C Ponies Beach Horseback Rides

142

584

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1 year ago

What a fantastic experience! First, I love that this organization is a rescue and your money is helping to rescue, house and rehabilitate horses in need. We arrived and the check-in process was smooth - they went over a few rules and the basics of how to ride and were intentional about what horses they paired us with. The ride itself was fantastic - the first part was slower, walking in the water, and getting used to our horse. Then, we got to take them deeper into the bay and actually experience them swimming. I was paired with one of the largest/tallest horses, so it took a bit more effort to get her to a spot to swim, but once she did, it was absolutely magical. Our guide was great at giving us pointers, telling us our horse's story, and taking photos. (The photo package was only another $25 for two people and it was so so worth it!) read more

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Kathleen B.

0

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5

2 months ago

A safe but thrilling ride with beautiful rescue horses and a knowledgeable, personable and experienced guide. We had Holly who obviously loves her job and she was assisted by another guide, Mark, for whom I can say the same. We swam and walked through the waves for over an hour. Horses were well-trained and also seemed to enjoy the experience! Comfortable Western saddles made it an easy ride so you could immerse yourself in the experience. My daughter and I have been riding for years but I was a bit nervous as I'm a senior citizen and used to familiar horses . Several others in our party were pretty new to riding. All was well and we want to go again soon! read more

C Ponies Beach Horseback Rides - Horses on the beach - Horseback Riding Near Me - Bradenton, Florida

C Ponies Beach Horseback Rides - Water fun - Horseback Riding Near Me - Bradenton, Florida

C Ponies Beach Horseback Rides - A full swim - Horseback Riding Near Me - Bradenton, Florida

C Ponies Beach Horseback Rides - Riding in the bay - Horseback Riding Near Me - Bradenton, Florida

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Andrew H.

0

4

3

8 months ago

If you're in the Bradenton/Anna Maria Island area, I would unequivocally recommend checking out C Ponies for a fantastic and memorable aquatic equestrian adventure! The guide was knowledgeable, courteous, and energetic; and the safety of the horses and riders was always the top priority. The photography package is definitely worth it, and don't forget to tip your guide! read more

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Shawn

0

4

1

6 months ago

Was a great ride where your horse was actually swimming. Lived all the pictures as well. read more

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Al A.

16

125

126

2 years ago

C ponies have s absolutely amazing, my wife has been an equestrian since she was 8 at 54 she experimented something completely different. Riding a swimming horse! The guides absolutely love be their horses, signs of exceptional treatment are everywhere and the horse to order response show it. I usually save a half star in case I find something a little better, but this one gets five. Our guide Reina was funny, attentive, and took amazing pictures. Go and you will not regret it. Take your family and you will be a hero of a memory that will not be forgotten. read more

C Ponies Beach Horseback Rides - Swimming horse ride - Horseback Riding Near Me - Bradenton, Florida

C Ponies Beach Horseback Rides - Best time - Horseback Riding Near Me - Bradenton, Florida

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Sheila F.

15

3

2

2 years ago

We made reservations for January not expecting Florida to be having a cold wave. But we went anyway and got lucky on a sunny 72 degree day. But the water was COLD!!! We were a group of 5 & we all loved it. Reina was great as a guide. read more

C Ponies Beach Horseback Rides - Brrrrrrr that water was cold - Horseback Riding Near Me - Bradenton, Florida

C Ponies Beach Horseback Rides - We're swimming !! - Horseback Riding Near Me - Bradenton, Florida

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Amy M.

Elite 24

67

147

317

2 years ago

This was our second trip to ride with C Ponies. It was just as much fun as the first time we rode with them. We did see dolphins on both rides, what a treat! Carmen provided an excellent, fun experience for our whole group. I have a high regard for this company, the services they provide and their love for their equine partners. If you are looking for a truly different riding experience, we highly recommend booking a trip with C Ponies. It is becoming a must do, each time we are in the Tampa Area. read more

C Ponies Beach Horseback Rides - Loving for the ponies! - Horseback Riding Near Me - Bradenton, Florida

C Ponies Beach Horseback Rides - Fun for the whole group! - Horseback Riding Near Me - Bradenton, Florida

C Ponies Beach Horseback Rides - Ok so Minnow loves to get really into his swim! - Horseback Riding Near Me - Bradenton, Florida

C Ponies Beach Horseback Rides - A little gymnastics in the water if you want to try. - Horseback Riding Near Me - Bradenton, Florida

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Kirsten B.

132

7

18

2 years ago

Amazing experience! Professional guide that provided us with the history of the rescue. Love this! Pictures were an option that I recommend to get. Uni was my horse. He was a gentle giant and a fast swimmer. Such a sweet guy. I cannot recommend C Ponies enough! Will definitely be back on our next trip to AMI. read more

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Gen C.

32

186

747

4 years ago

This experience was amazing! We were looking for things to do in the area while on vacation and found this. And it did not disappoint at all. I do recommend making reservations ahead of time though as they book pretty fast. The experience was an hour long and our guide was Mya. She was awesome. Very nice and helpful. Before starting you do get some safety instructions and other info and then you get assigned your horse. Mine was Snooki. She was gentle and easy going. You get into the water and just have fun while your guide makes sure that everyone is doing ok and safe. You do three rounds with the horses and also a photo session (they have photo packages and you get a ton of pictures). The guide also tells you a little bit of history of each horse and it's amazing to see how they were rescued. If you have a chance, I would recommend this a lot. You will have so much fun. read more

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Marguerite A.

