Happy Paddler Kayak Tours & EcoVentures

We went for the morning tour and Nick was an absolute DREAM. He was talkative, humorous, entertaining, and SO knowledgeable! Was so willing and enthusiastic about making our experience the best by offering to take pics for us at the beach and telling great stories. Couldn’t have asked for a better experience, didn’t see the manatees but saw a dolphin. Thank you happy paddlers it was so much fun.

We did a 4 hour rental with our 3 kids (8, 5, and 3) and it was awesome! Great equipment and they were able to add a 3rd seat in one of our kayaks for the toddler. We went out of Longboat Pass which was perfect. Not too choppy and we went to the sandbar and saw all sorts of crabs, fish, sea urchins, neat shells, etc. Then walked around and has a snack on the beach. 10/10. Would definitely do HappyPaddler again.

This place is awesome. Great location. The tour is so much fun. I traveled in a group of five and we met up with two new friends on our guided tour. There were lots of birds and other fauna and flaura. Would recommend.

The highlight of our time on Anna Maria Island! We took the 3 hour coastal trip with Nick as our guide. Such an enjoyable tour. Nick was personable and knowledgeable and made the trip delightful. We also enjoyed the fact that the tour started at the Happy Paddler store so there was a safe place to store our belonging and access to a clean bathroom. We saw a large variety of birds and several dolphins while out on the water. Even though it was a cooler, cloudy day the tour was just what we needed to end our week on Anna Maria Island with great memories!

I seldom write reviews but my wife and I so enjoyed our kayak tour last Monday that I need to send a big thumbs up to Happy Paddler. The online reservation process and waiver signing is straight forward and Shane was very accommodating when we had to make a last minute change. Additionally, when I called to say we were running late for the tour Shane again was very accommodating.
Nick is an excellent guide. Very knowledgeable about the waterway, bayou and Sarasota bay. His pointing out and explaining of the birds, dolphins, manatees, shoreline architecture, etc was great and refreshing.
Having come to Longboat Key every year since 2004 and only seeing the area from land the kayak tour was a whole new look at the beautiful key shoreline
When in the Sarasota/Bradenton area don’t pass up Happy Paddler.