Sharkey’s Glass Bottom Fish Feeding LED Night Tour in Clearwater

If you’re looking for a way to see a different side of Clearwater, this Glass Bottom Fish Feeding LED Night Tour promises a unique mix of gentle paddling, wildlife sightings, and fish feeding, all under the glow of colorful lights. We’ve looked into this experience to help you decide whether it’s worth your time and money, especially if you’re curious about nighttime water adventures.

What we love most about this tour is how it combines the peacefulness of paddling at night with the chance to get surprisingly close to local wildlife, thanks to LED-lit kayaks. Plus, the opportunity to feed fish up close is both fun and memorable, making it a great choice if you’re traveling with friends or family. On the flip side, some reviews mention issues with the lighting quality and water clarity, so it’s worth considering how these factors might affect your experience.

This tour is best suited for those who enjoy nature, light adventure, and a relaxed pace. If you’re after high-intensity activities or crystal-clear waters, this might not be the best fit. But if you’re open to a calm, intimate exploration of Clearwater’s ecosystem after dark, it could be just the right fit.

Key Points

• A unique night experience combining kayaking, wildlife spotting, and fish feeding.
• LED-lit kayaks create a mesmerizing glow, illuminating underwater life.
• Knowledgeable guides make the experience more engaging and safe.
• Group size limited to 20 travelers ensures a more personalized vibe.
• Great for families, friends, or couples looking for a peaceful, memorable outing.
• Water conditions and lighting quality may vary and affect the overall experience.

What to Expect from the Clearwater Night Tour

This tour takes you through Clearwater’s canals and shoreline in a calm, relaxed setting. It’s roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes long, making it an accessible option for most travelers. The experience starts at the County of Pinellas Boat Ramp, where you’ll meet your guides and get geared up with all safety equipment, including USCG-certified life jackets.

Once you’re on the water, the real magic begins. The kayaks are transparent with high-powered LED lights underneath, which make the underwater scenery come to life after sunset. As you paddle through mangroves and shallow waters, your guides will be on hand to point out wildlife like dolphins, manatees, and a variety of waterbirds. Some groups have been lucky enough to spot dolphins and raccoons, adding a thrill to the peaceful night paddle.

The Fish Feeding Experience

One of the highlights of this tour is feeding the fish. The guides bring fish food, which you’ll use to attract hundreds of fish, many of which will swim right up to your kayak. As one reviewer puts it, “feeding the fish was amazing,” and “the fish will follow our kayaks and get so close you can even touch them.” It’s a surprisingly interactive activity that turns a simple paddle into a lively underwater spectacle.

The Scenic and Wildlife Aspects

Guides take you into calm, shallow waters where the LED lights highlight the underwater environment, sometimes revealing crabs, shrimp, and conch shells. The water may be murky, so the visualization depends heavily on the quality of the lights, which has been a point of contention among some reviewers. Still, the overall ambiance—quiet, dark, and filled with flickering lights—makes for a calming, almost meditative experience.

Many travelers mention how the guides are friendly and knowledgeable, sharing interesting tidbits about local wildlife and ecosystems. They’re also attentive, checking in to ensure everyone feels safe and comfortable. It’s an experience that feels personal rather than commercial, especially with a group limited to 20 people.

The Pros and Cons Based on Real Experiences

From glowing reviews, we see this tour appeals to many for its unique blend of adventure and tranquility. “The guides were super knowledgeable and friendly,” according to one past guest, which really helps elevate the experience. Several reviewers mention how feeding the fish is the highlight, with comments like “the fish come up to the boat, and you can even touch them,” making it a hit for families or anyone who loves close encounters with nature.

However, not everyone walks away completely satisfied. Some have voiced concerns about the brightness of the LED lights or the water clarity, which impacted how much they could see underwater. One reviewer lamented that “the lights look like a broken glow stick,” which suggests that the visual aspect can be hit or miss depending on weather conditions and lighting setup.

