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South Beach Clear Kayak Tour

Guided ·

4.6

(168)

Miami

Kid Friendly

Wildlife

Beginner Friendly

Instant Book

Duration: 2 hours

Pricing

Adult

Ages 12+ • You must select an adult before choosing a child • Single guest bookings: please call us for assistance.

$65

Child

Ages 3 - 11

$49

Description

Clear Kayaking South Miami Beach | Paddle Historic Waterways and Biscayne Bay

See Miami Beach the way most visitors never do — from the water, in a 100% transparent kayak that lets you look straight through the hull into the world beneath your feet. This guided group clear kayak tour takes you through the historic waterways of South Beach, paddling the famous Collins Canal and into the edge of Biscayne Bay while your local guide shares the stories, history, and ecology of one of the most iconic coastlines in America.

Launching from Collins Avenue, you'll paddle past the Collins Waterfront Architectural District — a National Historic Register area featuring more than 110 Art Deco, Mediterranean Revival, and Miami Modern buildings from the 1940s to 1960s. Iconic structures like the Cadillac Hotel, the Ocean Spray Hotel, and Casa Faena line the waterway as you paddle, and the route also passes celebrity-owned waterfront mansions along Biscayne Bay. Beneath your kayak, the shallow, clear waters reveal fish, aquatic plants, and marine life drifting below — a perspective you simply can't get on a paddleboard or an opaque boat.

Adjacent to the Collins District, Biscayne Bay's mangrove forests, seagrass beds, and coral reefs are home to manatees, sea turtles, herons, iguanas, rays, fish, and the occasional dolphin. Wildlife encounters vary by season and are never guaranteed, but your guide will keep a sharp eye out for everything the waterway has to offer.

The pace is friendly and relaxed — tours are designed for all skill levels, from first-timers to experienced paddlers, and your guide will provide basic tips and techniques before you set off.

Duration

Activity time on water: Approximately 2 hours
Total time (arrival, safety briefing, launch, paddle, return): Approximately 2.5 hours
Arrive: 15 minutes before your scheduled tour time

Location / Where to Meet

2400 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33140

Meet your guide at the launch point on Collins Avenue. Look for the clear kayaks upon arrival. Street parking and nearby paid lots are available along Collins Avenue — allow extra time to find parking, especially on weekends and during peak season.

Ages & Requirements

Minimum age: 3 years old
Young children may ride in a tandem kayak with a parent
Children 30 lbs (14 kg) or under must bring their own Coast Guard-approved life jacket, as outfitter-provided sizes do not accommodate this weight range
Weight limit: 425 lbs (193 kg) per kayak; no more than 250 lbs (113 kg) per seat
All guests must have upper body mobility and the ability to walk up and down steps to enter and exit the kayaks
Guests must be able to paddle without assistance (children riding with a parent excepted)
Not recommended for those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health
Reservations are required — walk-ups are not accepted

What's Included

Guided small-group tour
100% clear tandem kayaks, paddles, and seats
Trained and knowledgeable local tour guide
Life jackets (PFDs) and safety whistles
Dry bags
Collectable Miami location sticker

Not Included

Gratuity — never expected, but if you have a great experience, please consider tipping your guide. Standard US gratuity is 20%. A mandatory 20% gratuity is added for groups of 11 or more.
Parking fees
Trip protection (can be added at checkout for an extra fee — recommended for added flexibility)

What to Bring / Wear

Swimsuit or quick-drying clothing you don't mind getting a little wet
Change of clothes for after the tour (paddles will drip water into the kayak)
Water shoes or sandals with straps
Reef-safe sunscreen
Hat & sunglasses
Towel
Reusable water bottle & snacks
Waterproof camera or GoPro — the less gear you bring, the better the visibility through the kayak; the company is not responsible for damaged or lost items
Required paperwork — sign your waiver online before you arrive
Please remove any jewelry, watches, or items you don't want damaged or lost in the water

South Miami Beach Clear Kayaking Tour

ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY Get Up and Go Kayaking - South Miami Beach

FAQs

What makes a clear kayak different from a regular kayak?

The hull is made from 100% transparent polycarbonate, so rather than just looking out at the water around you, you can look straight down through the bottom of the kayak as you paddle. Fish, aquatic plants, rays, and underwater movement are all visible beneath your feet — it's a completely different way to experience the water and one of the things that makes this tour genuinely unlike anything else in South Beach.

What will we see on the tour?

The route takes you along the Collins Canal and into the edge of Biscayne Bay. Along the way you'll paddle past the Collins Waterfront Architectural District — over 110 Art Deco and Miami Modern buildings from the 1940s–60s — as well as celebrity waterfront mansions. Wildlife-wise, guests have spotted manatees, herons, iguanas, rays, fish, dolphins, and sea turtles. Sightings vary by season and can never be guaranteed, but your guide knows these waterways well and will point out everything they spot.

Do I need prior kayaking experience?

No experience is needed. Tours are designed for all skill levels, and your guide will cover basic paddling tips and techniques before you launch. Some sections of the paddle can feel moderately challenging depending on wind and current, but your guide sets a pace that works for the whole group.

I've never kayaked before — can I still join?

Absolutely. These are calm, protected urban waterways — a great place to try kayaking for the first time. For more tips to help you prepare, check out TripOutside's blog post on Kayaking for Beginners!

Are the kayaks tandem or single?

All kayaks are tandem (2 people per kayak). Solo guests and odd-numbered groups may take a kayak out solo or be paired with another guest, depending on availability.

Can I bring a camera?

Yes — a waterproof camera or GoPro in a secure housing is recommended. Keep in mind that the less gear you bring into the kayak, the better the visibility through the clear hull. The company is not responsible for any damaged or lost items.

What happens if it rains?

Unless there is a severe weather event or unsafe paddling conditions, tours operate rain or shine. In the event of a weather cancellation by the outfitter, guests will be offered a full refund or the option to reschedule.

Do I need to arrive early?

Yes — please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled tour time for check-in, waiver signing, gear distribution, and the pre-launch safety briefing

What is the best time of year to kayak in South Beach?

The tour runs year-round. Miami's dry season (November through April) typically brings the most comfortable conditions, with lower humidity and clearer skies. Summer brings warm water and the possibility of wildlife like manatees gathering in the bay, though afternoon thunderstorms are common — morning departures are generally recommended during summer months.