Anna Maria Island Kayaking: Clear Bottom Glass Kayak

See straight through the kayak to the sea life below

A 1 hour 15 minute glass bottom clear kayak tour on Anna Maria Island where you paddle a fully transparent kayak and watch for manatees, dolphins, conch and starfish in the water beneath you. Kayaks are tandem unless you request solo, and a live guide leads the slow, easy paddle. Arrive 15 minutes early for the mandatory safety briefing; the tour launches from Kingfish Boat Ramp next to the "Welcome to AMI" sign.

The Experience

The kayak itself is the whole point here — completely clear from hull to seat, so you're looking straight down into the water the entire paddle. You search for sea life as you go: manatees, dolphins, starfish, conch and other creatures that live in the shallows around Anna Maria Island. It's a slow, easy paddle, not a fitness test, which means you can focus on what's moving below instead of managing the boat.

Tandem kayaks hold two people (up to 425 pounds combined), though solo kayaks are available if you need one or if the group has an odd number. Wear clothes you don't mind getting wet — even a calm paddle sends splashes over the sides, and a partner's paddle stroke can drench you. The tour runs 1 hour 15 minutes total. You'll need to arrive exactly 15 minutes before your scheduled time for a mandatory safety speech; late arrivals are marked as no-shows with no refund.

The launch point is at Kingfish Boat Ramp on Manatee Avenue in Holmes Beach, marked by the "Welcome to AMI" sign. There are no restrooms on-site, so plan accordingly. A live guide leads the paddle and communicates any last-minute changes by text and email to the phone number you used for booking. Children are welcome from age 5 and up.

What’s included

• Use of a 100% clear kayak.
• paddle and life jacket.
• 1 hour 15 minute guided paddle led by a live guide in English.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Fun Florida Tours

Is this one for you?The tour launches from a public boat ramp on Anna Maria Island itself, so you don't need a car to get there — public transportation reaches the area, and the parking and launch happen at the same spot. If you're staying on the island or nearby without a rental, this is how you get on the water.

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Top questions

What will I actually see in the water from a clear kayak?

The tour searches for manatees, dolphins, conch, starfish and other sea life in the shallows around Anna Maria Island. Sightings are a perk of the tour but not guaranteed — the guide knows where to look, but the animals decide whether to show up.

Do I need kayaking experience to paddle a clear kayak?

No. The paddle is slow and easy, designed for all fitness levels, and the guide leads the group. The clear kayak handles like a regular one; the only difference is you can see through the hull.

What's included in the tour price?

The clear kayak, paddle and life jacket are all included. You provide the clothes and the willingness to get damp.

Where exactly do we launch, and is there parking?

The tour launches at Kingfish Boat Ramp, 752 Manatee Ave, Holmes Beach, FL 34217, next to the "Welcome to AMI" sign. You'll park and launch from the same spot. There are no restrooms on-site.

What happens if I'm a few minutes late?

Arrive exactly 15 minutes before your tour time for the mandatory safety speech. Late arrivals are marked as no-shows with no refund — the tour does not wait.