We had a rough start due to there being a lack of communication between those who work for Surfit and us, but once we met our guide (30 min after our start time), the frustration melted away. He had such a great vibe that we weren't even irritated anymore.
Our guide Orion (yes, like the constellation), was amazing and so knowledgeable. Being a teacher myself, I am always looking to learn and learn I did. My husband and I are moving to the area and wanted the most out of our experience and I have been studying marine biology online to get a head start and Orion was able to expand and confirm my knowledge. He really loves what he does and you can't help but love it for him as well. My husband and I were so bummed that our 2 hours ended. Could have spent the entire day out there with our, now favorite guide, in the world. So bummed, we went and bought our own boards so we can go whenever we want.
We highly recommend the Lido Mangrove tour... and Orion. My husband listened to guides behind us with another company and he was just so happy we got Orion. The experience would have been completely different. <3
Response from Host
Mar 2021
Thank you for your review! I heard about the issues getting you all out on the water and I want to apologize for that confusion. We have talked as a team to make sure things like that don't happen again. I am also so glad that you had a good time on the tour. The area is so special and interesting and it changes everyday. I am glad you will have the opportunity to explore more. Feel free to check with us anytime you go out. We are happy to let you know where we last saw manatees, best fishing spots etc. And, if you are ever looking for other great paddle locations in the area---we have some great suggestions there as well. Our goal has always been to get people outside and on the water more so we are happy to help in anyway we can. Once again, thanks for your open and honest review. (By the way, we do have a paddle club for local paddlers looking to get out more in different locations. Find the Sarasota Paddle Club on Facebook. New events will be posted starting in late May and through the rest of the year.)