Night Kayak Adventure with SeaView at Ken Thompson Park
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for beginners in moderate physical condition; steady paddling required.
Overview
Paddle through Sarasota Bay’s mangrove paths aboard clear kayaks glowing with LED lights on SeaView Kayak Tour’s 90-minute night adventure. Experience vibrant marine life and quiet nighttime coastal beauty unlike any daytime paddle.
Night Clear Kayak Tour at Ken Thompson Park
Night Clear Kayak Tour 90 min.
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About This Adventure
Embark on a mesmerizing 90-minute night adventure in Ken Thompson Park, paddling through Sarasota Bay in clear kayaks illuminated by LED lights. Experience the enchanting sounds of nature, glide through mangrove paths, and witness the underwater world beneath you, all while guided by an expert who highlights the beauty around you.
Discover natural beauty from a unique perspective
Duration
90 min.
The Tour
In Ken Thompson Park (Night) Adventure you will be out into the darkness, with the glow of the LED lights beneath you. Take in the sounds of the Sarasota Bay while checking out the water below your clear kayak. You’ll hear fish jumping around you, see some sea grass below you, and feel the relaxing ocean air while paddling through Sarasota Bay. Your tour guide will lead the way during the Tour, where you can paddle your kayak through mangrove paths. Experience the ambiance created by the soft color of the LED glow lights on the incredible overhead formation of the mangroves. Along the way, your guide will use their headlamp to point out some of the finer details and illuminate the way.
Kayak Rules
- Participants may not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs when kayaking
- Children ages 4-12 MUST be accompanied by an adult (ages 13+) on a double kayak
- Kayak maximum weight: 425lbs.
- Participants who weigh over 325lbs. must ride solo in a single kayak
- Two participants will ride on a single kayak, three participants will ride in two kayaks, with two people on a kayak and the other on a single, etc.
What to bring:
- Clothes appropriate for sea water and gentle exercise
- Water shoes or sandals
- Sunscreen
Adventure Tips
Bring water shoes
Protect your feet from rocky or slippery surfaces when entering and exiting the kayak.
Dress for water
Wear lightweight, quick-dry clothing suitable for getting wet and for cooler night temperatures.
Stay close to the group
Follow the guide’s lead and keep within sight for safety and the best experience of illuminated mangrove paths.
Use reef-safe sunscreen
Protect your skin while minimizing environmental impact on delicate bay ecosystems.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Mangrove snapper
- Eastern diamondback rattlesnake (rare along shorelines)
History
Ken Thompson Park has been a protected area prioritizing coastal habitat preservation since the mid-20th century, playing a critical role in Sarasota Bay’s ecological health.
Conservation
SeaView Kayak Tour emphasizes low-impact practices, educating guests on preserving mangrove ecosystems and minimizing pollution.
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Adventure Hotspots in Sarasota
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Water shoes
Protects feet from sharp shells and slippery surfaces when entering/exiting kayaks.
Light jacket or windbreaker
Keeps you warm against cooler night breezes during fall and winter paddles.
fall specific
Headlamp or flashlight
Useful for personal lighting when moving to and from the kayak launch area.
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects skin and local marine life while paddling through sensitive habitats.
summer specific