Are you looking for the best clear kayak tours in St Petersburg FL? We are here to help!
St Pete FL is one of the best places to visit in Florida. It’s lively, colorful and home to some of the best beaches in Florida.
It’s also a great destination for people who love water activities since you can do all sorts of things such as kayaking, snorkeling, swimming, dolphin tours, SUP and many more.
If you like the idea of kayaking in St Pete FL but don’t want to miss out on the view you’d get if you were snorkeling, a St Pete FL clear kayak tour would be ideal.
You will be with a local guide who will bring you to the best spot and you can fully appreciate the beautiful blue of the water and the fish swimming underneath your kayak since it’s see through.
It is a lot of fun and you will get to see things you wouldn’t have with a normal kayak.
In this article, we help you find the best places for clear kayaking in St Petersburg FL. You can find below all the best clear kayak tours in St Pete FL.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost for you!
1. Clear Kayak Tour of Shell Key Preserve and Tampa Bay Area
⏰Duration: 2 hours
⭐Reviews: 5/5. See all reviews here.
This one is the ultimate St Pete clear kayaking tour. With over 3,000 reviews and a rating of 5 out of 5, it can hardly get better than that!
The tour starts in Tierra Verde (this is a popular kayaking spot in St Pete because there are beautiful mangroves), in front of Billy’s Stone Crab restaurant.
You can easily park here and should see the clear kayak very quickly. You will then be greeted by your guide.
Once the entire group is here (don’t worry though, it will be a small group. The company has a small fleet of 5 clear kayaks and likes to keep it that way so you get a better experience on the water), the guide will give you the safety brief and explain how to use the paddle.
You will then start the tour and head to Shell Key. This is one of the most beautiful hidden gems in St Pete and you will love it! There are many mangrove islands and the wildlife is incredible.
Depending on the season, you will see different creatures but pelicans and Roseate Spoonbills are common.
Of course, you might also get to see manatees and dolphins!
Please note that none of the kayaking companies in St Pete can guarantee any sighting. Obviously, all these animals are wild and although the guides know their habits and will do their best, there is always an element of luck.
There are several stops during the tour including one on a sandy shoreline if the tide allows it. You will be paddling a fair bit but will also have plenty of time to rest and enjoy the explanations given by the guide.
What are the reviews like?
❤️ “She was the BEST guide! She was informative, fun, and helpful.”
❤️ “My family and I loved this trip! It was well worth the time and money.”
What is included?
- Clear kayaks (tandem), paddles, seats and dry bags
- Safety equipment
- Tour guide
2. Small-Group Clear Kayak Tour in Shell Key
⏰Duration: 2 hours
⭐Reviews: 4.5 / 5. See all reviews here.
This is another St Pete Beach clear kayak tour to consider. It also starts in Tierra Verde (at 2830 Pinellas Bayway S) and will take you to the beautiful Shell Key as well as Fort DeSoto.
These are two popular spots for kayaking in St Pete because they are known for their wildlife and being a bit off the beaten path.
The tour is around 4-mile long and lasts 2 hours. Please note that you do not need to be an expert to join this tour, the guide will explain how to paddle and use the kayak if it’s your first time.
You will go through several mangrove tunnels which is such a unique experience. The wildlife in the mangroves is incredible and the guide will point out a lot of things. It’s a great way to learn about the local ecosystem.
Having clear kayaks is also an advantage because you will get to see more sea creatures. It’s not unusual to see cormorants swimming underneath the kayaks!
There will also be a beach break on Shell Key.
PRO TIP: Make sure to wear a hat because it will be very sunny. A cap is preferred though since big hats could be more annoying in the mangrove tunnels.
What are the reviews like?
❤️“Wonderful experience! The guide was awesome, very knowledgeable about the local ecosystem and pointed out lots of wildlife along the trip.”
What is included?
- Kayak, paddles and safety jacket
- Free parking at the Tierra Verde Marina Resort
- Tour guide
3. Shell Key Clear Kayak Glow in the Dark Tour
⏰Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
⭐Reviews: 5 / 5. See all reviews here.
If you are looking for a unique thing to do in St Pete, this night clear kayak tour will be perfect for you!
You will also be leaving from Tierra Verde and exploring Shell Key Preserve except that this time, it will be in the evening and the kayak is equipped with glow in the dark LED lights.
It’s a great way to discover the area in a different way. The lights make the atmosphere quite magical and you should get to see some animals you wouldn’t necessarily during the day.
The eco tour guides are very knowledgeable. They know the area like the back of their hands and will bring you to the best spots to maximise the chances of seeing fish, manatees, sharks and birds.
It would be quite difficult to do this on your own so being with a local guide is such a huge plus.
