MOTE KAYAK TOURS
Mote kayaking is back! We have a variety of morning and full moon paddles scheduled for this spring season. We hope to see you there.
Join our trained educators on a variety of paddle trips that offer you an opportunity to explore Sarasota Bay. All kayaking equipment is provided, and class begins with basic kayaking instruction. Please see your confirmation email for additional details including designated check-in time and location for your paddle.
Cost: $36 per person for Mote members, $40 for non-members
Reservations: Required 24 hours before the program begins. Programs are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, and are subject to change or cancellation based on weather conditions. We do not provide refunds unless we cancel the program.
Availability: Dates and times listed below; check-in time is 15 minutes prior to each scheduled program time (see registration confirmation email for details on check-in location and other important info)
Questions: educate@mote.org, 941-388-4441 ext 348
Please note: Our paddles typically fill 1-2 months in advance so please plan accordingly. When you click on the registration button below, only available paddles will show. If a paddle is at capacity, you’ll be given an opportunity to add yourself to our Wait List. Should an opening come about, we will be in contact. Paddles will not run if minimum participant numbers are not met. Find out what to bring and what to wear.
Morning Paddles
Start your day off right with a guided kayak tour of Sarasota Bay. Paddle across shallow seagrass beds and take in the wildlife that depends on this ecosystem. Soak up some sun as we look for dolphins, manatees, birds and more! New for summer, stay cool and join us for Rise and Shine Morning Paddles. See confirmation email for meeting time location and details.
Ages: 12 and older; any participant under the age of 18 MUST be accompanied by a paying adult participant
Time: 8:30 – 10:00AM (check-in at 8:15AM) for Morning Paddle; 7:30 – 9:00AM (check-in at 7:15AM) for Rise and Shine Morning Paddle
Dates:
- August 10*
- August 24*
*denotes Rise and Shine Morning Paddle (paddle begins at 7:30AM)
Full Moon Paddle
Kayaking doesn’t get much cooler than this. Take a break from the sun and join us for an evening paddle as we explore Florida’s coastal waters at dusk. Discover the animals that bring Sarasota Bay to life at night while taking a relaxing paddle on the moonlit water.
Ages: Adults only, 18 years and older
Time: Varies depending on sunset AND moonrise (check-in is 15 minutes prior to times listed below, see confirmation email for details)
Dates: Please check back for Full Moon Paddles starting again in September
Private Paddles Available
Don’t see a date that works? Want to plan a family outing on the water? Fill out the Private Paddle with Mote request form and we will do our best to schedule an on-demand kayaking excursion for you. You must have at least 4 participants, but no more than 10. We recommend making your request at least 14 days in advance. See request form for more details including age restrictions. Private paddles available September through May.
Alcohol and Tobacco Policy
For the safety of our participants and to ensure the best quality experience for all who attend our kayak tours, we have a zero tolerance policy for alcohol. Alcohol is not to be consumed on Mote campus, during your paddle or before your kayaking experience. Participants deemed intoxicated to any degree by our staff will be asked to leave prior to the paddle and will not be refunded their money. Mote is a smoke-free campus, and we do not allow smoking or vaping onsite or during our paddles.
COVID-19 Health and Safety Policies
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium adheres to CDC and State of Florida public health guidelines. People who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 are not required to wear masks. Unvaccinated people should follow CDC and State of Florida public health recommendations. For more information, visit: cdc.gov/coronavirus
All kayaks, paddles, and life vests will be sanitized between paddles. Mote follows CDC guidelines for maintaining and cleaning all touch surfaces and environments.
Weather and Cancellation Policy
As of 10/1/2020, we have a new cancellation policy for Mote Kayaking Programs.
To ensure the safety of our participants, kayaking programs may be canceled in cases of inclement weather, including rain or adverse marine conditions such as high winds, or other environmental factors (i.e. Red Tide). In the event of a weather-related or other cancellation, you will be notified via email the evening before for Morning Paddles and the morning of for Full Moon Paddles. Be sure to check the email you registered with prior to your program.
There are no refunds on Mote kayaking programs unless Mote has to cancel the program. Upon Mote cancelling a paddle, you will have the option to be rescheduled to the next available paddle of your choosing, credit your full amount paid to be used for a future Mote Education program, or receive a refund in full minus a $3.50 processing fee.