80

346

671

6 years ago

H O R S E H E A V E N OMG, I died and went to Horse Heaven. This impromptu plan of mine to ride a Gypsy Vanner in the Bay was by far the best experience of my Florida vacation. Truly the highlight of my trip. This was like a spiritual experience. Now, I've been on many trail rides in the Rocky Mountains, in the Arizona Desert, and in the Wisconsin River Valley, but this took the cake. I have worshiped horses since I was a very little girl. My grandparents were from Romania, home of a robust Roma Gypsy population. This magnificent breed of draft horse was used by them to pull their wagons/rolling homes. I spoke to my beautiful mare in Romanian and I swear her ears went back just to listen to me. I am tearing up just thinking about that moment. To ride a horse swimming in water is to be one with your horse. You don't have to be an expert rider, an athlete, young or brave. I am none of these things. I am a mediocre rider, overweight, 70 yrs old, and fearless. Be FEARLESS. Just Do It. My heart raced from the moment I pulled up and saw the horse trailer, until I saw it in my rear view mirror. To find out that they were mostly rescued animals by a caring and loving family was heartwarming. The fact that they figured out how to make these horses work, earn money and draw attention to this breed is indeed a fairy tale story. This was fun for these horses, they made all kinds of snorting and clicking and the equivalent of horse giggling when we got to the deeper water. And yes, you might have to dodge road apples, or floating apples in this case. Our guide and helper gave us a through rundown of what to do and expect. The $25 photo package was well worth buying. I felt safe and watched over the entire time. You have the option of wearing a helmet or life jacket if you desire. Safety is first here, both for horse and rider. THANK YOU C PONIES "UNFORGETTABLE" read more

C Ponies Beach Horseback Rides - Swimming a horse! - Horseback Riding Near Me - Bradenton, Florida

C Ponies Beach Horseback Rides - Pure ecstasy - Horseback Riding Near Me - Bradenton, Florida

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Terry L.

1

6

0

2 years ago

Really late with my review-sorry We rode the Ponies early June & had a lot of fun & good memories! My 10 year old granddaughter was ecstatic she had so much fun! We learned a lot about their business & recommend the experience to everyone! read more

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Memrie M.

0

3

11

3 years ago

Yesterday morning we got up bright and early to go horseback riding in the bay! We got to ride these beautiful horses while they swam in the ocean and even got to see dolphins and have manatees swim by us! All of the horses are rescues and the rides/swims aid in their rehabilitation. If you're ever in the Bay Area you have to check out @cponiesllc for a once and a lifetime experience! read more

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Stephanie P.

0

3

1

2 years ago

Everything was great! Riding horses into the bay at sunset? You couldn't ask for much more. Plus our guide, Misty 2, was fantastic from start to finish! read more

C Ponies Beach Horseback Rides - Swimming with horses and dolphins! - Horseback Riding Near Me - Bradenton, Florida

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Duke D.

0

36

14

6 years ago

Went this summer The dreaded 2020! But this sure put a smile on my face. I went with a little friend she was 10 and they took really good care of her and she felt safe and listen to. The water was so warm and amazing and each horse had its own personality, which made it really fun to watch them interact. When was famous for blowing bubbles under the water and sure enough if she didn't do that. Anyway this is a fun outing, it builds confidence for kids and it's fun for adults to just let loose and play with the horses the water and the people. I highly recommend! read more

C Ponies Beach Horseback Rides - That's me on the left and my little buddy on the right getting settled in! - Horseback Riding Near Me - Bradenton, Florida

C Ponies Beach Horseback Rides - That's me and my horse swimming in the gulf here in Saint Petersburg Florida amazing!! - Horseback Riding Near Me - Bradenton, Florida

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Yalanda S.

104

3

5 years ago

We had so much fun riding the ponies in the water. Misty 2 was a wonderful guide. She made us feel safe and secure. It was an experience that we will remember for a lifetime! read more

C Ponies Beach Horseback Rides - C Ponies - Horseback Riding Near Me - Bradenton, Florida

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Diana W.

74

153

18

3 years ago

Great ride. We walked horses out into the bay after a short intro lesson. Then we had 3 separate swims with the horses. Lots of fun. Easy even for non riders. Horses seem well cared for. read more

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Annalicia S.

0

1

0

2 years ago

Highly recommend! Our guide Lorie was amazing and very knowledgeable. Even as a beginner, you will be able to do this. You are in the water for an hr and the horses were so well trained in swimming and listening to the guide and commands. We will be back! read more

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Kyle F.

0

11

0

2 years ago

Everything was perfect! Beautiful horses and great guides!! Fabulous day for my daughter and me!!

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Nina B.

0

4

3 years ago

What an amazing experience!! If you are thinking about it, honestly JUST GO FOR IT! This was such a great time spending it with the horses in the water. Not only are the groups small and intimate, the guides are sweet and helpful! Our guide Ambra was fun and sarcastic in just the right ways which kept the energy going! Nikki explained all the directions and safety to the group and helped when bringing the horses back. The horses are the best part! I rode Skittles and my boyfriend rode Fiji and they were the sweetest horses, they were gentle and fun to swim with. This truly was a once in a lifetime experience! You do get wet, you are swimming with the horses but it's refreshing and something not everyone experiences. They do capture pictures while out on the trip and they send a link for them to be downloaded at the end of the tour which is awesome to capture the experience! Highly recommend !! read more

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Sam G.

108

2

1

4 years ago

C Ponies was by far one of the coolest water experiences I have had. The company does a lot with rehabbing horses that come to them from sad situations. You get the opportunity to ride a horse while it swims through the bay. It was a very fun and heartwarming experience! The staff is very professional and make you feel comfortable on your horse. The horses are tame and enjoy what they're doing. There was a small girl in our group and she was able to handle her horse just fine. The over all experience was very fun and thrilling, the guide was informative, engaging, and funny. 100% happy that we went and tried this experience out, nothing else like it. Thank you Misty #2 for making such a fun and special moment for me and my wife! read more

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Danielle M.

4

95

20

4 years ago

OMG what an amazing experience! Highly recommended. Was a birthday gift, and totally memorable one for sure. Our guide Myah was great, and she helped me get the courage to stand up on my horse Dory. So glad I did it. Dory is literally my spirit animal. She had so much personality. You won't be disappointed. Just book it. read more

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Brittny K.

