Siesta Key is one of the most popular beach destinations in Florida for families, friends, and groups looking to enjoy time on the water. With its soft white sand, clear Gulf waters, and laid-back beach atmosphere, it is the perfect place to relax during the day and find a little adventure along the way.

Whether you’re visiting with kids, celebrating a bachelorette weekend, traveling with friends, or planning a spring break getaway, there are plenty of activities that make a beach day on Siesta Key even more memorable.

Here are some of the best things to do while visiting Siesta Key.

Banana Boat and Unicorn Rides on Siesta Beach

Riders climb aboard a large inflatable and hold on as the boat pulls them across the Gulf waters just offshore from the beach. After a quick safety briefing, our crew takes riders out beyond the swim zones where there is plenty of open water for a fun and splash-filled ride.

These rides are perfect for families, groups of friends, bachelor and bachelorette parties, and spring breakers looking to add some energy to their beach day. Some groups prefer a smoother ride, while others ask the captain to turn up the fun with a few extra bumps and splashes.

Because riders are picked up just offshore in waist-deep water outside of the swim zones, it is an easy activity to add to your beach day without ever leaving the sand.

Banana boat & Unicorn rides have become one of the most popular things to do on Siesta Key for families, spring breakers, and groups visiting Sarasota.

👉 Reserve your Banana Boat or Unicorn ride here

Dolphin Tours Around Siesta Key

Seeing dolphins in the wild is one of the highlights of visiting Siesta Key.

Siesta Key Dolphin tours cruise through the calm waters of the Intracoastal Waterway and nearby Gulf areas where bottlenose dolphins are often seen swimming, jumping, and playing near the boat. Guests can choose from a relaxing morning tour, a midday sandbar tour, or a beautiful sunset cruise, each offering a different way to experience the waters around Siesta Key.

It is a relaxing activity that families, couples, and groups of friends all enjoy while taking in the scenery and watching for wildlife along the way. Many guests say spotting dolphins in the wild ends up being one of the most memorable parts of their trip.

Just remember. Dolphins are not paid employees, so their appearance is always on their own terms.

Jet Ski Adventures

Jet skis are one of the most exciting ways to explore the waters around Siesta Key. Riding across the Gulf gives you a completely different view of the island, with wide open water, sea breezes, and beautiful coastal scenery in every direction.

Guests can cruise across the waves, enjoy the thrill of the ride, and take in views of the Siesta Key shoreline and nearby waterways. Jet skis are a favorite activity for couples, groups of friends, and visitors looking to add a little adrenaline to their vacation.

For many visitors, it is the perfect mix of adventure and sightseeing. Fast enough to get your heart pumping, but relaxed enough to enjoy the incredible views of Sarasota’s Gulf Coast.

Siesta Key Beach Playground

For families visiting with younger kids, the Siesta Key Beach playground is a great stop during the day.

Located near the main beach pavilion, the playground offers climbing structures, slides, and shaded areas where kids can play while parents relax nearby.

The Siesta Key Drum Circle

If you are visiting on a Sunday evening, the Siesta Key Drum Circle is a local tradition worth experiencing.

As the sun sets over the Gulf, musicians and visitors gather near the public beach to play drums, dance, and celebrate the evening. The atmosphere is fun, relaxed, and welcoming for families, couples, and groups alike.

Pro tip. Stop by a local dollar store or Walmart and grab a pack of glow sticks for the kids. If you are reading this before your trip, toss a few in your suitcase. They make the whole experience even more fun for little ones and the big kids too.

Make the Most of Your Time on Siesta Key

Siesta Key is the kind of place where beach days turn into unforgettable memories. Whether you are riding a banana boat with friends, spotting dolphins, cruising across the water on a jet ski, or dancing at the sunset drum circle, there is always something happening on the water.

If you are looking for a fun activity to add to your beach day, banana boat and unicorn rides are one of the most popular group experiences on Siesta Key.

👉 Learn more or reserve your ride here:
https://siestakeywatersports.com/banana-boat-adventures/

Bring your crew, hold on tight, and get ready for one of the most fun adventures on Siesta Key.