We arrived early, and it wasn't too busy at all, but by the time we finished around noon, the area had become quite crowded. I can only imagine how difficult parking must be during peak season. Thankfully, parking is free, and so are all of the park's facilities. We visited on a Sunday and were greeted by a friendly park employee who was incredibly knowledgeable about the area. She provided us with a laminated trail map, which was a huge help and allowed us to enjoy the experience without constantly checking our phones. The kayak trails were absolutely amazing! The water was crystal clear, making it easy to see fish and other wildlife below. We visited in mid-June and were pleasantly surprised that we didn't encounter any mosquitoes or no-see-ums. It took us about two hours to paddle all of the kayak trails, including a relaxing beach break along the way. There are four main trails to explore, with Trail 3 offering two different exit routes, making it worth paddling twice for two unique experiences. Trail 4 was the most challenging, with several low-hanging branches that required a little extra maneuvering. Overall, this was easily one of the best kayak trail systems we've explored, and we'll definitely be back! read more

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Excellent park to explore by canoe. Ted Sperling Park is famous on mangrove tunnels. The best way to explore the part is kayak or paddle board. Prefer to visit the park during high tide. Even with low tide, I was able to maneuver the kayak. I would not recommend use the canoe to explore due to shallow depths on certain locations. The park has 4 major tunnel and over 10 brunch tunnels. Tunnel is label 1 to 4. The tunnel 1 and 2 is one way in and out. I was renting the kayak at the locate vendor Surfit. They provide me a map of the mangrove tunnel to explore. They also provide a dry bag for my personal staff. I would said paddle board has a height condition due to mangrove brunch. Many paddle boarder has to kneel or sit through the tunnel. On the non major tunnels, the space is narrow. Some time you do not have room to paddle. Just use the mangrove to push through. I enjoy the most is when I follow the flow direction. Easy paddling. I also like to see a lot of bird in the tunnel. The nature is beautiful. Love the tunnel due to shading from wind. In the tunnel is also blocking the sun and pleasant. I would suggest visit the park in the morning. read more

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A great public park and beach with nature trails, beach access, boat launch access, clean restrooms, and water bottle refill stations. Honestly, I'm impressed with the number of bottle stations in Sarasota! read more

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I stopped at this park while trying to find a location to watch the sunrise. It is actually the Ted Sperkling Park at South Lido Beach Nature Park. Once inside, it has plenty of parking but I could only locate an area for you to basically put your kayaks in the water which, is that is the goal then you are in the right spot. Simply walk up, get in and off you go. Seems to be a busy place, when I got there before sunrise there was 1 car with only 1 couple launching off but when I rode by later on my bike from visiting the other Ted Sperling Park, it was already packed with people with kayaks. With the ease of simply walking up and heading out, if I ever want to rent a kayak I would launch from here. It takes you out to the man groves and the water was calm so would make for a peaceful time. read more

This little park is mainly a kayak launch point off of Lido Key(Taft Dr.)and the best access to the Mangrove tunnels. If you don't own a kayak, there are plenty of rental options in the area. Sarasota passed a law where no money can be exchanged in the parks--so if you're renting, you'll need to pre-pay prior to arriving. MANGROVE TUNNELS- The tunnels are a fantastic experience. They are cut out roadways that wind through the mangroves in Sarasota Bay. They cut out "roads" through the mangroves in the 1950's to control the mosquito population. They found that it didn't work and they were destroying a natural resource so the program ended. They can be a bit tough to maneuver in at times, there are narrow passages and the current can push you along, depending on tides. If you're unfamiliar with, or feel uncomfortable yaking alone, opt for a tour guide through a rental company. You can always find coupons in those tourist flyer racks. If you feel adventurous, print out a map of the mangrove tunnels. The entrances and exits are marked and you can stop and go at your leisure. http://www.roosdoins.com/2011/06/mom-went-on-adventure-without-me-and.html This is such a great setting to quietly experience nature and to see lots of different species of birds, small islands that act as sanctuaries, and red, white and black mangroves along your route. If you paddle out a bit further into the bay, you'll also encounter Sarasota's resident dolphins and manatees. If you love the outdoors, this is a must do and see. read more

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Our group went yesterday and had a lot of fun! Awesome time paddle boarding. Not busy when we went in the late afternoon so all the room we needed. Highly recommend! read more

Such a disgrace of a formerly beautiful, small-feel, protected park. Pulled in today after a couple of years and it felt like Corporate America in all its glory. Rental businesses took up half the parking (which is minimal at best to begin with) which tells me locals aren't really welcome anymore, especially those coming in with their own gear. Clearly this Sarasota park only wants wealthy tourists and vacationers which is what so much of "Authentic Florida" now feels like. Such a shame. read more

Great little park with a wonderful kayak and SUP launch. I found this online when looking for a place for a friend to rent kayaks near here. Plenty of parking, a place to wash off your gear with fresh water and an easy place to put your kayak or SUP in. Also, there are bathrooms there too. There isn't much else to do there except launch, but it is a great location to do so. Many people using the area and everyone was friendly. When time to leave, we struggled with our straps to secure our new kayaks and Park Ranger Pete came to the rescue! He was super helpful and seemed to enjoy helping out. A friend of mine left her paddle behind accidentally and he kept it safe for her until she could return. Would we go back- oh yeah! read more