Set Sail with Selby Gardens: Experience Sarasota from the Water

If you’re yearning for a taste of classic Old Florida, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens has reintroduced one of Sarasota’s most beloved experiences — Set Sail with Selby Gardens. This enchanting coastal cruise offers a rare opportunity to explore Sarasota from the water, just as early settlers once did.

Running every Saturday through late April 2026, this thoughtfully curated journey blends scenic boating, historic discovery, and world-class botanical beauty into one unforgettable day.

A Journey Through Sarasota’s Past

The cruise travels along the Intracoastal Waterway, connecting Selby Gardens’ Downtown Sarasota campus with Historic Spanish Point in Osprey. This tranquil route mirrors the path early explorers took when boating was the primary way to navigate the area. Along the way, you’ll enjoy peaceful water views, coastal charm, and a deeper appreciation for Sarasota’s rich history.

Land, Sea, and a Beautiful Lunch

The experience includes lunch at Michael’s on East, a local Sarasota institution, along with full access to both Selby Gardens campuses. After returning, guests have additional time to stroll through the Downtown gardens, allowing for a leisurely and immersive visit.

Event Details

• Schedule: Saturdays through late April 2026

• Time: 9:45 a.m. to approximately 3:30 p.m.

• Tickets: $150 per person | $135 for Selby Gardens members

• Availability: Very limited — advance reservations required

Tickets frequently sell out, so planning ahead is essential.

Why It’s a Must-Do Sarasota Experience

Set Sail with Selby Gardens offers a unique way to experience Sarasota beyond the beach — combining history, nature, fine dining, and waterway views in a way that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly special.

If you want to see Sarasota as its earliest residents once did, this is truly an experience not to miss.

👉 Purchase tickets and reserve your spot today. www.selby.org