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Weeki Wachee Sunset Glow Clear Kayak Tour
Pricing
Ages 18+
Ages 15-17
Ages 3-14
Description
Sunset & Glow Clear Kayak Tour on the Weeki Wachee River
The tour begins in the Weeki Wachee River estuary at the quietest time of day, when coastal birds come in to roost and raccoons start foraging along the shoreline. You'll paddle through the calm, spring-fed freshwaters of the lower Weeki Wachee River as the sky transforms into brilliant shades of orange, yellow, and pink behind the palm trees. After the sun dips below the horizon, your guide lights up the LED lights embedded in the bottom of the clear kayaks — creating a stunning, otherworldly glow as you float back through the darkening river.
During summer months, fireflies join the light show along the shoreline. During manatee season (November 15 – March 31), this tour offers a chance of manatee encounters in the evening hours as the river quiets down. Keep an eye out for manatees, dolphins, alligators, turtles, herons, and other nocturnal wildlife as the day transitions to night.
Your guide is a certified Florida Master Naturalist and Guardian Guide with the Save the Manatee Club — so whether you're here for a romantic date night, a family adventure, or simply something completely different, you'll leave with stories, photos, and a genuine connection to one of Florida's most beautiful waterways.
Duration
- 2 hours
- Please arrive 15–20 minutes early for check-in and safety briefing
- Tour timing varies by season to align with sunset — check specific tour times at booking
Location / Where to Meet
8092 Marys Fish Camp Rd, Weeki Wachee, FL 34607
Ages
- Minimum age: 3 years old
- One adult required per child aged 14 and under
- Children weighing 30 lbs (14 kg) or under must bring their own Coast Guard-approved life jacket
What's Included
- Clear tandem kayak with built-in LED lighting
- Paddle and personal flotation device (PFD)
- Life jackets for children over 30 lbs (14 kg)
- Contribution to manatee conservation (portion of proceeds donated)
Not Included
- Gratuity — never required but greatly appreciated
- Trip Protection — can be added at checkout for an extra fee
What to Bring / Wear
- Swimsuit or quick-drying clothing & towel
- Water shoes or sandals with straps
- Reef-safe sunscreen (applied at least 20 minutes before departure)
- Hat & sunglasses for the early portion of the tour
- Reusable water bottle
- Extra layers of clothing — evenings on the water can be cool even in summer; bring a light jacket or sweatshirt
- DEET-free insect repellent — recommended for evening tours
- Dry bag for valuables
- Please remove any jewelry, watches, or valuables you don't want to lose or get wet
Wildlife Guidelines
Please be respectful of all wildlife encountered during the tour. Never chase, harass, feed, or touch any wild animals including manatees, dolphins, turtles, alligators, or birds. If a manatee approaches your kayak, use the "Freeze and Float" method — remain still and let the animal interact on its own terms. Manatees are federally protected and touching them is illegal.
Your guide will share responsible wildlife viewing practices before and throughout the tour.
Videos
ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY Get Up and Go Kayaking - Weeki Wachee
FAQs
What makes the Sunset + Glow tour different from the daytime tour?
This tour is designed as a transitional experience — you get the best of daytime wildlife paddling in the estuary, then watch the sunset from the river, and finish with the illuminated glow kayak experience as the LED lights in the hull of the kayaks turn on after dark. It's a genuinely different experience from the daytime tour, and one of the most popular date night activities in the region.
What time does the tour start?
Tour start times vary by season to align with local sunset times. Please check the specific available times when booking, as they shift throughout the year.
What wildlife can I expect to see in the evening?
As the sun sets and the river quiets, coastal birds come in to roost, raccoons emerge along the shoreline, and nocturnal activity picks up throughout the estuary. During summer, fireflies light up the riverbanks. During manatee season (November 15 – March 31), manatees are commonly spotted in the evening as the river becomes calmer and cooler. Dolphins, turtles, alligators, and herons are also frequently seen.
Is this tour appropriate for kids?
Yes! Children ages 3 and up are welcome. The Sunset + Glow tour is popular with families, particularly because the glow kayaking experience is magical for kids. One adult is required per child aged 14 and under.
Is this a good date night option?
This tour has been recognized as one of the best date night experiences in the area. Watching a Gulf Coast sunset from a glowing clear kayak on a spring-fed river is hard to beat. Small group sizes keep the experience intimate, and your guide can take photos to commemorate the occasion.
Will there be mosquitoes or bugs in the evening?
Bugs can be present in the evening along the river, particularly in warmer months. DEET-free insect repellent is recommended — please apply before arriving, as DEET-based products are discouraged near the waterway due to their potential impact on the ecosystem.
What if it's cloudy — will we still see the sunset?
Overcast skies can sometimes produce the most dramatic and colorful sunsets! Even if the sky is partly cloudy, the experience of floating on the river at dusk with the glow kayaks lit up is memorable regardless of exact conditions. Tours run rain or shine unless there is unsafe weather.
Can I bring my camera for the glow portion?
Yes — waterproof cameras, GoPros, and phones in waterproof cases work well for capturing the glow kayak experience. Long exposure settings produce the best results for low-light photography on the water.
Is there parking available?
Yes, parking is available at Mary's Fish Camp. Please follow the designated parking signs for the kayak tour area, then follow the signs on foot to the kayak launch where you'll meet your guide.
What are the weight limits for the kayaks?
Clear kayaks have stricter weight limits than traditional kayaks due to their unique materials and shape. The maximum weight is 250 lbs (113 kg) per person and no more than 425 lbs (193 kg) combined weight per tandem kayak.
Are the kayaks tandem or solo?
All kayaks are tandem (designed for 2 paddlers). Parties with an even number of guests will share kayaks. If your group has an odd number of paddlers, the seats are removable and the kayak can be configured for a single paddler — the 250 lb (113 kg) per-person limit still applies.
Do I need to bring my child's life jacket?
Children weighing 30 lbs (14 kg) or under must bring their own Coast Guard-approved life jacket, as the smallest sizing is very specific for safety. Life jackets are provided for children over 30 lbs. All children 6 and under are legally required to wear a life jacket on the water.
What experience level is required?
All skill levels are welcome. That said, kayaking can be physically demanding — wind, tides, and weather can all affect the difficulty of the paddle. Adults kayaking with a child or paddling solo will do all the work and should have moderate fitness. Beginners are welcome.
Are pets allowed?
Sorry, pets are not permitted on tours in order to preserve the fragile ecosystem.
Are private tours available?
Yes! Private tours allow you to paddle at your own pace and explore areas not covered on public tours. A drone photo and video package can also be added.
Does the outfitter have a sustainability focus?
Yes. A portion of every tour is donated to manatee conservation, and guides actively participate in Florida Springs advocacy, Eagle Watch, and other conservation programs. Guests are educated on Leave No Trace principles and responsible wildlife viewing throughout the tour.
Cancellation Policy
With Trip Protection (add at checkout): Cancel or reschedule up to 12 hours before your scheduled tour time for a full refund minus trip protection cost, taxes, and fees. Cancellations within 12 hours are non-refundable even with protection.
Availability
Reviews
Location
Address
8092 Marys Fish Camp Road
Spring Hill, FL, 34607
US
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