Sarasota: Clear Kayak LED Night Tour & Shell Collecting

See the Seafloor Light Up While You Paddle at Night in Sarasota

You paddle a clear kayak lit by 10,000 lumens, collecting shells with a net while scanning the seafloor for manatee and dolphin. The tour runs at 6pm, 8pm, or 9:30pm, and you arrive 15 minutes early. Tandem kayaks keep the paddling easy, and the LED lighting is what makes the seafloor visible at all.

Step-by-step itinerary

Clear Kayak LED Night Glass Bottom Tour

• Arrive 15 minutes before launch
• Wear clothes suitable for water
• Board tandem clear kayak
• Use LED lights to view seafloor
• Paddle slowly and collect shells
• Look for manatee, dolphin, and conch

The experience

During the day, you're paddling over water. At night, you're paddling over light. The 10,000 lumens in each clear kayak turn the seafloor into something you can actually see: conch, shells, the shapes of things moving below. It's a slow paddle, so there's time to look, and the kayaks are tandem unless you book solo, which means you're not fighting the boat the whole time. Arrive 15 minutes before your launch window (5:45pm for the 6pm tour, 7:45pm for 8pm, 9:15pm for 9:30pm) and you're on the water in Sarasota with a net in your hand, collecting shells while you float.

The clear kayak night tour runs at three different times, so you can pick the darkness that suits you. Early evening still has some light left. The later slots are full dark. Either way, you're looking for manatee and dolphin. They show up sometimes, they don't always, but the seafloor itself is the real show. The LED doesn't just light things up. It changes what you see. Seagrass, sand ripples, the occasional conch half-buried. You're getting a window seat that doesn't exist on a regular boat tour.

Bring something you don't mind getting wet. The kayak is clear, which means water splashes in, and you're leaning over with a net. Tandem kayaks hold up to 425 pounds. Solo boards max out at 350 pounds, though larger weight-limit boards are available if you notify the operator 24 hours ahead. Weather or traffic can shift the tour location or time, and you'll get a text and email if that happens. They only contact you through the phone number you used to book and your booking-platform email.

What’s included

• Your tour includes use of a clear kayak with 10,000 lumens of LED lighting, a net for collecting shells, and a slow-paced paddle through Sarasota waters. Tandem kayaks are standard.
• solo kayaks available on request. Service animals are allowed.

Information

Lasts 1h 15m, runs every day at 18:30, 20:00 and 21:30, from US$ 65 per person, with a live guide in English and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 18:30, 20:00 and 21:30Another time? ›

GroupUp to 24

Live guideEnglish

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

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (3 to 17 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.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 yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Fun Florida Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see the seafloor without scuba gear or a glass-bottom boat: the clear kayak and LED light do the work, and the slow pace means you're not fighting to stay afloat while you look.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (3 to 17 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What time do I need to arrive before the tour?

Arrive 15 minutes before your launch time. For the 6pm tour, that's 5:45pm; for 8pm, it's 7:45pm; for 9:30pm, it's 9:15pm.

Are manatees and dolphins guaranteed on the night tour?

No. Seeing marine life is listed as a perk, not a guarantee. The LED lighting and the seafloor itself are what you're paying for.

Can I book a solo kayak or do I have to share?

Kayaks are tandem by default. Solo kayaks are available if you request one, and larger weight-limit boards can be arranged with 24 hours' notice.

What's the weight limit for the clear kayaks?

Tandem kayaks hold up to 425 pounds. Solo kayaks max out at 350 pounds. Larger boards are available: notify the operator 24 hours in advance.

What if the weather is bad or the tour gets cancelled?

Tour times and location may change due to weather, traffic, or other circumstances. You'll be notified by text and email. Refunds for weather cancellations are handled by the booking platform.

Do I need to be fit or experienced to paddle?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. It's a slow paddle, not a workout.

What should I wear?

Wear something you don't mind getting wet. Water splashes into the kayak, especially if you're using the net to collect shells.

Is this tour available during the day?

Day tours run at 9am and 11am, but the night tour is the most popular. The LED lighting is what makes the seafloor visible, so night is when the tour works best.