CLEAR Kayak Sunset & Light Tour – Bonita Springs / Ft Myers Beach

Stunning Sunset and Light Show in Bonita Springs

The CLEAR Kayak Sunset & Light Tour in Bonita Springs offers a captivating blend of nature, vibrant LED lighting, and tranquil waters. For $79 per person, this 2-hour guided adventure showcases the beauty of Southwest Florida as the sun sets over the Gulf. With a rating of 5.0 from 29 reviews, it’s highly recommended, with 100% of reviews praising its experience. The tour departs from Big Hickory Island, accessible after a 15-minute paddle from the launch point, making it suitable for most fitness levels.

What makes this tour stand out is the use of multi-color LED lighting systems on tandem kayaks, transforming the paddling experience into a lively, glowing voyage. The tour emphasizes wildlife viewing, including year-round dolphins and manatees (from April to October). It’s an ideal choice for those seeking a peaceful, nature-connected activity with an energetic visual twist at sunset.

What You Get for $79: A Two-Hour Guided Kayaking Experience

This tour, offered through Paddle Naples, costs $79 per person and lasts approximately 2 hours. The group size is limited to 16 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience with plenty of space for everyone. The booking process is straightforward, with most reservations made 14 days in advance, though the team can often accommodate specific dates if contacted.

Participants receive mobile tickets, and the tour includes all necessary equipment: tandem kayaks with LED lighting, paddles, and safety gear. The experience begins at 948V+MF Bonita Springs, with meeting and ending points at the same location, simplifying logistics. This tour is suitable for ages 5 and up, with a weight limit of 400 pounds per kayak and 225 pounds per seat.

Exploring Big Hickory Island by Kayak

The tour’s highlight is the paddle out to Big Hickory Island, a secluded beach that can only be accessed via watercraft. The mangroves along the route serve as a habitat for diverse shorebirds, while the waters are alive with dolphins and occasionally manatees. The paddle is gentle, making it accessible for most people with moderate physical fitness.

Once at the island, guests can enjoy some of the best shelling in the area and stroll along the quiet beach, watching the breathtaking sunset. As evening approaches, the kayaks’ multi-colored LED lights are turned on, creating a festive, glowing scene that enhances the twilight paddling back to the launch point.

Unique Features of the LED-Lit Kayaks

The multi-color LED lighting system on each tandem kayak is a core feature that sets this tour apart. As daylight dims, the lights turn on automatically, illuminating the water and creating an enchanting atmosphere. The glowing kayaks add a sense of celebration, making the experience especially memorable after sunset.

This lighting feature is not just for aesthetics but also enhances safety by increasing visibility during paddling at night. Guests can enjoy the vibrant display while keeping an eye out for wildlife, making it both fun and practical.

Wildlife Encounters During the Tour

Wildlife sightings are a major highlight, with dolphins spotted year-round and manatees seen between April and October. The mangroves and shallow waters near Big Hickory Island attract a variety of shore birds, providing excellent opportunities for birdwatching.

The guide is experienced in pointing out wildlife and explaining their behaviors, adding educational value to the experience. The presence of flying fish and other marine creatures can make the paddling even more lively, as noted in reviews praising the unexpected wildlife encounters.

Practical Tips for a Successful Tour

To make the most of this sunset kayaking trip, it’s recommended to bring a hat, sunglasses, water shoes, sunscreen, and bottled water. Insect repellent and a long-sleeved sport pull-over can help if bugs are active. The tour is best suited for those with moderate physical fitness, comfortable paddling for about 15 minutes to reach Big Hickory Island.

Guests should dress appropriately for water activities and consider the weather forecast, as the tour requires good weather conditions. The tour is flexible in reconfiguring odd numbers of participants, often accommodating with single kayaks if needed.

Meeting Point and Group Size

The meeting point at 948V+MF Bonita Springs is easy to access, with the activity ending at the same location. The group size is limited to 16, ensuring a relaxed atmosphere with plenty of attention from guides. Service animals are allowed, and the tour is designed to be accessible to most guests with a moderate physical fitness level.

The Charm of Bonita Springs at Sunset

The scenery around Big Hickory Island during sunset is a key part of this tour’s charm. The peaceful, natural environment coupled with the glowing kayaks creates a memorable backdrop for photography, relaxation, and wildlife watching. The quiet beach accessible only by water adds an element of exclusivity and tranquility.

The tour’s emphasis on wildlife—dolphins, manatees, birds—along with the stunning visual effects of LED lights, makes this experience stand out among typical kayaking excursions. It’s a perfect choice for those looking for a blend of adventure, nature, and visual spectacle.

Flexibility and Cancellation Policies

Booking this tour is straightforward with free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance. If weather conditions threaten the experience, the team offers rescheduling or full refunds. The tour requires a minimum number of participants, but the provider often manages to meet this threshold or offers alternative dates if needed.

Why Choose This Tour in Bonita Springs?

The combination of gentle paddling, wildlife viewing, and glowing LED kayaks makes this tour both fun and family-friendly. The 2-hour duration keeps it accessible for most schedules, while the scenic route to Big Hickory Island offers a peaceful nature escape. It’s especially appealing for visitors wanting a unique way to watch the sunset and enjoy the waters of Southwest Florida.

The high review rating of 5.0 and perfect recommendation rate demonstrate consistent satisfaction, with many praising the knowledgeable guides and impressive wildlife encounters. Although the tour is quite popular, it remains a well-organized and reliable outing suitable for all ages.

Final Thoughts on the CLEAR Kayak Sunset & Light Tour

This kayak adventure delivers a combination of natural beauty, wildlife, and vibrant LED lighting that creates a memorable experience in Bonita Springs. For $79, guests enjoy a well-paced, guided paddle that offers both relaxation and excitement. The secluded beach, accessible only by water, adds an element of exclusivity, while the glowing kayaks turn a simple sunset paddle into a lively celebration.

While it suits most moderate fitness levels and families with children over five, those seeking intense physical activity might find it too gentle. Still, the calm waters, wildlife sightings, and colorful lights make this a rewarding choice for a peaceful yet lively evening on the water.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the minimum age is 5 years old, making it suitable for families with children. The paddling is gentle and accessible.

What should I bring for this tour?
Guests are advised to bring a hat, sunglasses, water shoes, sunscreen, bottled water, insect repellent, and a long-sleeved shirt if bugs are active.

How long does the tour last?
The tour is approximately 2 hours, including paddling and beach time.

Are the kayaks tandem or single?
The kayaks are tandems (two seats), but the provider can often reconfigure them to accommodate an odd number of participants with single kayaks if needed.

What wildlife might I see?
Expect to see dolphins year-round and manatees between April and October. Shorebirds are also common along the route.

Can I cancel my booking if needed?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour. Weather cancellations are also handled with rescheduling or refunds.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins and ends at 948V+MF Bonita Springs, a convenient meeting point.

Is this tour physically demanding?
No, it is suited for those with moderate physical fitness. The paddle is easy and suitable for most.

What makes this tour unique?
The LED-lit kayaks and the quiet, exclusive beach access of Big Hickory Island provide a distinctive, lively experience that combines nature and visual spectacle.

How many people can join?
The maximum group size is 16 travelers, ensuring a comfortable experience with personalized attention.