Sea Life Encounter Cruise Sarasota (Sarasota Bay Explorers): Prices & What to Expect

This is the educational boat tour in Sarasota, run alongside Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium. Kids love the touch-and-learn moment when the net comes up, and you’ll often see dolphins, manatees and rookery birds too.

What People Love

• Hands-on science. The crew trawls for sea life and shows you what’s on the bay floor.
• Marine biologist guides. You learn as you go, not just sightsee.
• Comfortable boats. Covered 45-foot pontoons with a restroom and cold drinks.

Heads Up

Trips need a minimum number of passengers to run, and reservations only open 4 weeks ahead. Check-in is 30 minutes before departure, so leave time for traffic.

What to Expect

• Length: about 1 hour 45 minutes.
• Price: about $29 adults and $25 kids 3 to 12 (Mote lists a combo with aquarium admission for about $44 adults).
• Departs: next to Mote Marine Laboratory, 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy.
• Wildlife: dolphins, manatees, pelicans, herons, ibis and egrets.

Good to Know Before You Book

• Check in 30 minutes early; boarding starts about 15 minutes before.
• Combine it with Mote Aquarium for a full family day.
• Phone: (941) 388-4200.

Check dates for the Sea Life Encounter Cruise

Check Dates & Book

Pick a date below to see live availability and book directly.

Keep Planning

• Sarasota Vacation Guide
• Haunted Sarasota Trolley Tour
• Siesta Key Travel Guide

This listing is based on the operator’s published details and Google reviews. Vacation Florida hasn’t done this in person yet. Prices were checked in October 2026 and can change.

Sea Life Encounter Cruise FAQ