0

4

1

6 years ago

This adventure was simply amazing. My friend and I went on Saturday morning for a 90 min session with our gorgeous horses, CQueen and Pearl. We got to ride along the shore nearly knee deep in water before taking some photos and then SWIMMING the horses! It was such an awesome experience. Highly recommend for anyone in the Bradenton, Anna Maria, etc time. read more

C Ponies Beach Horseback Rides - CQueen for that photo opp! :) - Horseback Riding Near Me - Bradenton, Florida

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Judy S.

0

6

0

4 years ago

Wow - this was such a great adventure! Beautiful horses with background stories that will make you cry, but now they have a new life thanks to CPonies. Great guides Mya and Rachel. Lots of nice photos. Good activity for varied abilities/ages. Would go again tomorrow : ) read more

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Rick P.

18

31

4

7 years ago

This was absolutely one of the best experiences I have ever had. I am a competitive rider and a professional in the horse industry and I have to say that the level of professionalism, safety, and the quality of training on these horses is on another level compared to other trail type rides I have done with my young daughter. The guides are absolutely on their game with teaching the riders how to work with the horses. My daughter is 10, and Jen was incredible when explaining to her how to swim with her horse and it made for an experience she and I will never forget. Also, as a professional saddle fitter, it made me so happy to see these horses properly outfitted in saddles and bridles that ensured comfort and safety for both horse and rider! Even better that proceed go to rescuing these beautiful horses for so many to enjoy! Thank you!!! read more

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Brittany M.

0

10

11

4 years ago

We went on a tour with Laurie today and wow what a great experience! I'm a Pinellas County local and I had no idea such a great organization existed! I'm happy to live so close and return again for another experience! The young lady who helped us on and off was great too! Thank you Stella and Uni for being great horses and hearing their rescue story! I cannot wait to come back!!! read more

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Matt F.

13

10

0

5 years ago

My girlfriend and I set up a date not knowing what we would be getting into. We have been riding a number of times throughout a few states. What we did with C Ponies was not only one of the best experiences on bourse back but was easily the most unique!! Highly recommend!! read more

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Theresa L.

0

5

0

3 years ago

Maia was our guide. She was kind knowledgeable and knew her stuff. Was a fun experience

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S M.

0

20

5

6 years ago

Really great experience! I did the sunset ride. The weather was fantastic, our guide, Mercedes, was very professional, water warm, and Moana was so calm! I only rode a horse once before, but the safety talk was easy to understand. We went over how to handle the reins when walking through the water and when swimming. There was plenty of time for photos, and the horses seemed so happy and gentle. Really glad to have supported this rescue organization and done something special. Definitely recommend! Tip: I would recommend calling then paying after the experience because you can avoid the online booking fee. Tip 2: bring carrots for the horses! read more

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Keira G.

0

77

11

4 years ago

Absolutely wonderful!! The best experience in the Sarasota/Bradenton area. It's unique and so fun!! Our guide Myah was so patient and knowledgeable w me and my mom. I look forward to doing it again soon! read more

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Kim K.

0

2

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5 years ago

My boyfriend booked this ride for me for my birthday while we were vacationing. As a horse owner/lover all of my life, I was glad to see how well the horses are taken care of and loved. The people and guides are very nice and everything is gone over before the ride begins. Once was not enough and I will be doing it again next year. Do yourself a favor and book with a company who genuinely cares about what they are doing along with wonderful customer service. read more

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Laurie W.

0

25

2

7 years ago

I am a seasoned rider and this ride added a whole new dimension to my love of horses! A class act...well trained gorgeous Gypsy Vanner horses, awesome guides (thanks Stephanie) and a foggy morning on the bay made for one of the highlights of our beach trip! read more

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Stina M.

0

1

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5 years ago

Fun experience for the entire family! Our guide Mercedes was great & filled us in on the backstory of each of the rescued horses. The kids are already asking to go again! read more

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Catherine B.

459

2

6 years ago

We had a blast! Mercedes was a great instructor and made sure everyone was on the same page with the safety instructions. When we arrived we were paired with a horse, then went straight in the water! read more

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Nick M.

0

1

0

5 years ago

One of the coolest things I have done in awhile. I found out about it before coming to the island and lucked out with booking a couple spots the day before. The guides are super helpful and genuine which makes the experience that much better. It's quite a unique situation where all of the horses happen to be rescues! Once you get your horse and are out on the water they tell you their stories and about the companies journey. Would 150% do it again next time on the island and will definitely be bringing carrots for the horses. read more

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Theresa C.

0

1

0

6 years ago

Can not say enough what a amazing ride to start of the New Year with. Our guide Nikki did a outstanding job with our small group and made sure we all had fun! The horses are well cared for and love their jobs swimming in the bay. Thank you Cponies for starting our year of right! read more

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eileen p.

0

25

0

7 years ago

We went out for a ride with Jen and the beautiful horses of C Ponies yesterday. I cannot say enough good things about them! Very conscious of safety first, fun second. Great stewards of their surroundings as well by picking up garbage left by everyone else. I hope they are around for a long time! read more

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More info about C Ponies Beach Horseback Rides

8400 Manatee Ave W
Bradenton, FL 34209
Directions
(941) 773-5196
Call Now
Visit Website
http://www.cponies.com

Hours

What time does C Ponies Beach Horseback Rides open?

C Ponies Beach Horseback Rides opens at 9:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

What time does C Ponies Beach Horseback Rides close?

C Ponies Beach Horseback Rides closes at 5:00 PM on Monday and Tuesday.C Ponies Beach Horseback Rides closes at 8:00 PM on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.C Ponies Beach Horseback Rides is closed on Sunday.

Mon-Tue 9:00 AM - 5:00 PMWed-Sat 9:00 AM - 8:00 PMSun Closed

Payment methods

Does C Ponies Beach Horseback Rides take credit cards?

