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

Clearwater’s Sharkey’s Glass Bottom Fish Feeding LED Night Tour: A Full Review

If you’re dreaming of a night-time adventure in Clearwater, then Sharkey’s Glass Bottom Fish Feeding LED Night Tour promises something different. This hour and fifteen-minute tour takes you through calm mangrove canals in clear kayaks illuminated with LED lights that reveal the underwater world below. Guided by local experts, you’ll paddle toward wildlife sightings—such as dolphins, manatees, and countless fish—and get to feed the fish right from your kayak. It’s a visual feast that combines nature, light, and movement in a way that appeals to families, groups, or couples seeking a memorable evening.

But, like all experiences, it’s not without its caveats. Some travelers mention that the low tide can limit access to more secluded areas, and the visibility of the illuminated water might not always meet expectations—especially if your hopes are high for seeing a vast variety of marine life. If you’re mainly after a deep dive into the underwater ecosystem, this may not satisfy every wildlife enthusiast.

However, what many adore about the tour are the friendly guides that make sure everyone stays safe and engaged, and the stunning, moonlit views over Clearwater. Plus, the simple pleasure of feeding the fish—getting close enough to touch them—is an experience woven into the tour’s charm. That said, if you’re looking for a more intense or specific aquatic safari, you might find it a little light on the details or variety.

Highlights of Sharkey’s Glass Bottom Fish Feeding LED Night Tour

• Unique Nighttime Experience: Explore Clearwater’s quiet canals illuminated by LED lights that reveal underwater life at night.
• Interactive Fish Feeding: Hand-feed species like catfish, which often gather around the kayaks—an up-close wildlife encounter.
• Stability and Safety: Kayaks are very stable, similar to canoes, with no water seeping in through vents—perfect for full clothing or even shoes.
• Personal Guided Experience: Local guides share interesting facts and ensure safety, making it more engaging than just paddling alone.
• Beautiful Night Views: Expect calm waters, a serene night sky, and sometimes the sight of dolphins or manatees along the route.
• Suitable for All Ages: The experience is accessible for most travelers, including families, friends, and solo adventurers.

What You Can Expect from the Tour

Once you arrive at the County of Pinellas Boat Ramp in Indian Rocks Beach, the tour begins with safety instructions and the provisioning of USCG-certified life jackets and gear. Expect your group of up to 20 travelers to quickly assemble into your clear, LED-equipped kayaks. Weighing stability over speed, these vessels are designed for a gentle paddle through shallow, calm waters.

As your guide leads the way into the mangroves and shoreline, you’ll notice how quiet and peaceful the environment feels, especially at night. The LED underwater lights cast an eerie glow beneath the water’s surface, making every paddle stroke an opportunity for wildlife watching. Many reviewers mention being able to see crabs, shrimp, and even flying fish, along with the thrill of fish following your kayak and snapping at food handed to them—sometimes so close you can touch them.

Feeding the fish is the tour’s jewel. The included fish food attracts hundreds of fish, notably catfish, which tend to gather around the boats when the feeding begins. As one reviewer notes, “The fish will follow our kayaks and get so close you can even touch them!” This creates a playful, almost magical moment that’s truly captivating for kids and adults alike. Even if marine sightings are limited or primarily consist of catfish, the camaraderie and interactions deliver genuine fun.

Occasionally, guides point out other wildlife such as crabs, shrimp, birds, and—if luck is on your side—a dolphin or manatee. Several reviews highlight seeing dolphins and raccoons, and fellow travelers mention the guides’ knowledgeable commentary about the habitats and creatures around you, adding an educational element to the adventure.

The Value for Money and Overall Quality

At $62 per person, this tour sits comfortably in a mid-range price bracket for a guided nighttime water activity. Considering the inclusion of all safety gear and fish food, many find this offers good value. The tour’s intimate nature—as opposed to large, noisy boat trips—makes it more personal and relaxed.

The reviews underscore that the guides often receive high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and knowledge—making the fans’ overall experience warm and engaging. The stability of the kayaks and the casual pace mean families, first-timers, and those nervous about water can feel confident navigating the quiet waters, ensuring enjoyable moments for everyone.

Some reviews mention minor setbacks like inexperienced guides dealing with vehicle issues or the LED lights not being as bright as expected. These are small quirks in an otherwise well-reviewed experience. An efficiency of 12 days’ advance booking indicates that the tour is popular—which is a good sign of its value and appeal.

The experience’s duration, just over an hour, makes it ideal as a light evening activity without being too tiring or time-consuming. Plus, with free cancellation offered up to 24 hours in advance, travelers have some peace of mind when planning.

Additional Practical Tips

• Timing: The recommended departure at 9:30 PM seems to be the most popular, offering a quiet, less buggy experience—many reviewers agree that night paddling at this hour provides calmer waters and better wildlife viewing.
• Weather Considerations: Since the tour is weather-dependent, cloudy skies or rain might cause cancellations or less visibility.
• What to Wear: Dress comfortably, as water might splash or moist clothing due to the calm conditions. In colder seasons, layering such as jackets or jeans will help keep you warm.
• Parking: A modest parking fee of $2 applies, so bring quarters or small change.

Who the Tour Is Best For

This tour suits those looking for a gentle, fun, and original way to see Florida’s wildlife. It’s perfect for families, couples, or groups wanting a relaxed evening outing. Nature lovers who appreciate quiet, starry nights, and interactive wildlife encounters will find this especially appealing. It is less suited for travelers seeking high-adrenaline water sports or intense fishing excursions.

The Sum Up

Sharkey’s Glass Bottom Fish Feeding LED Night Tour offers a distinctly different way to experience Clearwater after dark. The guided aspect ensures safety and a bit of education, while the LED-lit kayaks and feeding activities make it fun and engaging. The overall atmosphere—calm, friendly, and scenic—makes this a great choice for those wanting a memorable night connecting with nature in a relaxed setting.

While some might wish for more varied wildlife or brighter lighting, most visitors seem to leave satisfied, having enjoyed the peaceful paddle and playful interaction with fish. It’s an excellent value for its intimacy and the quality of guides, making it one of the lighter, but uniquely memorable, outings in Clearwater.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is designed to be family-friendly. The kayaks are stable and easy to paddle, with many reviews mentioning kids loving the experience, especially feeding the fish.

How long does the experience last?
The tour duration is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, offering a nice balance between a memorable adventure and not overstaying its welcome.

Do I need previous kayaking experience?
Not at all. The kayaks are stable like canoes, and guides provide instructions. Many reviews mention first-time paddlers enjoying the trip.

What should I wear?
Dress for the weather; wear full clothes and shoes in summer, or layers in cooler months. Water splashes are minimal but possible; staying warm and comfortable is key.

Are the LED lights bright enough?
Some reviews mention the lights not being as bright as expected, but they still effectively illuminate the water for wildlife viewing and feeding.

What wildlife might I see?
Expect fish, crabs, shrimp, birds, and occasionally dolphins or manatees, especially if they’re active around your tour time.

Is parking available on-site?
Yes, there’s a $2.00 per vehicle parking fee at the meeting point.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

Do I need to bring anything?
All safety equipment and fish food are provided. Bringing water and sunscreen (if during the day) is optional; snacks are not included.

For those seeking an interactive night encounter with aquatic life in kind, Sharkey’s LED night tour balances fun, learning, and serenity—a worthwhile addition to any Clearwater agenda.