Sarasota, FL (April 6, 2026) — Siesta Key Watersports has been named the Platinum Winner and First Place Overall for Best Local Watersports Company in SRQ Magazine’s 2026 Best of SRQ Local awards, recognizing the company as the top watersports provider in the Sarasota region.
The annual awards are determined by reader votes and highlight standout businesses across Sarasota and surrounding communities. In the watersports category, Siesta Key Watersports received the highest distinction.
“No matter what brings you to Sarasota, there is one, giant unavoidable truth, the sea,” SRQ Magazine writes in its 2026 feature. “Siesta Key Watersports is the starboard selection for Platinum.”
In its 2026 feature, SRQ Magazine also highlighted the company’s guest experience, noting, “Hands down the best tour company in Sarasota because they don’t just take you on the water, they make you feel it. From friendly, knowledgeable captains to breathtaking dolphin encounters and sunset views, every trip feels personal and unforgettable.”
In addition to its Platinum recognition in watersports, Siesta Key Watersports was also awarded Gold for Best Local Tour Company, further reflecting the breadth of experiences offered across its operations.
For more than two decades, Siesta Key Watersports has provided on-the-water experiences for both visitors and locals through a wide range of professionally operated offerings. These include parasailing, dolphin eco excursions, a large fleet of jet skis, rental boats, private charters, and a U.S. Coast Guard inspected shuttle boat designed to safely accommodate larger groups. Parasail vessels and tour boats are U.S. Coast Guard inspected, and all captains hold U.S. Coast Guard Master Captain’s licenses. Every experience is supported by thorough boater safety briefings and led by trained crew.
“This recognition reflects the consistency of our team and the standard we hold ourselves to every day,” said Shawn Fontana, Co-Owner and Operations Lead. “We operate year-round, serving tens of thousands of guests, and we do it with a strong focus on safety, professionalism, and delivering a great experience. To be named Platinum and First Place overall by this community means a great deal to us.”
The company welcomes approximately 50,000 guests annually and provides structured, accessible ways for people to experience Sarasota’s waterways without requiring personal boat ownership.
“We’ve spent more than 20 years building something that gives people real access to the water,” said Ben Marchand, Co-Owner and Director of Marine Operations. “Not everyone owns a boat. What we offer is a safe, simple way for people to get out there and experience Sarasota. We’re really grateful to see that recognized.”
Tour boat operations, including dolphin cruises, sandbar excursions, and sunset trips, remain a cornerstone of the experience and are designed to create memorable moments on the water.
“What makes this special is the experience our captains and crew create every day,” said Chad Lille, Part Owner of Tour Boat Operations. “From dolphin encounters to time spent out on the sandbar and sunsets on the Gulf, our goal is always to make each trip feel personal and memorable. This recognition reflects the work our entire team puts in day after day.”
“We’re incredibly grateful to our team and proud to work alongside them every day,” the ownership team added. “This is a hands-on business, and it takes all of us showing up, day in and day out. Thank you to Sarasota and to all of our amazing guests who have been out on the water with us over the years. We love what we do and look forward to welcoming you back again soon.”
Siesta Key Watersports continues to serve as a long-standing part of Sarasota’s coastal tourism community, providing safe, professionally operated experiences for families, kids, locals, and visitors that connect people to the region’s waterways.
About Siesta Key Watersports
Siesta Key Watersports is a Sarasota-based watersports company offering parasailing, dolphin eco excursions, jet ski rentals, boat rentals, private charters, and group experiences aboard a U.S. Coast Guard inspected vessel. With more than 20 years of experience at its Sarasota location and approximately 50,000 guests served annually, the company provides safe, structured, and accessible ways to enjoy Sarasota’s waterways.
Media Contact
Shawn Fontana
Siesta Key Watersports
SKWatersports@gmail.com
941-921-3030
SiestaKeyWatersports.com