Yes, C Ponies Beach Horseback Rides takes credit cards.

Indoor Amenities

Does C Ponies Beach Horseback Rides allow dogs?

No, C Ponies Beach Horseback Rides does not allow dogs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does C Ponies Beach Horseback Rides have bike parking?

Yes, C Ponies Beach Horseback Rides has bike parking.

Does C Ponies Beach Horseback Rides have parking?

Yes, C Ponies Beach Horseback Rides has parking options. Street Parking

Other Amenities

Is C Ponies Beach Horseback Rides wheelchair accessible?

No, C Ponies Beach Horseback Rides is not wheelchair accessible.

From the Business

Specialties

This is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. You will start out on a ride out into the beautiful clear water of Tampa Bay, with the Sunshine Skyway Bridge as your backdrop. The tranquil, relaxing trip will put you at ease as you are amazed at the sea life that passes by unafraid of the horses as well as seeing dolphins, manatees, stingrays, native fish all from the back of your horse. Then on the way back, after a short swimming lesson, our horses will show you their favorite part. Grab hold on the mane and hang on. The swimming is incredible (if conditions are right, and temperature is above 60 degrees). There is no forcing the horses to swim, they love it! There is no harsh impact while they are swimming. It feels like your flying in the sky, only your actually swimming in the bay. The first thing you will see are our beautiful, well fed, loved, amazing horses. These are what fantasies are made of... but they didn't look like this when we bought them. 95% of our horses were rescued.

History

I will offer horses that are safe, gentle, and love to swim to horse lovers. Why not let others experience this amazing opportunity. All the horses are certified to be gentle, safe, well trained, and of course LOVE the water. Most are show horses enjoying time off of the circuit while others are rescue horses that we have adopted and rehabilitated. We have off the track Thoroughbreds, a very abused pony, some Quarter horses, and my personal riding horse; an amazing Gypsy Drum mare. My horses well being is very important to me. Please visit the horse page to learn more about them. I hope I can make some of your dreams come true.

Meet the Business Owner: Carmen H.

I am Carmen Herrmann Hanson, granddaughter of Col. Ottomar Herrmann. My family was one of the first to import, breed, train and exhibit Lipizzan Stallions in America, and thanks to such a background I have always held horses very close in my heart. I have continued to explore my love of horses by starting my own riding academy. However, during the summer months it is just too hot in Florida to show horses, so I use horseback swimming during the summer not only for fun, but also to keep my horses in shape. On a beach outing one day with my horses I noticed a crowd of onlookers watching and taking pictures. I was chatting with several people when an older woman explained to me that this was her lifelong dream, one of the things on her "bucket list." Of course I offered her a horseback ride on one of my horses, even letting her swim with the horse. When we finished, the gleam in her eye and joy on her face kept me smiling for days.

Review Highlights - C Ponies Beach Horseback Rides

“Once you get your horse and are out on the water they tell you their stories and about the companies journey.”

Mentioned in 13 reviews

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Explore benefits

Florida Beach Horses

(63 reviews)

0.0 mi

I had the opportunity to ride Knox with Dakota as my guide and had an amazing time. Dakota is…read moreknowledgeable and friendly and really helped make this an unforgettable experience. Knox was everything an equine should be and a very good boy. I thought I knew what to expect when Know started swimming - boy was I wrong. I yelled with joy. Swimming on horseback was on my bucket list. My husband said "you have done it now". I told him it's back on my bucket list. I posted my experience on my Facebook page and two of my friends commented that they also had been swimming with Florida Beach Horses and had an amazing time too. I highly recommend Florida Beach Horses for an amazing experience.

Incredible time swimming w Goose & Oakley today! And thank you to our guide Dakota This is an…read moreexperience not to be missed. Swim with rescue horses and go good while having a good time.

Wahoo and me before we started our adventure into the water.

Me and my friend

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Wahoo was a blast, but so gentle and sweet too! What great views too!

CPonies

4.5

(166 reviews)

0.2 mi

This isn't just a beach ride--it's a beautiful, ethical experience with rescue horses who truly…read morelove what they do. We had an absolutely incredible experience with C Ponies, and I can't recommend them enough--especially if you're looking for something unique, meaningful, and truly unforgettable. What makes this experience so special goes far beyond just "riding horses on the beach." These are rescue horses--many of them coming from difficult or neglectful situations--and C Ponies has created something really beautiful by giving them a second chance at life. You can feel how deeply loved and well cared for these horses are. They are healthy, happy, and genuinely seem to enjoy their work. One of the most fascinating parts was learning that the water is actually healing for them. Being in the ocean supports their joints and overall wellness, so this experience isn't just fun for us--it's beneficial for them, too. That alignment made the entire experience feel even more special and ethical. Our guide, Raina, was fantastic. She had the perfect mix of humor (yes, some delightfully corny jokes), warmth, and knowledge. More importantly, you could tell she truly loves these horses and what she does. She made everyone feel comfortable, safe, and engaged the entire time. Walking the horses into the water--and even getting to experience them swimming--was surreal. Each horse had its own personality, which made it even more fun. You could tell they were relaxed, confident, and happy to be there. It didn't feel forced or transactional--it felt like a partnership between humans and animals. Living in Sarasota, it also meant a lot to support a business that is doing such meaningful work in our own SW Florida community. C Ponies is not only creating unforgettable experiences, but they are actively rescuing, rehabilitating, and giving these horses a life filled with purpose and care. If you're on the fence--book it. It's one of those rare experiences that stays with you long after it's over.

Absolutely exceeded our expectations! Raina was an amazing guide, full of tons of information…read moreabout the bay, history of the ponies and nuances of each pony to better assist each rider. Would highly recommend! This is an experience you'll never forget. Thanks to Raina, Coral, Dori and Snooki.

Horseback riding on the beach!

Waiting for sunset over the ocean

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Myself & my husband swimming on our horses..Snooki & Dory!

