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Let’s set the scene: it’s a dark night, you’re paddling in the water in a transparent kayak, and you peer into the blue-lit waters beneath you to see a shark doing its malevolent zig-zag. Sounds pretty cool, right? Well, over 2,000 Tripadvisor reviewers agree, giving this experience five stars and prompting it to win the Travelers Choice Award as the top overall experience in the US in 2021.
As reported in Travel + Leisure, the Shell-Key Preserve in Tierra Verde, Florida, is the place to jump into your completely clear kayak. An eco-guide will lead the tour so that you can relax and learn about wildlife, get close to mangroves and, depending on the tides, hop out for a sandbar ramble. Along the way, you’ll see manatee, dolphins, pelicans, starfish, conch and even, yes, the star of Shark Week.
The nighttime kayak rides are called Glow Tours; the water is lit by underwater LED lights on your vessel. You’ll see sea life below you and stars above you. Sounds pretty bucket-listy!
The kayaks are built for two, but if you’re solo, one seat can be removed. The tours go out in fleets of five to provide an intimate experience with the wildlife, or you can book a private tour. You don’t have to be an expert; most people can pick up the ‘kayak knack’ with a very quick lesson. The tours involve about 2.5 to 3 miles of paddling. Guests must have upper body mobility and the ability to walk up and down stairs to enter the kayaks.
This experience isn’t stunningly expensive, either: the daytime tour is $64 and lasts two hours, while the glow tour is $69 and lasts 1.5 hours (you must be 12 and over for the nighttime experience).
The best tip? Limit what you carry — whatever gear you stow in the kayak obstructs your view.