"What should I wear?" is the number-one pre-tour question we get. After thousands of guided paddles around Sarasota, St. Pete, and Bradenton, here's our honest, season-tested answer.
The Year-Round Essentials
- Water shoes or strap-on sandals, launches are natural shorelines; flip-flops float away and sneakers stay soggy.
- Sunscreen, the Florida sun reflects off the water, so you get it from above and below.
- Hat & sunglasses, polarized lenses are a cheat code for spotting wildlife through the surface glare.
- Water bottle, hydrate before and during. Non-alcoholic drinks in secure bottles are welcome.
- Phone in a dry bag. You will want photos through that clear hull. A cheap dry pouch saves expensive regrets.
- Towel for the ride home. Most guests stay dry apart from paddle drips, but Florida is splashy.
Spring & Summer (March – September)
Light, quick-dry clothing is king: athletic shorts, moisture-wicking shirts, swimwear underneath if you're joining our 3-hour beach hopping & snorkel tour. A long-sleeve sun shirt beats reapplying sunscreen. For evening paddles on the LED night tour, add bug spray, it's essential.
Fall & Winter (October – February)
Mornings can start crisp, so dress in light layers: a t-shirt plus a windbreaker or light jacket you can peel off as the day warms. Long pants are fine. You sit above the water in our kayaks, not in it.
What to Leave Behind
- Pets. We love them, but insurance doesn't; no pets on tours or rentals.
- Alcohol, not permitted on the water.
- Anything you can't afford to dunk, if it isn't in a dry bag, assume it could swim.
One Last Pro Tip
Check your text messages the morning of your tour, we send weather updates, directions, and check-in details by text, so having your phone charged and your number correct at booking makes everything smooth.
Packed and ready? Find your clear kayak adventure, we'll bring the kayaks, paddles, life jackets, and the good spots.