The Real BeachHorses

4.1

(28 reviews)

0.3 mi

DO NOT PAY FOR THIS SCAM…read more We payed over $300 for horse rides on the beach and drove all the out to Florida from MISSOURI and when we showed up for our rides there was no one in sight. We called and emailed the owner multiple times on the day and weeks beforehand to confirm our reservation and no one answered. The voicemail box was full so we couldn't leave a message and no one returned our email. This is the worst experience I have ever had with an business. Save yourself time and losing out on hundreds of dollars but ignoring this pla

Great time!!! Worth every dollar and more! Girlfriend saw the horses on the beach. We had to…read morewait a year to actually go riding. Awesome!

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Carousel Sea Horses

4.1

(19 reviews)

0.0 mi

We had a great time. Bad weather forced a schedule change, but they did a great job accommodating…read moreus while family was still in town and communicating. Mercedes was awesome and we felt like one of the herd among those sweet, gentle giants. Highly recommend.

Great fun! Took our 11-year-old grandson for his first ever experience on a horse, and Mercedes &…read moreSkyler were patient with him and made the experience very positive. The 68-year-old grandpa has riden lots of horses but never in the water. Very worth the money!

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Born To Ride

(15 reviews)

15.9 mi

We had a fantastic trip! Lead by Jim and Char, our ride was wonderful and the horses were well…read moretempered and beautiful. The whole process was made very easy and relaxing. Our guides were friendly and lovely people to spend time with. We forgot our own bug spray (BRING BUG SPRAY. BRING IT.) but they had their own and let us use it, which was very kind. We saw deer on the trail and butterflies. Our party had a seven year old and their horse was lovely with her, very gentle and rode nicely. Catastrophe struck during our ride- my phone fell out of my pocket on the trail! Char and Kathy went out and rescued my phone, so now I can write this review. Overall, me and my family are very satisfied with their horses and the service of riding on this trail. Them helping to save my phone on their own time was super nice, they helped us take family photos while we rode. Couldn't recommend them enough! You'll have lots of fun! Bring water, snacks, and long sleeve pants and shirts and you're all set

Just a fabulous experience whether you're a seasoned rider or have never ridden before. They…read moreensure you are well equipped with helmets if you desire one or not. They make sure you are suited with the best horse that meets your skill level. They care for their animals as they are all healthy and happy. This is not a hack stable outfit..these are people who care about their horses as much as they do the humans who ride them. You won't be disappointed!!

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WaterHorses

(1 review)

11.2 mi

SO. MUCH.FUN. Stephanie was a great guide. We got a ton of pics. We did this for my birthday and…read morehad great weather. The horses and their stories are AMAZING. These folks are doing such a great service for these majestic animals.

From the owner: Horseback riding in Tampa Bay. Clear water and endless views. Near the iconic Sunshine Skyway…read moreBridge. We have the largest stable of horses on the west coast of FL, from pony to Clydesdale. Our rides are 10-15 minutes longer than our competitors.

Birdseye view of the beach

This is HorseSurfing!

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Myakka Trail Rides

(2 reviews)

38.9 mi

Wonderful experience for my 8 year old and myself! It was his first time on a horse so they gave…read morehim a mini lesson and then took us on a beautiful scenic trail ride!

My boyfriend and I took the day and went out horseback riding. It was amazing. Completely worth the…read morehour drive out to the middle of nowhere. The horses were tame and very easy to handle, our guide was friendly and chatty, the trails were lovely. There's nothing I would have changed about our day at Myakka trail rides.

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Ruxton’s Ranch Rides

(2 reviews)

24.8 mi

My fiancé and I recently booked a horseback ride on October 12th and had the best time! Our guide…read morewas incredibly friendly and informative, with a vast knowledge of Pinellas Park and its horse community. It's amazing to see this little piece of country still thriving in Pinellas County, and you can tell they work hard every day to keep it alive. I loved riding their new horse, Bacardi--she was such a sweetheart. We're already excited to book again in December for their carriage rides to see the Christmas lights!

I wanted to go for a ride on my day off, so I booked a one hour trail ride with Ruxtons. Booking…read moreonline was super easy, and you can sign the safety waiver online, too. I was a little taken aback at the size of my horse, Ripley, but I needn't have worried. He was gentle as a lamb. No one else was booked for 11am, so I got a private ride with Lina, the owner. She was a wonderful host. I intend to go back and I highly recommend this business!

Riding to the designated horse trail.

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Swim Gym of Lakewood Ranch

(10 reviews)

12.2 mi

We had the most wonderful experience at Swim Gym. Ms. Anita is such a wonderful teacher. We had…read morepreviously spent a full year in another swim program, and it took only 6 weeks at Swim Gym to see leaps and bounds of progress. We will be using Swim Gym for our other children as well, and cannot sing praises and say thank you enough!

We love Swim Gym so much, we keep coming back! Although my son was certified two years ago and…read moreswims like a fish, we continue with weekly maintenance lessons to acquire advanced swim skills. We love Miss Melissa, she's the best! She's so patient, kind and understanding.

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Rosaire's Riding Academy & Pony Rides

4.6

(21 reviews)

18.1 mi

Rosaire's Riding Academy & Pony Rides is wonderful! Ellian Rosaire is a wonderful teacher for new…read moreriders or adults returning to riding. Safety for her students and her animals is a priority for her. She knows her ponies/horses and assesses a new student for a good fit for both. My granddaughter trained with Ellian for about 5 years and attended summer camp also before she moved to college. I have attended many training classes over these years and I've enjoyed watching the development of her students during those years. I highly recommend Rosaire's for your rider. Nothing fancy but definitely fun and safe.

We are thoroughly impressed with Ellian at Rosaire's Riding Academy! We signed up our two kids for…read moreprivate beginner lessons and were immediately impressed with her style of teaching! Our kids learned more in her private lesson than any other lesson they've done in the past. She chose the perfect horses based on my kids' personalities and instilled an immense amount of self confidence in both of them right from the beginning! We feel blessed to have found Ellian and are excited to see all that our kids learned through her professionalism!

