida’s wetland ecosystems….
Cormorants
Cormorants are a fascinating and somewhat controversial group of birds that have made a significant impact on Florida’s ecosystems. Recognized for their sleek, black plumage and distinctive hooked beak, cormorants are skilled fishers and a common sight along the state’s coastlines, lakes, and waterways. In Florida, the most prevalent species is the Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax…
Things To Do In St Petersburg FL
St. Petersburg, Florida, often referred to as “The Sunshine City,” is a vibrant destination where you can enjoy a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and a laid-back beach vibe. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there’s always something exciting to do. Here’s a guide to some of the must-see attractions and activities…
Egrets in Florida
Florida, known for its sunny beaches, lush wetlands, and diverse wildlife, is home to a wide variety of bird species. Among these, the egret stands out as one of the most elegant and captivating. These slender, long-legged wading birds are a common sight in Florida’s marshes, estuaries, and coastal regions. Egrets belong to the family…
Ospreys
Ospreys are quite a common sight in Florida due to the state’s abundant waterways and coastlines, which provide ideal fishing grounds for these birds. Here are some key points about ospreys in Florida: Ospreys are a beloved part of Florida’s diverse wildlife and are admired for their fishing prowess and majestic presence. They contribute to…
Stingrays
Stingrays are a group of sea rays, which are cartilaginous fish related to sharks. They are found in coastal tropical and subtropical marine waters throughout the world, including the waters of Florida. Stingrays are known for their flat bodies and long, slender tails equipped with venomous spines, which they use defensively against predators. While they…
Sand Dollars
Sand dollars are fascinating creatures commonly found along the coasts, including the beaches of Florida. They are a type of sea urchin belonging to the order Clypeasteroida and are known for their distinctive flat, round shape, which resembles a large coin, such as the old Spanish dollar, hence their name. Here are some key points…
Starfish
Starfish, or sea stars, are a fascinating and diverse group of marine invertebrates found in a wide range of environments, including the coastal waters of Florida. Florida’s unique marine ecosystems, like the Gulf of Mexico, the Atlantic Ocean, and the vast network of reefs and mangroves, provide an ideal habitat for these creatures. One of…
Horseshoe Crabs in Florida
We often see horseshoe crabs during our kayak tours. Our expert guide knows the best places to find these fascinating creatures. Here is some information about these not really crabs. The horseshoe crab, a prehistoric marine arthropod, is an intriguing creature that has captivated both scientists and beachgoers alike, particularly in regions like Florida where…
Manatees in Florida
Manatees, often referred to as “gentle giants” or “sea cows,” are fascinating marine mammals that inhabit the warm waters of Florida. Known scientifically as Trichechus manatus, these herbivorous creatures are primarily found in coastal areas, estuaries, and freshwater rivers and springs. Florida’s unique ecosystem provides an ideal habitat for manatees, making the state a crucial…
Mangroves
Mangroves are unique and vital ecosystems found in coastal areas of tropical and subtropical regions around the world. These ecosystems consist of salt-tolerant trees and shrubs that grow in the intertidal zones where land and sea meet. Mangroves are remarkable for their adaptability to harsh environmental conditions, such as high salinity, fluctuating tides, and nutrient-poor…
Palmetto Area Things To Do
The Palmetto, FL area offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy. Located along the beautiful Gulf Coast of Florida, Palmetto provides a mix of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and opportunities to relax by the water. Here are some Palmetto area things to do: While Palmetto may not be as bustling as…
Emerson Point Preserve Things to Do
Emerson Point Preserve, located in Palmetto, Florida, is a beautiful natural area offering a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. Here’s a list of things to do at Emerson Point Preserve: Remember to check for any updated information, regulations, and trail conditions before visiting Emerson Point Preserve. Enjoy the natural beauty and tranquility that…
Bradenton Things To Do
Bradenton, located on the west coast of Florida, offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy. Here are some Bradenton things to do: These are just a few of the many attractions and activities that make Bradenton a fantastic destination. You can also take a short drive across the Manatee River to…
Anna Maria Island Things To Do
Anna Maria Island is a beautiful barrier island located on the west coast of Florida, known for its pristine beaches, stunning sunsets, and laid-back atmosphere. Here are the top 10 Anna Maria Island things to do: These activities showcase the essence of the island, offering a mix of natural beauty, outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and…
Emerson Point Preserve
Emerson Point Preserve is a stunning natural preserve located in Palmetto, Florida. Covering over 365 acres, it is situated at the tip of Snead Island and is bordered by the Manatee River and Terra Ceia Bay. The preserve is named after Ralph Waldo Emerson, a renowned American essayist, philosopher, and poet. It is an ideal…
Benefits of Kayaking
Kayaking is a popular outdoor recreational activity that involves using a small, narrow watercraft propelled by a double-bladed paddle to navigate through water. The benefits of kayaking are both physical and mental health, as well as for social and environmental well-being. One of the most apparent benefits of kayaking is that it provides a low-impact…
Tips for a Perfect Desoto Kayak Tour
Getting ready for your Desoto Kayak Tour is fun and exciting. There are so many things to see. Whether you’re new to kayaking or have experience, each trip is bound to be different. Here are a few of our tips to help have the perfect Desoto Kayak Tour. Pack an extra pair of clothes. You…
What Is a Kayak Eco Tour?
