Sunset Clear Kayak Tour St Augustine: 90-Minute Paddle

You paddle through the sunset, not just watch it from shore.

A 90-minute guided kayak tour in St Augustine launches from the Tolomato River estuary in a completely clear kayak, letting you see the water and wildlife beneath you while paddling through the historic inner coastline at sunset. The tour includes safety equipment, paddles and dry bags; a live English-speaking guide leads groups of all fitness levels. Children from age 3 are welcome.

The Experience

You launch from a peaceful estuary near the Tolomato River, just minutes from Downtown St Augustine, and spend 90 minutes paddling through calm coastal waters. The clear kayak is the whole point—the hull is transparent, so you see straight down into the water column as you move. Dolphins, manatees, sea turtles and coastal birds travel these same routes; from inside the kayak, you watch them pass beneath you instead of spotting them at a distance. The guide navigates the inner coastline and calls out what's moving in the water around you.

Timing matters here. The tour runs at sunset, which means the sky transforms into orange, pink and purple overhead while you're actively paddling through it. You're not anchored watching the colors change—you're moving through them, and the light shifts across the water the whole time. The historic St Augustine sights frame the horizon behind you. Bring a camera in the dry bag if you want photos; the angle from water level and the clear kayak bottom make for shots you can't get from land.

The paddle itself is gentle. The water is calm, and the guide handles the route. Safety equipment and paddles come with the kayak. If you've never paddled before, the guide walks you through it; if you have, you'll recognize the rhythm. The tour works for date nights, families with kids from 3 up, friend groups or anyone marking a special day on the water.

What’s included

• 100% clear kayak with transparent hull.
• safety equipment and paddles.
• dry bags for personal items.
• live English-speaking guide leading the paddle through the Tolomato River estuary and St Augustine's inner coastline.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Get Up and Go Kayaking-St Augustine

Is this one for you?At 90 minutes, the tour leaves room for dinner or an evening walk through Downtown St Augustine afterward, making it easy to pair with other plans. The sunset timing means you're paddling as the light changes, so bring a camera if you want the colors—and expect to be on the water, not watching from a dock.

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Top questions

Can I see fish and wildlife from inside a clear kayak?

Yes. The transparent hull lets you see down into the water as you paddle, so you watch dolphins, manatees, sea turtles and coastal birds in their habitat below and around you instead of spotting them at a distance from the surface.

How long is the sunset kayak tour in St Augustine?

The tour runs 90 minutes from launch to return. You spend that time paddling through the Tolomato River estuary and the inner coastline, timing the paddle to catch the sunset colors transforming the sky.

What's included with the clear kayak rental?

The tour includes the 100% clear kayak, safety equipment, paddles and dry bags for your belongings. A live English-speaking guide leads the paddle and points out wildlife and historic sights along the way.

Is this tour suitable for families with young children?

Yes. Children are welcome from age 3. The paddle is gentle, the water is calm, and the guide manages the route. Families often book this for the unique perspective and the chance to see wildlife from the water.

Do I need kayaking experience to join this tour?

No. The tour is suitable for all fitness levels. The guide walks you through paddling technique if you're new to it, and the calm coastal waters make for an easy, steady pace.

What should I bring on the sunset kayak tour?

Bring a camera or phone in the dry bag if you want photos. Wear clothes you don't mind getting wet, and bring sunscreen. The tour launches at sunset, so the light fades as you paddle; a light layer helps as the temperature drops.