Typically 9:30 am, 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm
Day reef tour
Coral heads, sea turtles and schooling fish in full daylight, with a naturalist narrating the whole way out on the reef.
- About 2 hours
- $75 adults, $60 ages 5 to 17, under 5 free
Islamorada bayside and sunset cruise: calm water, wild neighbors
Two hours on the calm, Florida Bay side of Islamorada. Cruise for dolphins, wind through the mangroves looking for manatees and birds, and catch the sunset on the way home.
- About 2 hours
- $50 ages 5 and up, under 5 free
- Late afternoon into sunset; midday bayside trips on windy days
- Seakeeper stabilized
Live times and open seats are on the booking calendar. Prefer to talk? (305) 214-5277
At a glance
- How long
- About 2 hours
- When
- The sunset cruise leaves in the late afternoon. On windy days we also run 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm bayside trips in place of the reef.
- Check-in
- 30 minutes before departure at World Wide Sportsman Bayside Marina, 81576 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, FL 33036
- Best for
- Sunset lovers, windy days, guests who want the calmest ride
- Weather
- Runs in most wind, since the bay stays calm when the ocean side does not.
- Stability
- Seakeeper gyro stabilizer, rated by Seakeeper at up to 95% less roll at anchor. How it works
Live availability
Check dates and book
Pick a date to see open seats and departure times.
Why the Transparensea
What makes this boat different
- Stabilized by
Florida’s only Seakeeper-stabilized glass-bottom boat
Up to 95% less roll at anchor (Seakeeper’s rating)
A gyro stabilizer that pushes back against rocking exactly when we stop over the reef. Steadier view, happier stomachs.
How the Seakeeper works Starts with the sunset
The night tour begins with sunset from the open deck, then lights up the reef after dark.
Learn more: Starts with the sunsetNever a full boat
Certified for 49, we keep it to about 30, so there is room to move and everyone gets time at the glass.
A plan B before cancelling
Too windy for the reef? We run a calm bayside tour instead, and tell you ahead of time.
Learn more: A plan B before cancellingOpen air, full shade
Sea breeze on an open deck with a full roof overhead and a restroom on board.
Bring snacks and drinks
You are welcome to bring your own. Soda and bottled water are sold on board too.
What to expect
Trade the reef for something just as wild
- Turtle grass beds, the occasional lobster, and a window into the bay’s hidden ecosystem
- Open-water cruising with a real shot at spotting a pod of dolphins in their natural habitat
- Mangrove canals where manatees, iguanas and birds make their home
- Same expert narration, same glass-bottom experience, same two hours of calm-water comfort
- $50 per guest ages 5 and up, children under 5 free
Windy day tours
Too windy for the reef? We go bayside.
When winds are too strong to run 4 miles out to the reef or Alligator Lighthouse, we take the tour bayside instead: 2 hours in calm water, cruising for dolphins or exploring the mangroves for manatees, iguanas and birds.
2-hour tour
Same length, same quality, just a different and equally beautiful side of the Keys.
Captain’s call
Every departure is based on real-time conditions. When the reef is reachable, we go. When winds pick up, the bay delivers.
We tell you first
If wind is forecast for your date, our team reaches out ahead of time. You’ll never find out for the first time at the dock.
Night tour note
Our night tour is a reef experience, and the reef is worth waiting for. On windy days we keep things closer to shore with our 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm bayside tours, so you still get out on the water safely and comfortably.
Questions about this tour
How long is the tour?
About two hours on the water. FareHarbor lists the reef tours at 2 to 2.5 hours, and the booking calendar shows the exact length for your date.
How much does it cost?
Day and night reef tours: $75 for adults (18+), $60 for ages 5 to 17, and free for kids 4 and under. The bayside and sunset cruise is $50 for ages 5 and up, free under 5. Taxes and booking fees are added and shown at checkout before you pay.
What happens if it is too windy for the reef?
The captain makes the call based on real-time conditions. When it is too rough to run the 4 miles out to the reef, we take the tour bayside instead: two hours in calm water looking for dolphins, manatees and wildlife in the mangroves. If wind is forecast for your date, our team reaches out ahead of time, so you never find out for the first time at the dock.
Does the night tour run on windy days?
No. The night tour needs the reef. On windy days only the 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm bayside trips run.
What is a Seakeeper?
A gyro stabilizer mounted inside the boat. A flywheel spinning at up to 9,750 rpm in a vacuum-sealed sphere pushes back against the rocking motion waves cause, automatically and without anything hanging off the hull. Seakeeper rates it at up to 95% less roll at anchor, at drift and at low speeds.
Where do we meet the boat?
At World Wide Sportsman Bayside Marina (at Bass Pro Shops), 81576 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, FL 33036. See directions and parking.
When should we arrive?
Check in 30 minutes before your departure time.
See all FAQs or read how to plan your visit.
Other ways aboard
Starts with the sunset
Night reef tour
Starts with the sunset from the water, then the reef after dark under the boat’s underwater lights. Eels, octopus and lobster come out to hunt.
- About 2 hours
- $75 adults, $60 ages 5 to 17, under 5 free
Book the bayside and sunset cruise
Pick a date on the live calendar. Prices, times and open seats shown there are the final word.
Trouble booking? Call us or email info@glassbottomtour.com.