Siesta Key Clear Kayak LED Night Tour & Shell Collecting

Paddle Over the Lit Seafloor at Night in a Clear Kayak

You paddle a transparent kayak over a lit seafloor at night, collecting shells with a net while watching for manatees and dolphins in Siesta Key. The slow pace and 10,000-lumen lights make the seafloor visible the whole time. Life vest and paddle included. Arrive 15 minutes early, and bring clothes you don't mind getting wet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Clear Kayak LED Glass Bottom Tour

• Arrive 15 minutes before launch
• Wear clothes suitable for water
• Launch from Sarasota parking lot
• Paddle slowly in clear kayak
• Use nets to collect shells
• Look for manatee, dolphin, conch
• Enjoy LED-lit seafloor views

The experience

You arrive 15 minutes before launch: the parking lot on the Sarasota side of Siesta Key is already quiet, the water ahead dark. The kayaks are lined up, transparent hulls catching the last light. Once you're in and the paddle starts, the 10,000 lumens kick on underneath, and the seafloor lights up like someone switched on a stage. Conch shells, sand ripples, the occasional shadow of something moving. It's all there, visible through the bottom of the kayak while you float above it.

The pace is slow, which means you're not fighting the water or your own breathing. You get a net to collect shells as you go, and the guide points out what's moving below: manatees and dolphins show up sometimes, though there's no guarantee. The water's calm enough that tandem kayaks work for most groups (unless there's a weight concern, which you'd flag 24 hours ahead), so you're either paddling with someone or solo depending on the booking. Either way, you're low in the water, close to what you're looking at, and the darkness above makes the lit seafloor feel like the only thing that matters.

Tours run at 6pm, 8pm, or 9:30pm, and the whole thing moves at a pace that lets you actually see things instead of just passing over them. Wear something that can get wet: the kayak's clear, not waterproof, and splashes happen. The life vest and paddle are included, and if Siesta Key isn't available that night due to weather or traffic, they'll move you to Sarasota or Anna Maria Island and let you know by phone or email before you head out.

What’s included

Your tour includes a life vest and paddle, use of a clear kayak (tandem or solo depending on your group), and a net for collecting shells as you paddle. The 10,000-lumen LED lights are built into each kayak to illuminate the seafloor throughout the night.

Information

Lasts 1h 15m, runs every day at 18:30 and 20:00, 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 and 20:00Another 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 2 days ago

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 at night without needing scuba gear or a boat. The clear kayak and lights do the work, and the slow pace means you actually have time to look at what's below instead of paddling past it.

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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 the night kayak tours start?

Tours depart at 6pm, 8pm, or 9:30pm. Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled time.

Can I go alone, or do I have to share a kayak?

Kayaks are tandem by default, but solo kayaks are available if you have a weight concern or if the group has an odd number. Notify the operator 24 hours in advance if you need a solo kayak.

What's the weight limit for the kayaks?

Tandem kayaks hold up to 425 lbs combined. Solo kayaks hold up to 350 lbs. Let them know in advance if you're near the limit.

Will I definitely see manatees or dolphins?

Marine life sightings are a perk of the tour, not a guarantee. The seafloor is always lit and visible, but animals appear based on conditions and time of year.

What's included in the tour?

Life vest, paddle, use of the clear kayak, and a net for collecting shells are all included.

What if the weather is bad?

Tours may be cancelled or moved to Sarasota or Anna Maria Island due to weather or traffic. You'll be notified by phone or email if changes are made.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. Life vests are provided and the pace is slow.

Where exactly do I go to launch?

Launch is in the parking lot on the Sarasota side of Siesta Key. Do not go to Nora Patterson Bay Island Park.