Tour Our Downtown Sarasota Campus
Group tour programs provide an immersive experience of Selby Gardens and highlight art installations, botanical research, history, and behind the scenes explorations. Group tours receive a discounted group rate and supplemental educational materials. Tours are led by trained educators and are appropriate for all ages and audiences. Looking for something special? Our tours can be tailored to meet the specific needs and requests of the groups.
General Tour Information
- Tours begin at 10:30 a.m., and can be reserved every half hour, with the last tour available at 4:00 p.m.
- For groups of 20+ people, a $300 nonrefundable deposit is required at the time the tour is confirmed. This deposit will be deducted from the program total during final payment. This deposit is refundable only when Selby Gardens initiates a cancellation.
- One form of payment required. Payments must be made in full one week prior to the scheduled tour date.
- Group rates are not available at the Welcome Center. Members and the general public are required to reserve advance tickets to qualify for the group rate.
- Tours must be booked a minimum of one week in advance. Last-minute bookings may be available, however are subject to additional fees.
- Tour tickets include general admission. No additional discounts, coupons, or guest passes may be used. No refunds will be issued for day-of-event adjustments in attendance.
- Comfortable shoes and attire are suggested, as the tours have both indoor and outdoor components.
- Personal Care Attendants (PCA) and bus drivers receive free admission with their groups.
- Most tours are ADA accessible. Wheelchairs are available on loan, free of charge, but are limited in number and are available on a first-come-first-served basis.
- Hungry after your tour? Ask about our bundled dining packages and special rates. Boxed lunches, buffet options, dietary accommodations, and private dining areas are available.
- Ask about applying your tour ticket towards a Selby Gardens’ membership!
- For questions about group tours, contact: Ross Johnston, Manager of Visitor Engagement, 941.366.5731 ext. 243 or rjohnston@selby.org
Selby Gardens By Boat
In tribute to the coastal heritage of our region and of our two campuses, we now offer a visitors a whole new, “old Florida” way to experience them—from the water!
$140 per person / $125 for Selby Gardens members
Includes RT boat tour, admission to both campuses, lunch voucher ($20 value)
NEW! Savage Science: Carnivorous Plant Tour
Downtown Sarasota Campus Date and time flexible, with advanced registration required
Take a terrifying tour of Selby Gardens’ Savage Garden! In this new program, learn about different species of carnivorous plants, the shocking science behind their abominable appetite, and take part in your very own feeding frenzy. During each tour, you will be able to feed the plants in a live, hands-on demonstration, and experience the gruesome reason they are called carnivorous! As a bonus, at the end of each tour, guests will bring a carnivorous plant home with them. Designed for families and audiences of all ages.
Tour Fee: Members $43/Non-members $48 (general admission is included in the tour ticket)
Tour Size: 10 people maximum
Reservations: Email tours@selby.org or call 941.366.5731 ext. 243. Must book at least two weeks in advance
Guided Tours
- Tour Topics:
- Gardens Tour – Current botanical research and Selby Gardens’ history.
- Art Tour – Current art exhibition in the Museum of Botany & the Arts.
- Conservatory Tour – Current botanical collection in the greenhouses.
- Want more than one topic covered on your tour? We can combine programs together for a special bundled rate!
- Includes:
- An educational orientation welcome by a staff member
- Supplemental reading and learning materials
- An educational audio tour
- Educator-guided walking tour
- Group Size: 8 person minimum
- Duration: 60 minutes
- Pricing: Varies by current exhibition:
- $28 per person – Standard rate
- $33 per person – Special exhibition rate
- $43 per person – Behind-the-scenes rate
- Members do not receive a special rate, as their tour purchase pertains to the educator-guided experience
- Tours are dependent on the availability of an educator guide
Self-Guided Tours
- Includes:
- An educational orientation welcome by a staff member (for weekday tours)
- Supplemental reading and learning materials
- An educational audio tour
- Group Size: 8 person minimum
- Duration: Self-paced
- Pricing: Varies by current exhibition:
- $18 per person – Standard rate
- $23 per person – Special exhibition rate
- Member participation is at no cost
- Member participation is not applicable toward the 8 person minimum required to qualify for the group rate
- Weekend tour groups check-in at Will Call inside the Welcome Center to receive tour materials