Welcome to Sea Glass Kayaking, where we believe that the beauty of Tampa Bay should be experienced in a new way.
Our story began with John, a native of Clearwater, who after working as a tour guide on the beach for several years, had received a clear kayaking tour as a birthday gift and discovered the magic of kayaking in a clear kayak. After returning home, he wanted more but was disappointed to see the nearest clear tour was over an hour away.
Determined to share the experience with others, John decided to start a new venture that combined his passion for teaching about Clearwater and his love for the water. He founded Sea Glass Kayaking, a company that offers clear kayaking tours in Clearwater beach which is now expanding to new markets.
At Sea Glass Kayaking, we take pride in being a local company run by passionate individuals who know the area like the back of their hand. We offer a unique and immersive kayaking experience that allows you to explore the beauty of our home from a different perspective. Our tours are not only exciting but also educational, designed to showcase the natural and manmade beauty of The area while promoting environmental awareness and responsible tourism practices.
We have a team of experienced and passionate guides who are dedicated to making your experience with us the best it can be. From safety protocols to customer service, we go above and beyond to ensure that every moment of your tour is enjoyable and memorable.
We hope that by sharing John's love for clear kayaking and the environment, we can inspire others to explore the beauty Tampa bay’s beach’s in a sustainable and responsible way. Join us on a tour today!
Thank you for choosing Sea Glass Kayaking.
Wildlife To Look For
Birds in the area
The tampa bay area is a haven for various seabirds, attracting both resident species and migratory visitors. Here are a few of the birds you can expect to spot during your kayaking tour:
Brown Pelican: With their distinctive oversized bills and impressive wingspans, Brown Pelicans are a common sight along the coast. Keep an eye out for these elegant creatures as they soar above the waves or dive from great heights to catch fish.
Great Blue Heron: Standing tall and regal, the Great Blue Heron is a majestic bird that frequents the beach and marshy areas. Known for their patient hunting techniques, you may catch them stalking their prey near the shoreline.
Laughing Gull: Named for their distinctive laughter-like call, Laughing Gulls have black heads and red bills make them easy to spot as they scavenge for food along the water's edge.
Least Tern: Look closely and you may catch a glimpse of the delicate Least Tern darting above the waves. These small seabirds are known for their graceful flight and nesting colonies along the beach.
Great Egret: The great egret, known for its hunting skills, delicately searches water for prey. Like the Least Tern, it forms colonies, creating a mesmerizing sight. Photographers and bird watchers eagerly await its graceful presence in coastal landscapes.
The Dolphins Nearby
At Sea Glass Kayaking, we are thrilled to offer a truly amazing experience that combines adventure and education: our kayak tours allow you a chance to encounter some of the most fascinating marine creatures - bottlenose dolphins, Atlantic spotted dolphins, and Risso's dolphins.
No dolphin guarantee, but we see wildlife on every tour. Glide through the water, spot turtles, fish, and seabirds. For guaranteed dolphin sightings, consider taking a dedicated dolphin tour. There are several available in the Mariana.
Bottlenose Dolphins
The bottlenose dolphin is perhaps the most iconic and well-known species of dolphin. With their sleek bodies and playful personalities, they never fail to captivate onlookers. These highly social creatures are commonly found in the waters off the beach, gracefully leaping and gliding through the waves. Our experienced guides will help you spot them and offer fascinating insights into their behaviors and habitat.
Atlantic Spotted Dolphins
If you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the Atlantic spotted dolphins during your kayaking adventure. These graceful creatures are recognized by their unique spots and speckles on their bodies. Curious and intelligent, they sometimes approach kayaks, giving you the chance for an up-close encounter. Witnessing their acrobatic jumps and hearing their enthusiastic clicks and whistles is an awe-inspiring experience that you won't soon forget.
Risso's Dolphins are distinct with scarring and white markings. They travel in groups and perform aerial displays. At Sea Glass Kayaking, we prioritize wildlife well-being and conservation. Join our kayak tours to observe these dolphins and their habitat. Gain a deep connection to nature and environmental stewardship.
West Indian manatees
The West Indian manatees are captivating marine creatures that inhabit the warm coastal waters of the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. These gentle giants, scientifically known as Trichechus manatus, possess a remarkable charm that continues to captivate both locals and tourists alike. With their round, rotund bodies and wrinkled skin, they exude an air of wisdom. West Indian manatees are recognized for their docile nature, often seen gracefully gliding through the waters their paddle-like flippers propelling them with ease. These herbivorous mammals play a vital role in maintaining the delicate balance of their aquatic ecosystems, as they graze on verdant seagrasses, sustaining both the underwater vegetation and themselves. Despite facing threats such as habitat loss and collisions with boats, conservation efforts have been instrumental in preserving these remarkable creatures, ensuring that future generations can marvel at the enchanting presence of West Indian manatees.
Loggerhead Sea Turtles
This area is known for its diverse marine life, and one of the most captivating creatures to grace its waters is the Loggerhead sea turtle This sea turtle is named after their large heads and are a constant source of wonder for both locals and visitors to the area. Loggerheads can often be spotted gracefully gliding through the waves, their sleek bodies blending with the vibrant hues of the surrounding sea. With their olive-green shells and powerful flippers, these incredible creatures navigate their way through the waters with ease. Clearwater Beach provides an ideal habitat for Loggerhead sea turtles, as its sandy shores offer the perfect nesting grounds for these gentle giants. During nesting season, lucky onlookers may witness a female Loggerhead turtle emerging from the ocean under the cover of darkness, digging a deep hole in the sand, and delicately laying her precious eggs. It is a truly remarkable experience that showcases the sheer strength and resilience of these beautiful creatures.
Southern Stingrays
Southern stingrays (Dasyatis americana) are a fascinating species that can frequently be spotted in the Tampa bay area. With their distinctive kite-shaped bodies and mesmerizing patterns, these gentle creatures often capture the attention of kayakers and ocean enthusiasts. Known for their smooth, sandy-colored skin and impressive size, southern stingrays are the most commonly found stingrays. As they gracefully glide along the sandy seabed, these magnificent creatures epitomize the aquatic beauty and wonder that can be experienced during a memorable kayaking adventure.
