Your safety is our number one priority! In the event of unsafe weather or water conditions, FBA will make the best judgement for the safety and satisfaction of the customers. If FBA makes the decision to cancel an event for this reason, the customer will have the option to reschedule their adventure to another time that works for them or simply be refunded.

Here at FBA, it is our proud job to take you into the natural habitat of these wild animals and help our customers make memories that last a lifetime! Our guides are well trained to navigate the areas where we observe these majestic beings most frequently. However, since these are wild animals we can not 100% guarantee we see them on every trip. Thankfully our region of coastal Florida is loaded with diverse native wildlife that makes each tour unique!

All of FBA’s tours are centered around the outdoor exploration of coastal Florida’s natural environments. As a result, we recommend all customers BRING WATER, sun protection (sun glasses, sunscreen, hat, etc.), dry storage, and footwear that can get wet on your adventure.

FBA uses top of the line sit-on-top kayaks which are stable, lightweight, and easy to paddle. They allow almost anyone of any age or ability an opportunity to participate.

FBA provides all kayaks, paddles, and life jackets for each tour. Guides also carry dry bags for customers to use to store small items such as phones, keys, wallets, etc.

We recommend customers pack light and bring only their basic necessities for their tour. Leave most items that will not be needed during the tour at place of residence or in a personal vehicle. If that is not an option, the customers may coordinate with a guide to leave larger personal belongings in a safe place. Guides will provide dry bags for small items (phones, keys, wallets, etc) and carry it on their kayak during the tour. Customers can carry their personal items at their own risk or bring their own dry bags to safely carry their items with them during the tour.

Manatee sightings peak during cooler months, roughly November through March, when manatees seek warmer shallow waters. At Florida Blue Adventures, our seasonal manatee tours focus on protected areas around Anna Maria Island where these gentle giants gather, and guides explain their behavior and conservation needs throughout the experience.

Guides track dolphin pod movement patterns based on tides, recent activity, and feeding behavior common to Anna Maria Island waters. Florida Blue Adventures uses quiet paddling techniques and local knowledge gained over 30 years to position kayakers for respectful, close encounters without disturbing the dolphins.

Yes, tours are designed for all skill levels with clear instruction and relaxed pacing. Routes are selected in calm coastal and estuary waters, and guides provide personalized guidance to first-time paddlers. At Florida Blue Adventures, safety briefings and small group sizes ensure everyone feels comfortable on the water.

Mangrove routes shelter fish, coastal birds, rays, crabs, and juvenile marine life within their root systems. Paddlers often spot herons, egrets, and roseate spoonbills, along with small fish darting through the tunnels. Florida Blue Adventures guides explain how mangroves protect coastlines and support Gulf Coast biodiversity.

Kayaks allow quiet, low-impact access that doesn't spook dolphins or disrupt their natural behavior. The slower pace and closer water-level perspective create better photo opportunities and more intimate encounters. At Florida Blue Adventures, ethical wildlife viewing and calm paddling maximize sightings while respecting marine life.

Tides influence where dolphins feed, when manatees move into shallows, and which routes are safely navigable. Guides select tour times and locations based on daily tidal patterns to optimize wildlife activity and paddling conditions. Florida Blue Adventures uses 30 years of local experience to match tours with the best tidal windows.

Snorkeling tours operate in shallow coastal waters and are weather-dependent for safety. Guides provide equipment briefings and stay close to participants, but basic swimming ability is recommended. At Florida Blue Adventures, tours are often paired with kayak access to calm snorkeling spots near Anna Maria Island.

Eco kayak tours emphasize environmental education, explaining ecosystems like seagrass beds, estuaries, and mangroves, plus conservation principles. Wildlife tours focus primarily on observing and photographing animals like dolphins and manatees. Both include expert commentary, but eco tours dive deeper into tidal cycles, salinity, and habitat protection.

Yes, private tours offer tailored routes, flexible pacing, and timing suited to lighting and wildlife activity. Guides can position kayakers for optimal angles and pause for photo opportunities. Florida Blue Adventures designs private experiences around guest interests, making them ideal for photographers and special occasions.

Paddling too quickly or loudly can startle dolphins and reduce sighting chances. Staying patient, quiet, and following guide instructions allows dolphins to approach naturally and behave normally. At Florida Blue Adventures, guides teach respectful wildlife viewing techniques that maximize encounters while protecting marine life.

Yes, mangrove tunnels and winding shorelines provide natural windbreaks, making them ideal paddling routes during breezy weather. The sheltered waterways around Anna Maria Island offer peaceful conditions even when open bays are choppy. Florida Blue Adventures selects mangrove routes for beginners and calm exploration year-round.