Sarasota Bay: CraigCat Catamaran Tour & Fruit Snacks

Summary

Compact catamarans skimming Sarasota’s Intracoastal with fruit snacks

You’ll steer your own compact catamaran through Sarasota Bay’s sparkling waters with a local guide nearby, pausing by Lido Key and Bird Key for stories and laughs. Expect salty breezes, cold fruit cups from your cooler, and plenty of time to get comfortable behind the wheel—even if you’re nervous at first.

What’s the experience like?

Hands gripping the little steering wheel tighter than I’d admit, I nudged the CraigCat forward and felt that first jolt of speed—sort of like a go-kart but on water. Our guide, Mike, waved us out into Sarasota Bay with this big “you’ll be fine” grin. I could smell sunscreen and salt air mixing together, and there was this faint hum from the other boats zipping by Lido Key. The seat next to me was just close enough for my friend to elbow me every time I got too nervous about steering near Bird Key’s docks. We’d both laughed way too loud when a pelican swooped low over the bow—almost like it was showing off.

I didn’t expect how much you actually feel the water on these compact catamarans. It’s not rough, exactly—more like a gentle slap under your feet every few seconds, especially when you hit a wake. Mike kept calling out little facts about the houses along the shore (one belonged to someone famous, apparently?) but honestly I was more distracted by the way sunlight bounced off the waves. There were moments where everything went quiet except for that watery slapping sound and some gulls overhead. Oh—and those fruit cups in the cooler? Lifesaver after an hour in the sun. Cold pineapple tastes different out here, you know?

We stopped for a bit so everyone could just float and let their legs dangle over the edge if they wanted—nobody rushed us. A couple of kids in another boat started splashing each other and their laughter kind of echoed across the bay; it made me smile without really thinking about it. The waterproof bags came in handy too since my phone would’ve been toast otherwise (I’m still not sure how water gets everywhere). By the end, steering felt almost natural…or at least less terrifying than at first. I still think about that view back toward Sarasota as we turned around—the sky all hazy blue and gold.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — CraigCat tour through Sarasota waterways

• Board 2-seater CraigCat catamarans
• Navigate Intracoastal waterway
• Pass Sarasota Bay
• Pass Lido Key
• Pass Bird Key

Top questions

How long is the CraigCat sightseeing tour in Sarasota Bay?

The tour lasts approximately 2 hours on Sarasota Bay.

Is there food or drink included on this catamaran tour?

Yes, bottled water and fruit cups are provided in a cooler during your tour.

What do I need to bring for the CraigCat tour?

You should bring your driver’s license if you want to drive, plus anything else you need—waterproof bags are included for belongings.

Are there age or weight restrictions for this tour?

Yes, participants must be at least 5 years old; weight limit is 250 lbs per seat; drivers must be 18+ with a valid license.

Where does this Sarasota catamaran tour go?

The route takes you through Sarasota Bay’s Intracoastal Waterway past Lido Key and Bird Key.

Is pickup included with this day trip?

No hotel pickup is included; public transportation options are available nearby.

Do I need boating experience or a license?

No prior boating experience is needed; drivers take a short temporary boater license test before departure.

What’s included

Your outing includes use of a two-seater CraigCat compact catamaran guided through Sarasota Bay’s waterways, bottled water and chilled fruit cups waiting in your cooler, all necessary fees and taxes covered up front, waterproof bags to keep your stuff dry, plus life jackets provided before heading out onto the water.