Glass Bottom Kayaking: Anna Maria Island Clear Kayak

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.50 (88 reviews) 80% rated it 5 stars

Free cancellation

1/8

Duration1h 15m

GroupUp to 20

LanguagesEN

Mobile ticketAccepted

See straight through the kayak to the seafloor

Glass bottom kayaking on Anna Maria Island puts you in a completely clear tandem kayak to watch sea life through the hull as you paddle. The tour runs about 75 minutes at an easy pace, with a guide leading the search for manatees, dolphins, starfish and shells. Life jacket and paddle are included; arrive 15 minutes before your departure time. Viewing marine life is a bonus, not a guarantee.

The Experience

You're paddling in a kayak made almost entirely of clear material—the hull, the sides, even the bottom are transparent. That means as you sit in the boat, the ocean floor and everything moving across it is visible directly beneath you without leaning over the edge or putting your face in the water. The guide leads a slow, easy paddle through the shallows around Anna Maria Island, stopping to point out what's moving below: starfish, conchs, small fish, and if the conditions align, manatees or dolphins. Wear something you don't mind getting wet, because water will splash in and the kayak itself is open to the elements.

Most kayaks on the tour are tandem (two-person), though solo kayaks are available if weight distribution requires it. Tandem kayaks have a 425-pound capacity; solo kayaks max out at 350 pounds. If you're concerned about weight, notify the operator 24 hours before your tour and larger-capacity boards can be arranged. You'll need to arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled launch time—so if you've booked the 10am departure, plan to be there at 9:45am. The tour itself lasts about 75 minutes of paddling and looking.

The operator offers day tours, sunset tours, and a night LED tour (the most popular option). Tour times and location can shift due to traffic, weather or other circumstances, and you'll be notified by text and email if that happens. The booking is processed through Viator, not directly with the tour company, so any refunds related to weather cancellations go through Viator's system. A live English-speaking guide is included, and children as young as 5 are welcome.

What’s included

Life jacket and paddle.
use of a completely clear tandem or solo kayak.
English-speaking guide leading a slow-paced search for sea life around Anna Maria Island.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Fun Florida Tours

Is this one for you?Book the day tour if you want bright light to see through the clear hull clearly, or the night LED tour if you prefer fewer crowds and the novelty of paddling in darkness with underwater lighting. The tour suits anyone comfortable getting wet and able to sit in a kayak for 75 minutes; children from age 5 are welcome, and the pace is easy enough for all fitness levels.