Robin M.United States
WOW! Jose gave us a GREAT tour and understanding of the Sarasota area. So much so...we decided to purchase a 2nd home here and are under contract! We so look forward to further exploration!
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Private tour in Sarasota Jose U
Sarasota City Tour
5.0
(6) reviews
-
4 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
4 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size
1
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
Jose U.
5.0
Guide rating
11
Reviews
Tours delivered
73 hrs
Avg. response time
Welcome to ToursByLocals. I am a retired environmental attorney with 15 years experience as a Docent at the 3 Ringling museums, avid sportsman (tennis/golf) / river kayaker and 20 year resident of Sarasota, Fl. I am very knowledgeable about and a member of the Selby Botanical Gardens and the Mote Marine Aquarium--the other 2 KEY Sarasota "must see" attractions besides the Ringling complex. I love traveling and have been around the World. My employment has allowed me to be a resident of all areas of the United States. I have practiced law on behalf of both state and federal governmental agencies, the military, and private industry. I aspire to be a Renaissance man and possess a friendly, out going personality. I have authored three historical fiction books detailing the Hispanic experience in the United States. I speak English as my primary language and a conversational Spanish. I look forward to meeting you and providing you a world-class tour of the three major attractions that my beautiful city of Sarasota has to offer. Lastly, I am fully vaccinated and my vehicle is fully cleaned and its interior alcohol wiped after each use. FOR YOUR SAFETY, I HAVE BEEN GIVEN THE TWO CORONAVIRUS VACCINE SHOTS. Trained Docent at the 3 Ringling museums--qualified after taking an 18 month training course and passing an examination. 15 year experience being a Ringling Docent ( gave 2-3 tours per week at the three onsite museums). Member of and frequent visitor to the Mote Marine Aquarium and Selby Botanical Gardens where I have led private tours for the last 15 years. Avid gardener and grower of Florida citrus fruits. Licensed environmental attorney with 30 years legal experience. World traveler and founder of a city- wide serious literature book club. Enjoys wines and playing tennis/golf and river kayaking. Excellent public speaker and very knowledgeable about Sarasota and Florida, their history and current issues facing the local area. Guide's vehicle can accommodate 4 customers comfortably.
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Jose U.
Enjoy 4-hour driving tour through the city and learn its history
Overview of your Sarasota tour
The tour will let you discover the city seeing various places of interest which includes residential areas, water/ocean side, inland, rural, art and cultural venues, country clubs, various architectural styles. I will tell you about the history of Sarasota, both positive and negative aspects of SW FL living as well as economic and social issues at play in the area. The itinerary will be customised based on your request.
Recent Reviews
Cheri K.United States
Jose was a terrific guide. Had great information about Ringling museums. When he is not giving tours he is a docent at the circus museum and also a docent at the Ringling art museum. He included some information on the good and bad of what is currently happening in Sarasota. He knew the plants at the Selby Gardens and the history of the Selby family. If you are so lucky to hire Jose you will have a fabulous time.
Jean K.United States
Jose was a wealth of knowledge on all options Satasota! Great to have him drive & describe culture & history on our way to Selby Botanical Center & Mote Marine Aquarium. We'd done Ringling on our own the day before, yet Jose filled us in on interesting history as an Emeritus Docent. So delightful to get to know Jose's life path intermixed in the adventure! Thank you again, Jose, for the opportunity to explore in comfort (SUV) on a personalized tour!
Mike G.United States
Great tour. Jose was very knowledgeable about ALL Sarasota… geography , history, tourism and especially culture. His insights of all the theater, opera etc events were unrivaled. Very pleasant when answering our questions and the Toyota Highlander was extremely comfortable to tour around in. Highly highly recommend
John V.United States
My wife and I traveled to Sarasota, FL to consider the city as our retirement home. We were interested in learning about the culture, points of interest, activities, and different neighborhoods. We couldn't have asked for a better guide! Jose chose Sarasota for his retirement! He suggested an outdoor show at the Aoslo Repertory Theater later that night that he thought we might enjoy--and we did! We are very happy we chose Jose for this very enjoyable tour to help make our retirement home decision!
Your Sarasota tour itinerary
The tour can be focused on the history of the city or it can be customised based on your interests. Popular attractions include: - The world famous Ringling museums (Art, Circus, and Renaissance mansion) - Selby Botanical Gardens on the Sarasota Bay - Mote Marine sea life rescue center and aquarium on Long Boat Key - Lido Beach on the Gulf of Mexico - Downtown Sarasota shopping and restaurant area. Please, contact me to discuss options and create your favourite itinerary.
Want to customize this tour?
Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.
Transport details
Type: Private Transportation
Private vehicle. Tour Guide's private vehicle is sanitised prior to the tour for your own safety. We can also utilize your customer's rental vehicle if you prefer so.
What's included
Other
Private Guide
Private Transportation
What's not included
Other: Admission tickets are about $20pp each for the Ringling Museum, the Selby Botanical Gardens and the Mote Marine Aquarium if you decide to go there.
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location
Airport: SRQ airport.,Cruise: ,ByGuide:
- You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
City Highlights
History
Architecture
Layover
Tour reference number
788377
Languages
EnglishActivity level
Moderate
Accessibility
Kid Friendly
Wheelchair Accessible
Traveller reviews
5.0
FAQs
Who is this private tour in Sarasota best suited for?
This private tour in Sarasota is perfect for travellers who want to explore the city in depth with a local guide. It's suitable for families, including kids, and is wheelchair accessible, making it a great choice for seniors or those with mobility concerns. With the ability to customize the itinerary, it's ideal for anyone looking to focus on specific interests or skip places they've already visited.
Can this private tour in Sarasota be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?
How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?
Where does the tour start and end?
Is transportation included?
How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?
What languages is this tour offered in?
What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?
Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?
AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide
-
4 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
4 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
More tours in Sarasota by Jose U.
Explore more of Sarasota
Book with a deposit
If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a deposit!
How it works
- Your credit card will be authorized only for the deposit amount.
- Funds will not be withdrawn until your tour booking is fully processed.
- 30 days before your tour date, the remaining balance is automatically charged.