Almost Heaven Kayak Adventures

I have never posted a testimonial for a company before. But I could not pass up the opportunity to give Almost Heaven Kayak Adventures (in Sarasota, Florida) props. Unfortunately, we were not allowed to give a cash tip (since we launched from a Sarasota County Park – which is ridiculous) so in turn I wanted to show my appreciation. This company is amazing. From the booking to the kayaks to the tour guides – everything is seamless and everyone is top notch. My family (3 teenage kids and my wife) took the Lido Key Dolphin eco trip and it was out of this world. Our tour guide, David (who is also one of the owners), taught us so much about kayaking and the environment. Being city kids, I wasn’t sure if my kids would like it, but they soaked it up (and are still talking about it two week later). We kayaked through mangrove tunnels that had to be the most peaceful place on earth. And around an island were dolphin swam along side my wife’s kayak. Like the kids, she is still talking about it. Thanks to Almost Heaven, David and his team of experts for making this a great Spring Break. We will be back next year and will refer you to all our friends and family members. more

A group of my “older” friends and I decided to make a list of everything we want to do before we die. On that “Bucket List” we included a guided kayaking trip in Sarasota, Florida. We researched out all the local company and hands down selected Almost Heaven Kayak Adventures. Their web site was informative, filled with photos and videos, and detailed everything about the tour. Their reputation at the local chambers and in the community is stellar. And, as we came to find out, their service is the reason why they are number one. The woman who answered the phone was professional, helpful and so full of life. She answered all our questions (and there were a bunch) and got us very excited about taking the tour. The morning of our tour we meet our guide, David Wells. This charming fellow was so very friendly and nurturing. He taught us all the basics of kayaking and even helped us into the kayaks. The guided eco adventures was all we had hoped for and so more much. David taught us about the local flora and fauna. The mangrove tunnels were majestic. We even got up close and personal with a family of dolphins. We all decided that should have been on our bucket list too. It was a spectacular day filled with memories what will last our lifetimes. A huge thanks to Almost Heaven Kayak Adventures and the entire staff for helping us starch kayaking off our bucket list. You are an amazingly special group of people and we will be referring you to our family and friends. more

We have lived in the Sarasota area for 15 years and this by far was one of the coolest things we have done here! Our guide was awesome, and my friend visiting from Boston thought it was the highlight of her trip. We had some sprinkles during the Mangrove tunnels, but it actually really added to the awesome atmosphere! You guys are so professional and yet laid back. I am so glad that you offer such great service!!!! And my daughter loved it so much she wants to plan her birthday as a kayak outing with a group of her girlfriends. So plan on hearing from us again soon. more

We live part of the year in Ontario and the other part on Lido Key, Florida. A few years ago we discovered kayaking with David Wells and Almost Heaven Kayaking. He was so patient and helpful as we learned the fundamentals of kayaking in Sarasota Bay. We have done numerous guided eco tours with David and his staff. They are all so friendly, informed and just love what they do. Their in-depth knowledge of the local eco system and waterways makes the tour so much more than just kayaking. Almost Heaven Kayaking got us hooked. It’s a “must do” when family and friends come to visit. And it’s the first thing my children ask to do “go on the kayaking with the manatee guy!” Thanks David and Almost Heaven for introducing us to the beauty in our backyard that we never knew existed. more

We are experienced kayakers and decided to take a self-guided adventure during our stay in Siesta Key. We found Almost Heaven Kayaking on Trip Advisor. And the reviews were right. The staff was extremely helpful and the kayak rentals were the best part of our vacation. The guides didnt go kayaking with us but gave us great suggestions on finding shells, dolphins and manatees. They even gave us a laminated map they created of the kayaking routes so we didnt get lost. The kayaks were brand new and we were able to keep them all day. We even enjoyed a picnic on a deserted island by the mangrove tunnels. It was a relaxing and peaceful day. Almost Heaven Kayaks is a great company and its employees love what they do. Highly recommended! more

Our entire family took a kayak eco trip with Almost Heaven Kayak Adventures on our vacation to Siesta Key, Florida. It was the best part of our entire vacation. We kayaked down the Myakka River with hundreds of alligators…seriously – there were hundreds! It was great. Our tour guide was so informative and made us feel very safe. We explore the State Park (via the Myakka River) and saw lots of tropical birds and Eagles. I highly recommend this company and this kayaking eco to anyone vacationing in the Siesta Key/Sarasota area. more

My family had a great time kayaking with Almost Heaven Kayak Adventures during our vacation to Siesta Key Florida. We had so much fun on our first eco tour through the mangrove tunnels on Lido Key (Sarasota), that we actually took a second tour with Almost Heaven with the alligators on the Myakka River. Both tours were simply amazing. The South Lido tour was a steady paddle around Otter Key. My 15 year old daughter actually had a family of dolphins jumping and playing around her kayak. Its all she has talked about for two weeks. My husband and I also loved the mangrove tunnels and lagoons. We saw a bunch of nesting birds and baby chicks. My sons loved the Myakka River tour. We saw over 100 alligators while paddling the river. Huge alligators, and turtles, eagles and the list goes on. I was very nervous at first but after awhile, they just became part of the scenery. Thanks to David, Ron and all the guides at Almost Heaven Kayak Adventures. You were recommended by our hotel, and the local chamber. And we will certainly recommend you to everyone we talk with. We will see you on our next vacation! more

My young children had a great experience kayaking with David Wells and Almost Heaven Kayak Adventures. They learned about the eco system, how to protect the waterways, and the importance of mangroves on the local habitat. My youngest wrote a class paper about a manatee that was published in our local newspaper. It was a great time. We will certainly be back on our next vacation to Sarasota, Florida. more

We were nervous about the alligators but it was a surreal experience. The nature kayaking down the Myakka River was awesome. I can’t even put it into words. And, the alligators didn’t want anything to do with us. But it was amazing to get so close. Thanks for a memorable vacation! more