Florida Eco-Boat Tours of the Sarasota Bay

The MOTE Aquarium Eco-Boat Tours explore the wonders of the Sarasota, Florida Bay. Boat tours are offered year around, weather permitting. Tickets to ride through the bay on one of the boats require a separate admission ticket than the aquarium. Combination tickets to enjoy both the MOTE Aquarium and the Eco-Boat Tours are available at the reception area just outside the aquarium entrance. Adults can browse the aquarium and take a boat ride for a cost of $36 each. Children are four to twelve can participate in both activities for $29 per child. Children age three and younger are admitted free to both Sarasota, Florida attractions. Special rates apply for members of the military, police, and fire departments, regardless of geographic area on select days.

Four Eco-Boat Tour options exist for visitors and MOTE Aquarium members. A "Sea Life Encounter Cruise", "Guided Kayak Tour", "Nature Safari", and private charters on the "Miss Explorer" watercraft are all offered for varying ticket prices year around. Private groups can also charter a forty-foot pontoon boat for outings and birthday parties.

Advance reservations are strongly recommended when planning to participate in any of the boat tours. Severe weather cancels daily excursions. Ticket holders who encounter inclement weather after booking a reservation can reschedule the boat ride.

Certified boat captains, and trained marine biologists accompany guests on the boat tours, and nature walk excursions. The "Sea Life Encounter" cruise lasts approximately two hours, and includes a guided hike around a Sarasota Bay island. MOTE Aquarium volunteers operate a snack bar during the boat rides. Cold soda pop, water, and sealed chips can be purchased throughout the Sarasota Bay tour at a nominal fee. All boats are handicap accessible, and include restrooms for passenger use.

Marine biologists pull bay creatures and plants from the water with a catch net, which dangles from the boat. All items are returned to the bay at the end of the day. Boat passengers will often encounter manatees and bottlenose dolphins during the MOTE Aquarium Eco-Boat Tours. The boat captain will turn or stop the boat so passengers can stand and view, or take photos of the sea-life.

While floating along Sarasota Bay, passengers will cruise by a great heron, pelican, ibis, and egret nesting habitat. Walking around the Sarasota Bay Island allows passengers to stretch their legs, and learn some bay area history. The ornate homes and mini-mansions located along the waterway are also a source of enjoyment and photo opportunities for many passengers. Tour guides point out the homes of well-known residents who reside along the prestigious Sarasota Bay section of the city.

Coupons for the MOTE Aquarium and Eco-Boat Tours can be printed directly from the attraction's website. Visit www.sarasotabayexplorers.com for additional information, and directions to this family friendly Florida attraction.