Pony rides

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Petting zoo

Arlington Park and Aquatic Complex

3.6

(17 reviews)

14.7 mi

This is a nice community park featuring lap pool, walking trail, dog park, and a playground area…read moreand workout area in back behind the pool. The playground area has some lovely old oak trees. Arlington has some great activities for small children on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. In 2022 they also did a great Halloween trail and events including pumpkins in the pool and a Bark-o-Ween dog friendly event. There is good variety of trees and plants along the trail. The park borders a residential area and houses. There is a gym and updated bathrooms. There is a large stand of invasive Brazilian Pepper that needs removing from the park. More native plantings and no mow areas would be welcome. But overall this is a great park with a lot to offer for swimmers, walkers, dogs, children, nature lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts.

Everyone who works here is uptight and aggressive. From the woman (red hair) who checks people in…read moreto some of the lifeguards. The way they speak to people is rude and condescending.

Messy Tot Tuesday creation. I think it might be some kind of turkey?

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Secret squirrel bench

Big Cat Habitat

4.1

(320 reviews)

18.0 mi

Amazing variety of animals and well taken care of. This is perfect for kids of all ages. Petting…read moreand feeding the chickens and goats were my kids favorite part. But be careful of the monkeys they will throw poop! Haha

My family received free tickets and decided to visit a while back. We were so sad the whole visit…read more Many of the animals were in small, jail like enclosures. There was a wolf kept in a small, concrete floor, tiny stall with a big cat and the cat bit the wolf. We let a staff member know and they told us the name of the person who owned the wolf (we assumed the animals were owned by Big Cat Habitat and not private individuals. Big Cat Rescue in Tampa is a legitimate rescue. Big Cat Habitat is more like a side circus where most animals are kept in enclosures which are too small. Please support legitimate rescues and not places where private individuals own and display their pets.

Wrestling Fun!

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Pirate Adventures of Cortez

Best time ever for kids! The staff was so accommodating and great getting the kids involved and…read more participating in such a fun time. My grandkids told me it was the best time ever!! Thanks and kudos to the Captain and his Crew!!

Such a fun experience! The crew is so kind and amazing! My grandsons (ages 4 & 6) loved it! This…read moreis the perfect way to spend a fun afternoon with kids.

We found treasure!

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CoastLine Dolphin & Snorkeling Excursions

(15 reviews)

2.2 mi

John was a tour guide and was Great!! He took me and my family to some very cool snorkeling spots,…read moreand provided us with all the gear and water.

We had the best time ever! We saw tons of dolphins. Went to Egmont Key and then went snorkeling…read more The kids had a blast and our captain was so nice!

On the boat headed out on our adventure!

Captain Casey and our family

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Snorkeling & Sanddollars!

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17 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Lucas P.

1

107

41

4 months ago

I had a terrible experience with Carmen, the owner. I am a host for a meetup group with over 600 members. In February 2026, I arranged with Carmen to hold May 16 at 10:30 am for our group and she offered a group discounted rate. I was to close registrations by 4/3 and pay her by 4/6 for those that wanted to ride. She agreed to reserve the 10:30 ride for our group and we had multiple emails confirming the date and time. When I reached out to her on 4/3 to confirm the riders and was also ready to pay, she tried gaslighting me writing, "That ride was suppose to be 1:45 i cant take that many at 10:30". This was just dumb, since all of our correspondence was by email and I asked her to show me where we had ever discussed "1:45". She couldn't prove it, because it never happened. Meanwhile, "10:30" was mentioned 12 times in our emails. As it turns out, she did not reserve the 10:30 slot for our group and had sold all but two spots. I offered to just take the two slots if she would honor the discounted rate, since, after all, she sold our spots. She agreed, I paid, and received the automatic waiver. I filled out the entire waiver, except the "Artist Release," but could not submit the waiver without agreeing to this one section which provides, "ARTIST RELEASE I/We hereby give the Company permission to use (display, reproduce, duplicate, distribute, license, sell, publish, etc.) the photograph(s) and video/audio recordings made of me for all purposes, including advertising and trade. If I/We do not want the Company to use (display, reproduce, duplicate, distribute, license, sell, publish, etc.) the photograph(s) and video/audio recordings made of me for all purposes, including advertising and trade, I/We understand that I/We will not be able to purchase the photo package on the day of our ride." I let her know about this wanting a way to sign the waiver without agreeing to letting C Ponies sell my images/videos/audio or use them in promotional materials. I think that is reasonable. Carmen did not even respond to my message. She just cancelled the ride for us. When I sent her another email asking for clarity, she did not respond. Incredibly unprofessional, disrespectful, and just bad business owner. Just beware... read more

R B.

0

3

0

2 years ago

This trip was on a very old bucket list and life events finally made it possible to go and take my granddaughter with me for her birthday. It was a gloomy day but one neither of us will ever forget. Ambra was our guide. I had Bahama and my granddaughter had Uni. The guides picked the horses before the ride after talking with each person in the group to see what their comfort level and riding experience is. We saw dolphins as soon as we arrived and then met some great people (the guides, the people that were just finishing their ride and excited to tell us all about it as well as the group that we rode with). We purchased the picture package and received lots of great pictures from our ride. The only thing I would like to see done differently (and due to city regulations they might not be able to) is for their company name be on the side of the horse trailer or truck or a sign road side so you know which area you are supposed to be in. There are several horse rides along that same strip and you feel a little confused trying to be sure you are in the right place and with the right group. I highly recommend C Ponies. The horses are all beautiful and the staff is great! Thank You for a memorable day we will never forget! read more

Jillian E.