When looking for exciting adventures to do in Sarasota and Bradenton areas, you might stumble upon a Kayak Eco Tour and often wonder what is an kayak eco-tour? It is a tour directed towards exotic, and often threatened natural environments, which are intended to support conservation efforts and observe wildlife. That is exactly what you…
Kayaking Tips: What You Should Wear and Bring With You
You’ve booked your kayak tour at beautiful Emerson Point Preserve, and now you’re probably wondering what you should wear, and what to bring with you. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here are some kayaking tips. At Desoto Kayak Tours, we provide stable kayaks, clean and comfortable life vests, as well as expert local guides…
Kayak EMERSON POINT Exotic Mangrove Tunnels
Located a short drive away from Sarasota, Siesta Key and Anna Maria Island is beautiful secluded Emerson Point. There you’ll find beautiful gulf views, the Emerson Point Exotic Mangrove Tunnels, and native wildlife (including bottle nosed dolphins and manatees). It’s close enough to all the action yet far enough away to feel like you’re in…
Spend Some Time in Paradise
Now is the perfect time to spend some time in paradise with Desoto Kayak Tours. And Emerson Point is truly paradise, so gather your friends, and get together for a day of fun on the water! Kayaking is a great way to get away from the beach and check out one of our area’s hidden…
Tips for a Fun and Rewarding Kayak Trip
You’ve finally booked your Desoto Kayak Tour and now it’s time to get out on the beautiful waters of Emerson Point Preserve. Now what do you need to have a fun and rewarding kayak trip? The truth is not too much! Nature provides the beauty. And we take care of the safety equipment. You need…
Do I Need a Guided Kayak Tour?
When we get calls to book adventures, we are often asked if they need a guided kayak tour. Well it really depends. The short answer is no, you don’t NEED a guided kayak tour, but there are so many benefits to having a guided kayak tour. Our kayak launch location in Emerson Point Preserve. It…
Kayaking Safety Tips
Kayaking involves a bit more than hopping on the kayak and paddling away into the ocean view. When you go on a tour with Desoto Kayak Tours, your tour guide will give you instructions, so even the most inexperienced kayaker will be able to paddle with ease. But it’s always a good idea to have a…
Kayaking Checklist
Kayaking is one of the most popular things to do here in the Tampa Bay area. If you have kayaked here in the past, you know first-hand how many people come out and enjoy these tours. If you haven’t before, there are some things that you should take with you on your fun filled journey….
What To Expect On Your Kayak Adventure
Kayaking is an excellent way to explore area’s ecosystem at Emerson Point Preserve. There’s so much more to Sarasota, Bradenton, and Anna Maria Island area than their beautiful beaches! Let’s explore what to expect on your kayak adventure. A kayak tour is the perfect way to make your Sarasota or Anna Maria Island vacation more…
Kayaking Health Benefits
We all strive to be a bit healthier, whether it’s done by eating better or by adding a bit more activity to our lives. Kayaking has many hidden health benefits and is a fun and exciting way to become more active. Not only is it adding a different aspect of fitness to your life, but…
8 Reasons Everyone Should Go Kayaking
There’s always something to do here in the Sarasota, Bradenton, and St Petersburg areas. Why not try something other than laying on one of our beautiful beaches? Get out and explore our beautiful area in a way that you can’t by any means other than kayaking. Check out these 8 reasons everyone should go kayaking….
Siesta Key
Whether you are local to the Siesta Key area, or visiting, Siesta Key should be on your to-do list. There really is something for everyone. Beach If you are looking for powder soft white sand, that’s the place to go. The sand is not only soft, but it isn’t hot. So while you’re running from…
Three Kayak Tours in One
Did you know, that when you book tours with Desoto Kayak Tours, it’s like getting three kayak tours in one? You will get a manatee tour, dolphin tour and exotic mangrove tunnel tour. We will see many different types of wildlife. When we kayak through the exotic mangrove tunnels, we gain a unique perspective. The…
Happy Customer Reviews We Just Had To Share
We love what we do, and love that our clients can see our enthusiasm. We got these happy customer reviews and thought it would be great to share it! Mike Pietig“Dan was our tour guide and he was fantastic. Very helpful for our family of first time kayakers. We were staying in Siesta Key and it…
Creating Memories on a Kayak Tour
Why do most people go on vacation? For some it’s to get away. For others a vacation is a time to relax and get a break from work and stress. For other’s it’s a time away with family and loved ones, a time to create memories to last a lifetime. What better way to create…
Exotic Mangroves of Emerson Point
Most people are familiar with the Sarasota & Manatee area because of our beautiful white sandy beaches, specifically Siesta Key Beach. However, there are many other reasons to love our area. We are on the beautiful Gulf of Mexico with exquisite blue waters, warm temperatures and we are abundant with wild life. We see many…
Kayak Tour Tips
Whether you are an experienced kayaker or a beginner, there are some things to take into consideration before start your kayak adventure. Here are some kayak tour tips to help you have the perfect Desoto Kayak Tour. The sun does not distinguish between a local or visitor to our area. Everyone can get a sunburn…
Emerson Point Preserve
Emerson Point Preserve is Manatee County Park situated on the west end of Snead Island between the north shore of the Manatee River and Terra Ceia Bay. It is located within a short drive of St Petersburg, Bradenton, Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key, Siesta Key, and Sarasota. The preserve has a paved trail that begins…
Why A Kayak Tour?
So why should you go on a kayak tour with other people versus renting a kayak and going it alone? You can do just that if you want. Here are some reasons why you might what to opt for the tour. Can’t get lost on a kayak tour If you don’t have a map and…
Manatees
Manatees are a large, gray aquatic mammals often referred to as sea cows. The average adult manatee is about 10 feet long and weighs 800-1200 pounds. They live in fresh, brackish, and saltwater. Where to find manatees They can be found in shallow, slow-moving rivers, estuaries, saltwater bays, and coastal areas. So don’t be surprised…