Kayaking Rainbow Springs: Glass Bottom Kayaks in Florida

See the springs from inside the water, not above it.

A 2 to 2.5-hour guided kayak tour of Rainbow Springs in Florida where you paddle a clear-bottomed kayak and watch wildlife (fish, turtles, otters, alligators and over 14 bird species) swim directly below you in the crystalline water. The tour includes a quick paddle instruction before launch, multiple stops to photograph the springs and surrounding landscape, and a small group of up to 10 paddlers so the pace stays manageable and sightings don't get rushed.

Step-by-step itinerary

Glass Bottom Kayak Eco Tour

• Receive paddle instructions and tour info
• Launch kayak at starting location
• Paddle through Rainbow Springs waters
• Stop for photos at scenic points
• Get out and enjoy spring water
• Observe wildlife below clear kayak
• Return to launch location

The experience

Rainbow Springs State Park sits in Florida with ornamental gardens, man-made waterfalls and sloping hills that frame the launch point where you'll start and finish the paddle. Before you push off, a guide gives you a quick tutorial on basic paddle technique so you're steady in the water from the first stroke. The kayak itself is the whole point. 100% clear hull, so everything below the surface stays visible as you move: the springs' crystalline water means you're not guessing at what's down there.

The paddle lasts 2 to 2.5 hours depending on the group's pace and what wildlife shows up. Year-round you'll see over 14 different types of birds, fish, turtles, otters and alligators, and the clear kayak puts them within arm's reach of your view without you having to lean or crane. The guide stops at several picturesque points along the way so you can photograph the landscape and the water life, and there are a couple of chances to climb out and wade into the spring water itself if you want to cool off or just stand in it.

Groups stay small, no more than 10 paddlers, which keeps the experience from feeling crowded and means the guide can actually see and hear everyone. You'll get life vests and paddles included, and the whole tour is led in English by someone who knows the local waterways, wildlife and the springs' history.

What’s included

• The tour includes the clear-bottomed kayak, paddle and life vest.
• a quick paddle instruction from the guide before you launch.
• the 2 to 2.5-hour guided paddle through Rainbow Springs with multiple stops to photograph wildlife and landscape.
• and the guide's live commentary in English about the local waterways, wildlife and the springs themselves.

Information

Lasts 2h, runs every day at 09:00, 12:00 and 15:00, from US$ 89 per person, with a live guide in English and in groups of up to 10.

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00, 12:00 and 15:00

GroupUp to 101 private ›

Live guideEnglishOther languages ›

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (under 12)

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortWheelchair accessiblePets welcomeNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Get Up And Go Kayaking - Rainbow Springs

Is this one for you?The paddle is steady and manageable for beginners: the guide teaches paddle technique before launch and keeps the small group moving at a pace that lets everyone stay comfortable and actually see the wildlife below. If you've never kayaked before or haven't paddled in years, this is the tour to start with.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 12).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

What wildlife will I actually see on the kayak tour at Rainbow Springs?

Rainbow Springs is home to over 14 different bird species, fish, turtles, otters and alligators year-round. The clear-bottomed kayak lets you watch them swim beneath you in the crystalline water without disturbing them, and the guide will stop at spots where sightings are most likely.

How does a glass bottom kayak work, and will I stay dry?

The kayak has a 100% clear hull so you can see straight down into the water while you paddle normally on top. You stay dry unless you choose to wade into the spring water at one of the designated stops along the route.

Do I need kayaking experience to paddle at Rainbow Springs?

No experience is required. The guide gives a quick tutorial on basic paddle technique before the tour starts, and the small group size means the pace stays steady and manageable for beginners.

How long does the Rainbow Springs kayak tour take?

The tour lasts 2 to 2.5 hours depending on how fast the group paddles and how long you spend watching wildlife or taking photos at the stops along the way.

Can I get out of the kayak and swim in the springs?

Yes, there are a couple of chances during the tour to climb out and wade or swim in the refreshing spring water at designated stopping points.

What's included in the kayak tour price?

The tour includes the clear kayak, paddle and life vest; the guided paddle instruction before launch; multiple photo stops along the route; and the guide's commentary on local wildlife and waterways throughout the 2 to 2.5-hour paddle.