Also, the LED lights illuminate the water in such a beautiful way. Don’t forget to take your phone (in a waterproof bag though) because you can get some beautiful photos during the tour.
The tour is open to kayakers of all levels. Even if it’s your first time, it’s not a problem, the guide will explain everything.
Depending on the slot you book, you might also get to enjoy the sunset at the beginning of the tour, which makes the experience even more magical.
What are the reviews like?
❤️“Went on a LED light night tour and had an absolute blast. It was so beautiful out there. A night tour is a great way to have super fun and stay out of the hot sun. I would definitely do this again!”
What is included?
- Kayak, paddles and safety jacket
- LED lights on the clear kayak
- Tour guide
4. Illuminated Clear Kayak LED Glow Nights Paddle
⏰Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
⭐Reviews: /5. See all reviews here.
This is another great night clear kayak tour in St Petersburg FL. You will be leaving from Tierra Verde with your guide and discover some of the beautiful mangrove tunnels at night.
It will be an amazing opportunity to discover St Pete with a whole new light (pun intended).
Some of the wildlife only shows up at night so you get to see things you wouldn’t during the day.
Also, since it can be quite hot during the day, it’s a great way to enjoy a clear kayaking experience in St Pete without suffering from the heat.
Please note that the kayaks are tandem so you will be with the person you booked with, otherwise you may be paired up with someone else from the group unless it’s an odd number.
What are the reviews like?
❤️“The mangrove tunnels and the secrets only found at night made this excursion the best on our vacation.”
What is included?
- Kayak, paddles and safety jacket
- LED lights on the clear kayak
- Tour guide
- Bottled water
5. Sunset & Glow Tour Treasure Island
⏰Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
⭐Reviews: /5. See all reviews here.
This awesome sunset clear kayak tour in St Pete FL is perfect for people who want to do something different and enjoy the beautiful Florida sunsets.
Unlike all the other tours that focus on the Shell Key area, this one will take you along the canals of Treasure Island.
Treasure Island is located near St Pete Beach and is one of the best places to stay in St Pete if you like some calm and quiet.
It’s a beautiful area with loads of dolphins and the perfect place to go kayaking.
You will meet your local guide at The BoatDega. There is free parking so you can easily leave your vehicle there. Also, you can find restrooms there so make sure to go before the tour since you won’t get a chance until you go back.
You will then go on the canals with your LED light clear kayak (don’t forget to take pictures because it’s very pretty). You will also learn plenty about the local wildlife and your guide will take you to some spots where you can see fish and birds.
Admittedly, you won’t get to see as much wildlife here as you would on Shell Key but it’s such a peaceful spot that it has just as much charm.
Please note that if you are traveling with a small dog, this is the only dog friendly clear kayak tour in St Pete so that’s the one for you. You can take your dog with you as long as it’s small and well behaved.
What are the reviews like?
❤️“My family loved being out on the water at sunset. Gorgeous! Our guide was patient, kind, and knowledgeable. We learned quite a bit about the local wildlife.”
What is included?
- Kayak, paddles and safety jacket
- LED lights on the clear kayak
- Tour guide
Best Clear Kayak Tours in St Petersburg FL: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are all the answers to the most frequently asked questions about clear kayaking in St Pete FL.
What should I wear during a clear kayak tour in St Pete FL?
We recommend wearing a swimsuit (or bathing shorts) since you might get a bit wet. If you opt for a day tour, a cap will also come in handy as the sun can be quite strong.
In terms of shoes, water shoes are ideal. Alternatively, you can wear trainers as long as you don’t mind if they get wet.
What should I take with me for a clear kayak tour in St Pete Beach?
We recommend you pack a towel as well as a bottle of water. If you have a waterproof pouch for your phone, take it as well so you can keep your phone around your neck and take photos.
A waterproof GoPro would also come in handy.
Finally, make sure to take a bottle of water since you will be doing quite a bit of exercise.
What are good kayaking trails in St Petersburg FL?
There are many amazing places for kayaking in St Petersburg FL but the ones we particularly recommend are Shell Key, Fort De Soto, Caladesi Island State Park and Weedon Island.
How many people can be on a Clear Kayak?
All the tours mentioned below have tandem kayaks which means you will be two on the kayak. If you’ve booked with someone, you can be with the person you booked with.
If you booked only for yourself, you will be paired up with someone else from the group unless it’s an odd number, in which case you can get the kayak for yourself.
How many people can participate in the St Pete Clear Kayak Tour?
All tour operators offer small group tours. This is much more comfortable for you as a participant since you can ask more questions to your guide and it also makes it easier to navigate, especially in the mangroves.
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