Several years ago I wrote about an Eco-tour I took with my daughter Michelle around Sarasota Bay. It was wonderful, even if I was the only one who tipped over their Kayak. Well, this year, Michelle and I decided to go kayaking in Sarasota Bay without out a guide. We did take one other person, my nephew Issaque.

Michelle Kayaking Sarasota Bay

The day was warm without being hot, mid 70’s to low 80’s, a beautiful day for Sarasota in December.  We acted as our own guides through the Mangrove Tunnels in Sarasota Bay overawed by the beauty and tranquility of the interface between water, land and plants.

Rick and Issaque kayaking Sarasota Mangrove Tunnel

The tunnels were originally created in the 1950’s as a misguided attempt to increase water flow into Sarasota Bay and hopefully reduce the mosquito population. It didn’t work.  Today, Sarasota Bay is a coastal lagoon that hosts over a thousand  different native species, including manatee, dolphin, great blue heron, snowy egret white ibis, and many more. (Sarasota Bay Watershed)

The tunnels are still maintained for kayaking and canoeing, but they are starting to grow back in and some of the tunnels are gettin more difficult to navigate. Still it is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon on one of the more beautiful estuaries in Florida.