0

1

0

6 years ago

I was surprised with a horseback tour for my 21st birthday by my dad, and it exceeded my expectations. The horses (most of which are rescued, some from horrible conditions) are capable and well equipped to handle riders from all ranges of experience. (I would suggest wearing a light colored shirt, waterproof sunscreen as the sun is very direct even in the water and to wear water shoes for comfort on the stirrups). I have ridden horses many times on land, but to swim with them was a whole new experience. The horse I had was energetic and glided through the water with ease, it was so exciting! They are incredible creatures and are taken good care of by the staff, you can tell that they are loved. It's so important to support businesses that chooses to facilitate rescued animals. I felt very comfortable and instructed by the tour guide Maya. It was something I think everyone should try once. To ride a horse is to feel the incredibile strength and grace of an animal that trusts you. Thank you for the wonderful time! read more

Freddy M.

0

3

0

3 years ago

My experience horseback riding in the water at C Ponies was truly enchanting! Our tour guide was not only fun and experienced but also incredibly knowledgeable, which added a whole new layer of enjoyment to the adventure. Riding a swimming horse was a unique and exhilarating experience that I had never tried before, and it left me in awe of the beauty of nature. I decided to surprise my girlfriend for her birthday with this memorable experience, and she absolutely loved it! The joy and wonder on her face as we rode through the water on those majestic horses was priceless. It's safe to say that C Ponies delivered a birthday celebration she will never forget. I'm already looking forward to our next visit to C Ponies because this was, without a doubt, a truly fun and magical experience. If you're seeking something out of the ordinary and a wonderful way to connect with nature, I wholeheartedly recommend giving water horseback riding at C Ponies a try. It's an adventure that will stay with you forever! read more

H M.

0

2

0

7 years ago

This was a super cool adventure!!!! Beautiful weather, Tampa Bay was calm and clear.... the horses, wow, beautiful creatures!!!! Big strong and look like a clydesdale!!! Well trained horses, so for a beginner it was only gentle persuasion to keep them on task. I was nervous but the guides were reassuring and helpful. Once we were in the water, my level of confidence evened out and the thrill took over. Riding a horse that's swimming is pretty awesome!!!! I can't wait to get the pictures this evening!!! Would highly recommend for anyone visiting the area, what an experience! Thank you Moana, you were a beautiful horse to ride! Bring carrots for an after ride reward, they love it!!!! read more

Chelsea K.

0

2

1

8 years ago

We booked this for an excursion on our honeymoon. I told my husband I wanted to ride horses along the beach but THIS was way cooler than that! I didn't expect this to be so exhilarating! We loved riding the horses in the water and even swimming with them a little. (Water was a tad too cold to really swim with them but we got up to our thighs) Jen did an amazing job figuring out who should ride on which horse. She knew exactly how to direct us and give us very good tips on what to do. She was attentive and extremely friendly. I would definitely do C Ponies again. This made our honeymoon even better!! read more

Heather W.

0

1

0

4 years ago

This ride was one of the most amazing things on our trip! we showed up early walked the beach , staff was super friendly and accommodating even gave us a water before our ride. they even called to get us a different ride time due to weather. Our instructor maya was very personable and we all joked and laughed, she was so knowledgeable about the horses and all their back stories and it was just so amazing to experience tiding On the horses in the water 10/10 would recommend to everyone! read more

Olivia C.

0

4

0

7 years ago

One of the coolest experiences ever. My guide Jen was very passionate about the horses and her job. She made sure everyone felt safe and comfortable before doing anything and made sure we all had a good time. The horses were beautiful and you could tell they enjoyed swimming. I highly recommend to anyone in the area. I flew to Tampa just for this and it was 100% worth it. read more

Sylvia P.

0

1

0

4 years ago

My husband, and I, went on a ride with the C ponies, it was a absolutely, awesome. The horses are beautiful, and trained so well. The ladies that were in charge were so nice and both had great personalities. Thank you both, Rachel and Ambra. We recommend everyone to have this experience in their life. Great fun! Don and Sylvia Pepin read more

Rachel B.

0

3

0

4 years ago

We visited from Chicago and had a great time!!! Misty was our guide, she was great, had jokes, and made those who were new to riding feel comfortable. We were able to see dolphin and just have an amazing ride!! The water was nice and cool which felt great with the bright Florida sun. Thanks so much again for the great ride and memories!! read more

Matthew R.

108

1

0

8 years ago

We did the C Ponies ride today and it was amazing. We loved every minute with the horses and our guide Jen was awesome. Her passion for the horses and gift for teaching inexperienced riders was evident the entire time. My fiancée and I are getting married in St Pete and this was the perfect pre-wedding activity. read more

Christy B.

20

1

0

7 years ago

We went with a group of 4 ladies. What a fabulous experience. The horses were magnificent and the guides did a wonderful job of making everyone feel comfortable. It was exhilarating when the horses took off swimming. Dreama was so patient and well mannered. Thank you C Ponies for the great time. read more

Traci W.

79

3

0

7 years ago

So much fun even the teenager was smiling and wants to go again! The staff was very nice and very focused on safety. They did a great job matching everyone to the perfect horse. I know this experience will be one that's remembered for life! read more

Sierra T.

206

5

0

2 years ago

C ponies was an amazing experience! Maya was a great tour guide with lots of knowledge and experience. I would recommend C ponies to anyone and will definitely be back. Thank you Maya, Misty #2, Skittles, and Gypsy!!! read more

Memphis F.

0

1

0

7 years ago

My sister and I had the best time ever. The horses are so calm and controllable and we had the best time. You go in the water so bring an extra pair of clothes. And we just had the best time. read more

Jamie J.

0

1

0

2 years ago

Absolutely wonderful experience!!!! The guides were so helpful and knowledgeable. It was worth every penny!!!!

Elena P.

0

2

0

1 year ago

Not sure why Yelp thinks I had a C Ponies experience. I avoid Yelp at all cost. The website is infuriating.

