Happy Paddler Kayak Tours & EcoVentures - Longboat Key, Florida

Marie G. L.

We rode 3 tandem kayaks with guide Nick for a marvelous time! Nick’s engagement,education and sense of humor elevated our experience. Kids (and adults) loved it! Much gratitude for adding to our fun vacation!

Maddy V.

This place was AWESOME! Our large group (7 people) had a great time with Alan as our guide. We kayaked to Beer Can Island where I saw my first manatee! This was my favorite activity on vacation and I’ll 100% be back. Can’t recommend Happy Paddler and Alan enough!

Diana S.

We live in the area with our own kayaks, but I like renting occasionally to learn new routes and know the best places where we can take our out-of-town guests when we need more kayaks. I’m thrilled to have found The Happy Paddler! A friend and I went on the Coastal Kayak tour last Sunday to try them out, and we had a marvelous time. The route was a perfect blend of nature and dreamy waterside homes. First we passed a rookery island loaded with birds, and then paddled past one of my favorite restaurants – Mar Vista – so I can’t wait to do a trip where we rent kayaks and stop there for a meal! Then we went to the lovely, empty beach on the tip of Longboat Key, which I had never been to but always wanted to – it’s only accessible by boat or by a far walk from Whitney Beach, but we landed right there without having to enter the channel currents and were the only people when we first stopped. (Some boats anchored there later as we were leaving, and I really recommend you go on the 8:00 a.m. tour to enjoy it as your private beach if possible). We swam in the clear, tropical water and even saw three dolphins hunting not far from shore. Then we walked farther up the beach to the Gulf side of the channel for more waves and gorgeous scenery with lots of driftwood. Our guide, Nick, was so laid-back and friendly and didn’t watch the clock or ever rush us to paddle fast, being sincerely concerned that we have as relaxing a time as possible. He was also knowledgeable about the nature around us, which I always enjoy learning about as a bonus. And I was so impressed with and loved the deluxe quality of their kayaks, paddles, and comfortable seats – especially nice if you are on the other side of 60 like I am! In fact, I’ve bought a cushion to use with rental kayaks and this is the first time I didn’t need it. Great back support in the seat too, which is so key for enjoying the paddle, especially in any wind or tidal current. They even have a place where you can change into dry clothes afterward if you swim, and they furnish you with a dry bag and offer a hose for washing off the salt, plus a restroom - all needs covered. If you are visiting the area, or if you live here and want a beautiful, memorable trip with a taste of adventure and plenty of relaxation and soul-restoration, I highly recommend you take this tour – you’ll love it!

A R.

We had a great time on the tour with Alan. It was relaxed and he was very accommodating! The kids loved it, and Alan even towed our son for a bit when he was tired. It was. Very relaxing and learned a lot about the area and wildlife.

Denise J. W.

Shane at Happy Paddler was so helpful in getting us in a tandem kayak with great tips on where to go. We had an AMAZING time and made great memories on our last day in Florida. Highly recommend and we will definitely be back next year!

Linda M.

Best Kayak experience ever!
Shout out to Shane who helped us out. Celebrated my birthday with the most beautiful waters!
We saw two Manatees, some bird with a yellow beak that swims lol they joined us most of the ride.
We stopped at the sandbar and chilled, then paddled to the beach and found so many shells and crystal clear water! then grabbed lunch eating yummy snow crab at Mar Vista Restaurant.
It was a little windy but nothing a beginner couldn’t handle.

Found my happy place for real with Happy Paddlers!

Will be back again. Thank you for an unforgettable experience!

Abby M.

We had the best paddle with Aiden! 3 adults and 3 nine year olds. This time around we used tandem kayaks and it was perfect. We saw tons of wildlife, manatees, dolphins, and learned so much about fighting conch and the ecosystem. Could not recommend Happy Paddler more. Perfect for families or groups of friends.

Alicja B.

We had an incredible experience kayaking and paddleboarding with Happy Paddler on Longboat Key, both last year and again today. This place is absolutely amazing, and the service provided by Shane is exceptional. He is genuinely one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet, always ready to help and ensure you have a fantastic time on the water.

The kayaks and paddleboards are in excellent condition and easy to use, thanks to a specially designed docking area. If you’re new to kayaking or have trouble getting seated, don’t worry—Shane is there to assist you every step of the way.

Although his office was destroyed by the two recent hurricanes, just like many surrounding areas, Shane has persevered, and his paddling equipment is ready for your next adventure.

The area is breathtaking, with beautiful mangrove islands to explore. During our paddle, we were lucky to see a group of dolphins having a “fishing party” nearby—a truly magical experience!

We highly recommend Happy Paddler for anyone visiting Longboat Key. Exceptional service, beautiful surroundings, and an unforgettable experience!