Price-wise, at $62 per person, the tour is reasonably priced considering it offers a guided, intimate experience that combines light activity with wildlife sightings. But some felt the experience didn’t quite match the description—especially regarding the visibility of underwater life—and called it not worth the cost. As one reviewer bluntly said, “it was okay at first, but the description was misleading,” emphasizing the importance of managing expectations.

Practical Details and Tips

Timing and Duration: The tour departs around sunset or later, with the 9:30 PM slot being popular for its quiet, starry vibe. It lasts about an hour and 15 minutes, giving you enough time to enjoy paddling, wildlife watching, and fish feeding without it overstaying its welcome.

Group Size: Limited to 20 travelers, the small group size helps maintain a more personal experience. This is great if you prefer a less crowded outing.

Pricing and What’s Included: At $62 per person, the tour includes all safety gear and fish food. Remember, parking is an additional $2 per vehicle, and bottled water isn’t included, so plan accordingly.

Water Conditions and Clothing: The kayaks are very stable and similar to canoes, so they’re suitable even for beginners. Since the water can be murky, clear viewing depends on lighting, and water does not enter through vent holes, allowing you to wear full clothing and shoes if you prefer. Dress comfortably for the weather—layer in cooler months, as nights can get chilly.

Meeting Point: The tour starts and ends at the County of Pinellas Boat Ramp, which is accessible by public transportation. Arrive a little early to get settled and ready.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

If you’re after a peaceful, scenic night paddle with the chance to see wildlife and feed fish, this tour offers a memorable experience. It’s ideal for families, couples, or groups of friends who enjoy gentle outdoor activities in a calm setting.

Those interested in wildlife observation and nighttime nature will especially appreciate the chance to spot dolphins, manatees, and waterbirds. But keep in mind, if your main goal is crystal-clear underwater views or high-intensity adventure, this might not meet your expectations.

People who appreciate guided experiences with friendly, knowledgeable hosts will find the guides’ insights and attentiveness a real plus. Conversely, if you’re skeptical about water clarity or the brightness of LED lights, it’s worth considering how these factors could impact your overall enjoyment.

Final Thoughts

This sharkey’s glass bottom kayak tour stands out as an atmospheric, gentle introduction to Clearwater’s aquatic life after dark. The experience is about more than just seeing fish—it’s about feeling immersed in a quiet, star-lit environment where nature comes alive beneath your kayak.

The guided element reassures those new to kayaking or unfamiliar with the area, making it accessible for most. The fish-feeding component is a big hit, offering a fun, up-close look at local water creatures. But, as with any outdoor activity relying on natural conditions, water clarity and lighting quality can be inconsistent.

If you’re seeking a relaxing, insightful, and visually magical way to explore Clearwater’s waterways at night, this tour could very well be a highlight of your trip. Just be sure to manage your expectations regarding underwater visibility and lighting, and you’ll likely come away with some charming memories.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, giving you plenty of time for paddling, wildlife watching, and fish feeding.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins and ends at the County of Pinellas Boat Ramp located at 18651 Gulf Blvd, Indian Rocks Beach, FL.

What’s included in the price?
All safety equipment, including USCG-certified life jackets, and fish food for feeding the fish are provided.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly specified, the stable kayaks and gentle pace suggest it’s accessible for most, but check with the provider if you’re unsure about children’s safety.

Are the LED lights bright enough?
Some reviews mention that the LED lights aren’t very bright, which can affect underwater visibility. Expect moderate lighting that enhances ambiance but might limit clear sighting of underwater life.

What wildlife might I see?
Dolphins, manatees, birds, crabs, shrimp, and fish are commonly spotted. The fish often follow the kayaks during feeding, making for fun close encounters.

Do I need to bring anything?
Bottled water isn’t provided, so bring your own if preferred. Dress comfortably for the weather, and wear shoes that can get wet if desired.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

In the end, this tour offers a peaceful, visually charming way to experience Clearwater’s nightlife and wildlife. Perfect for those wanting a low-key adventure or a special evening with loved ones. Just remember that natural conditions can influence what you see—and that’s part of authentic outdoor exploration.