Turtle Beach and Midnight Pass: Siesta Key's Quiet South End

Shells, kayaks and a story about a pass that opened, closed and is now open again.

Siesta Key's south end feels different. At Turtle Beach the sand is a little coarser and darker than on Siesta Beach, which means more shells, and fewer people.

Just beyond it lies Midnight Pass, the channel between Siesta Key and Casey Key that connects Little Sarasota Bay to the Gulf. For centuries it shifted with the tides and storms. It was closed in 1983, and hurricanes in 2024 opened a new pass nearby, bringing fresh water flow back into the bay.

The calm bay side is ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding. Paddle quietly along the mangroves and watch for wading birds, rays, dolphins and manatees.

Our Siesta Key destination page has the full Midnight Pass story, with a map and a timeline.

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