C Ponies Beach Horseback Rides - horsebackriding - Updated July 2026

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Florida Beach Horses

(63 reviews)

I had the opportunity to ride Knox with Dakota as my guide and had an amazing time. Dakota is…read moreknowledgeable and friendly and really helped make this an unforgettable experience. Knox was everything an equine should be and a very good boy. I thought I knew what to expect when Know started swimming - boy was I wrong. I yelled with joy. Swimming on horseback was on my bucket list. My husband said "you have done it now". I told him it's back on my bucket list. I posted my experience on my Facebook page and two of my friends commented that they also had been swimming with Florida Beach Horses and had an amazing time too. I highly recommend Florida Beach Horses for an amazing experience.

Incredible time swimming w Goose & Oakley today! And thank you to our guide Dakota This is an…read moreexperience not to be missed. Swim with rescue horses and go good while having a good time.

CPonies

4.5

(166 reviews)

This isn't just a beach ride--it's a beautiful, ethical experience with rescue horses who truly…read morelove what they do. We had an absolutely incredible experience with C Ponies, and I can't recommend them enough--especially if you're looking for something unique, meaningful, and truly unforgettable. What makes this experience so special goes far beyond just "riding horses on the beach." These are rescue horses--many of them coming from difficult or neglectful situations--and C Ponies has created something really beautiful by giving them a second chance at life. You can feel how deeply loved and well cared for these horses are. They are healthy, happy, and genuinely seem to enjoy their work. One of the most fascinating parts was learning that the water is actually healing for them. Being in the ocean supports their joints and overall wellness, so this experience isn't just fun for us--it's beneficial for them, too. That alignment made the entire experience feel even more special and ethical. Our guide, Raina, was fantastic. She had the perfect mix of humor (yes, some delightfully corny jokes), warmth, and knowledge. More importantly, you could tell she truly loves these horses and what she does. She made everyone feel comfortable, safe, and engaged the entire time. Walking the horses into the water--and even getting to experience them swimming--was surreal. Each horse had its own personality, which made it even more fun. You could tell they were relaxed, confident, and happy to be there. It didn't feel forced or transactional--it felt like a partnership between humans and animals. Living in Sarasota, it also meant a lot to support a business that is doing such meaningful work in our own SW Florida community. C Ponies is not only creating unforgettable experiences, but they are actively rescuing, rehabilitating, and giving these horses a life filled with purpose and care. If you're on the fence--book it. It's one of those rare experiences that stays with you long after it's over.

Absolutely exceeded our expectations! Raina was an amazing guide, full of tons of information…read moreabout the bay, history of the ponies and nuances of each pony to better assist each rider. Would highly recommend! This is an experience you'll never forget. Thanks to Raina, Coral, Dori and Snooki.

WaterHorses

(1 review)

SO. MUCH.FUN. Stephanie was a great guide. We got a ton of pics. We did this for my birthday and…read morehad great weather. The horses and their stories are AMAZING. These folks are doing such a great service for these majestic animals.

True Blue Farm

(6 reviews)

We are so happy to have found True Blue! It is my daughters favorite place to be - I honestly…read morethink she would sleep in the barn with the horses if I let her! All the trainers are knowledgable, supportive and truly care about their riders. As a parent I have been very impressed with the dedication Shana and all the trainers have to making sure all riders no matter of their ability reach their full potential. My daughter has not only learned to ride horses and made life long friends but she has also learned so many life lessons. Responsibility, patience, perseverance, and discipline to name a few. If you looking for a barn that has a family feeling and where your child learn, grow and thrive as a rider and a person than this is the place to be. We are proud to be part of the True Blue Farm Family.

True Blue Farm is a fantastic place for riding lessons. Shana will teach you so much more than just…read morehow to ride, she will guide you to develop a passion for horses all around. She cares so much for this sport, her horses, and her riders. I highly recommend this place, you won't be disappointed!

TreeUmph! Adventure Course

4.6

(168 reviews)

We went for a birthday and booked online. Check in was very…read moreeasy and staff was very friendly. The have two beginner courses, 2 medium courses, 3 hards, and 1 extreme. They also courses for the little ones. We were so impressed with the safety of everything! The courses are well thought out and easy to navigate. If you get stuck anywhere the staff was helpful in sharing tricks on how to pass a certain obstacle. We would definitely go back. If you book online, make sure to check if they are running any specials.

This is the best kept secret. Take everyone you know (that is in good health) to experience…read moreTreeUmph! We go with 3 generations.

Sarasota Paddleboard Company

4.8

(33 reviews)

Had a blast!! We saw manatees close up, swam right up to our…read morekayaks. Beautiful tour of mangroves and the bay. Nice to have a motor to assist! Loved this experience with family visiting from Texas.

Had a great kayak tour with Bobby today. Our group of friends had various levels of experience…read morekayaking- we were all engaged and had a great time.

Sea Life Kayak Adventures

4.9

(120 reviews)

First off when we arrived the worker said we were closed. We were all very worried and…read moredisappointed. It turns out it was just a joke but was not delivered well. Kayaking through the mangroves was very pleasant but unpleasant for some when left alone in the tunnels with scary tree crabs . Our Irish guide was great. Saw lots of birds and one small turtle. Stopped on a deserted island that was very hot.

We did the guided tour this morning and had a great time. Our guide took his time and let the…read moregroup enjoy the experience. He pointed out area wildlife and shared key facts. Great morning!

Surferbus.com

4.4

(49 reviews)

Great experience! Great value. Helpful staff. Explained the best kayaking route and points of…read moreinterest. We saw so many amazing birds. Go early (8 am) to see the most birds.

Renting the kayak was simple. We got a text the morning of our rental date with instructions on…read morewhere to meet. When we arrived, our kayak was already on the shore and we got a short orientation of the area before we launched. Really great for bird watching or just getting away from the busy parts of the island. Highly recommend this place. Will for sure do it again when we come back.

Liquid Blue Outfitters