Kayaking Sarasota mangrove forests in a clear kayak

You see straight through the kayak floor to the marine life below.

Kayak through the mangrove forests and tunnels of Jim Neville Marine Preserve in Sarasota in a fully transparent kayak with a naturalist guide. The 2.5-hour paddle takes you from the preserve's sheltered waterways out to Midnight Pass, where you can search for fossilized shark teeth and shells on the beach or swim in the Gulf. Watch for dolphins, manatees, rays, hermit crabs and small sharks visible through the kayak's clear hull as you paddle.

Step-by-step itinerary

Clear kayak tour in mangroves and beach

• Explore mangrove forests in clear kayak
• Listen to expert guide's nature facts
• Look for dolphins and manatees
• Explore shores of secluded beach
• Search for fossilized shark teeth and shells
• Swim in Gulf of Mexico waters
• Kayak back to launch point
• Observe marine life through kayak bottom

The Experience

The clear kayak itself is the whole point. Instead of sitting above the water guessing what moves beneath, you're paddling in a hull you see straight through, so dolphins, rays, conchs and small sharks become visible as you pass over them. Your naturalist guide handles the route and the wildlife spotting, calling out what's moving in the mangrove tunnels and the open water. The kayak comes rigged with a paddle, personal flotation device and whistle; all you bring is the willingness to spend 2.5 hours in the sun on the water.

The route starts in Jim Neville Marine Preserve on the south end of Siesta Key, where the mangrove forests create natural tunnels overhead. From there you paddle out to Midnight Pass and its white sand beach, where you spend 20–30 minutes exploring the shoreline. This is where you can wade in the aquamarine water of the Gulf, hunt for fossilized shark teeth and shells, or just stand on the sand. The paddle back to the launch point keeps the clear-kayak viewing going—hermit crabs, crown conchs and whelks all show up through the floor on the way home.

This requires intermediate physical fitness; you're paddling for the full 2.5 hours, not floating. Children from age 3 are welcome, though they'll need to be comfortable in a kayak. Water and a tip for your guide are optional at checkout. Public transportation options exist nearby if you're not driving.

What’s included

• Clear kayak, paddle, personal flotation device, whistle and all safety equipment.
• naturalist guide leading the route through Jim Neville Marine Preserve and Midnight Pass.
• water and a tip for your guide are optional at checkout.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Get Up And Go Kayaking - Sarasota

Is this one for you?Choose this clear-hull kayak if you have intermediate paddling skills and can handle 2.5 hours of continuous paddling—the transparent bottom lets you spot dolphins and rays underwater rather than just surface ripples.

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Top questions

What marine life will I actually see through the clear kayak?

Dolphins, manatees, rays, small sharks, hermit crabs, crown conchs and whelks are all visible through the kayak's transparent hull as you paddle through Jim Neville Marine Preserve and around Midnight Pass. Your naturalist guide will point out what's moving in the water and mangrove tunnels.

How long is the kayaking part, and how much of it is paddling versus floating?

The full outing is 2.5 hours, and you're paddling for most of it. You spend 20–30 minutes on the beach at Midnight Pass searching for shells and shark teeth or swimming, but the rest is active paddling through the mangroves and open water.

Do I need kayaking experience to book this?

You need at least a moderate level of physical fitness and intermediate paddling ability. The 2.5 hours in the sun with continuous paddling is the main demand; your guide handles navigation and wildlife spotting.

What's included in the kayak rental?

The clear kayak comes with a paddle, personal flotation device, whistle and all safety equipment. Your naturalist guide is included. Water and a tip for your guide are optional add-ons at checkout.

Can children go on this kayak tour?

Children from age 3 are welcome. They'll need to be comfortable sitting in a kayak for 2.5 hours and be able to handle the physical demands of the paddle, since this is an active outing, not a leisurely float.

What should I know about Midnight Pass before I book?

Midnight Pass is a white sand beach at the end of your paddle route where you spend 20–30 minutes exploring. You can wade in the Gulf of Mexico, search the shoreline for fossilized shark teeth and shells, or simply rest before paddling back to the launch point.