Do I need prior kayaking experience?

No prior experience is necessary; the guides provide safety briefings and basic paddling instructions suitable for beginners.

Is the trip suitable for children?

Yes, families with children are welcome. Life jackets are provided, and the pace is leisurely to accommodate all ages.

What wildlife can I expect to see?

Expect to see dolphins, ospreys, various fish species, and possibly sea turtles depending on the season.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Tours are subject to weather conditions. If unsafe, the tour will be rescheduled or refunded; always check local forecasts before your trip.

Are food and water provided during the trip?

Guests should bring their own snacks and water; the tour focuses mainly on water activities with breaks on the sandbar.

Can I bring my own snorkeling gear?

Yes, but Sharkey's provides snorkel masks and other necessary gear included in the booking.

Mangrove Kayak Adventure at Treasure Island with Sharkey's

Along the sunlit shores of Treasure Island, Florida, Sharkey's Glass Bottom Tours offers a hands-on water adventure that uncovers a lesser-seen coastal world. At 123rd Ave and Lagoon Ln, this four-hour kayak trip takes paddlers beyond the bustle of the beach to a hidden mangrove island sanctuary. The highlight is the winding mangrove tunnel carved through Eleanor Island’s dense roots—a living labyrinth where you’ll glide under canopies of twisting branches and watch sunlight flicker on the water’s glassy surface. The scene is alive with osprey hovering above and glimpses of colorful reef fish darting beneath your kayak. The adventure pauses at a broad, crystal-clear sandbar perfectly suited for swimming and snorkeling. Here, turquoise waters reveal an underwater mosaic of marine life, and if luck is on your side, dolphins may surface to lend a playful escort. Whether you’re a couple seeking a peaceful escape, a family eager for a natural playground, or a group looking to unwind by the water, this outing balances excitement with tranquility. Sharkey’s provides all essential gear: kayaks with glass bottoms, paddles, snorkel masks, life jackets, and comfortable beach chairs, so you can fully immerse yourself worry-free. Treasure Island’s coastal ecosystem is unique, where salty mangroves act as crucial nurseries for fish and crustaceans, making this tour both a scenic delight and an educational experience. Sharkey’s stands out for their expert local knowledge and commitment to small group sizes, allowing guests genuine encounters with Florida’s marine environment while fostering conservation awareness. This kayak journey offers an accessible gateway to authentic outdoor recreation on Florida’s Gulf Coast—far from crowded tourist spots and rich with wildlife and natural beauty.

Difficulty

easy.

Duration

4 hours.

Fitness level

Suitable for participants in average physical condition; basic paddling strength required.

Wildlife

Bottlenose dolphins are commonly seen playing nearby.
Ospreys nest in the mangroves and hunt along the shorelines.

History

The Treasure Island area was historically developed in the mid-20th century as a recreational beach community tied to St. Petersburg's growth.

Conservation

Mangrove ecosystems here protect shorelines from erosion and support nursery habitats; Sharkey's promotes low-impact practices to preserve this vital environment.

Sharkey's Glass Bottom Tours is a Nokomis, Florida-based tour operator specializing in glass-bottom kayak excursions and marine sightseeing experiences. The company offers a range of guided trips including Glass Bottom Fish Feeding LED Night Tours in Nokomis-area locations, St. Pete Beach, Sarasota, Clearwater Beach, Palm Harbor, and Venice, plus a Glass Bottom Kayak Mangrove Tunnel & Sandbar Adventure in St. Pete Beach and a private Powerboat Charter. Licensed guides lead small-group paddles through mangrove canals, sandbar sites, and calm shallow waterways where participants can observe marine life through illuminated glass-bottom kayaks. Night tours use LED lighting integrated into the kayaks to reveal fish, stingrays, and other sea life while guests participate in supervised fish-feeding experiences. Daytime excursions include mangrove tunnel exploration, snorkeling at secluded sandbars, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Safety protocols, provided gear, and on-water briefings are standard features of each trip. Trips accommodate families, couples, and small groups with options for private bookings and customizable powerboat charters for sightseeing and watersports. Pricing and schedules vary by location and tour type; reservations are recommended. Sharkey's Glass Bottom Tours operates locally from Nokomis and conducts tours in nearby coastal communities. The company focuses on accessible, hands-on marine experiences that combine education and recreation, offering an engaging way to explore Florida's coastal ecosystems while maintaining guided supervision and provided equipment. Trips welcome all ages and skill levels with clear instructions, life jackets, and equipment sizing. Gift certificates and group rates are offered seasonally; guests should regularly confirm availability and booking terms online.

Base locationTreasure Island, Florida

Tours offered7+

Specialtywater-activities

StewardshipLeave No Trace