Shell Key Preserve: Unique Local Kayak Adventure
5.0
143 Ratings
Tierra Verde
Join Scott and Karissa, the owners and guides of Island Kayak Tours, for a unique and unforgettable kayak adventure through the mangrove tunnels of Shell Key Preserve. Discover the beauty of St. Petersburg, Florida, and get a chance to see dolphins, manatees, and more!
Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Tierra Verde - Tours take place in Shell Key Preserve. As a native Floridian, I will guide you through the backcountry of the preserve. Through shallow grassy meadows we go, watching fish jump and birds hunt; all the while, ducking through the mangrove tunnels (tide permitting) and allowing time for pictures and explanations of the surrounding habitat. Most of the area we paddle in is typically only frequented by locals and is off-limits to motorized vessels.
What's Included
  • Kayak, paddle, and lifejacket (PFD) provided
  • Equipped with a whistle or signaling device
Additional Information

Hello, my name is Scott. Along with Karissa, I co-own and operate Island Kayak Tours. Our excursion will lead you through the mangrove tunnels, provided the tide allows, and we tactically time your journey to maximize your chances of seeing dolphins and manatees. We also allocate free time for you to discover Shell Key Island, be it for shell collecting, swimming, snorkeling, or simply appreciating the scenery. Our tours transpire in a shallow marine preserve, devoid of alligators, where the water mostly ranges from knee to waist-deep, making it ideal for both novice and seasoned kayakers. My upbringing in St. Petersburg has endowed me with enough experience to design a unique kayak tour. Kayaking has consistently been a favored activity in the locality. Through this, I have discovered the choicest kayaking spots and accumulated local wisdom to provide you with an authentic Florida experience. I founded this kayak company to showcase the glorious natural wealth of my homeland.

Location
Pinellas Bayway South
We launch from a public launch site off Pinellas Bayway in Tierra Verde. Directions & a map will be included with your reservation confirmation message.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(143 Ratings)
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Mhr9026xx
Apr 6, 2024
Great trip! - The tour was just as described on the website - a great trip on a beautiful day. The guides were helpful and informative with quality equipment. It was a nice break from the bustle of crowds everywhere else.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nsjessups
Apr 4, 2024
Must do kayak adventure with family - My family and I had an amazing kayak adventure with Scott and Chris. Scott was so knowledgeable about the area as he grew up in the area. The mangrove tunnels were amazing and stopping off Shell cove was perfect. We all had an incredible time and was the highlight of our vacation. Thank you again Scott and Chris
Review provided by Tripadvisor
G5551zfmelissam
Mar 22, 2024
Perfect mix! - Our family took this tour based on a recommendation. I will now be recommending it to others! It was great! Perfect mix between seeing the beautiful mangroves, to seeing Dolphins, birds, and fish along with a chance to explore, swim, and look for shells on the island. All of this with a great guided tour and history of the area. Scott and Karissa are wonderful.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lauraleey2024
Mar 21, 2024
Perfect way to spend an afternoon - Scott and Karissa were amazing tour guides. They gave us a personalized kayaking experience that matched the description. You won’t be disappointed with the overall experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ronmw8530sp
Mar 19, 2024
Fantastic Kayaking experience - It was an awesome time! The guides were very knowledgeable of the area and the marine life surrounding us. They were very conscientious and helpful with everyone on the tour. We would definitely take this tour again!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Childofthesixties
Mar 17, 2024
Amazing and forever memorable adventure! - Absolutely amazing and forever memorable! Scott is a knowledgeable and friendly guide, who took us first in the open waters then in fascinating mangroves off the coast of Tierra Verde to Shell Island Preserve. I learned so much about this fascinating ecosystem. We saw a variety of wildlife including dolphins, osprey, crabs, jumping mullets, and much more. I think the $45 per person price is ridiculously low for a 3 hour adventure, so we tipped appropriately! I strongly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Renee
Mar 13, 2024
Kayak 50/50 Tour - We had a wonderful time kayaking to Shell Key and then back through an area with mangroves. Scott was was very knowledgeable and shared lots of interesting info about the wildlife and the area. Highly recommend!! So worth the time!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Debrahi4803ja
Mar 8, 2024
Fun experience - We thoroughly enjoyed the kayaking adventure with Scott and Carissa. Carissa helped with questions as we were booking. Scott was a great guide and shared his enthusiasm for the area. Kayaking through the Mangrove tunnels was amazing. I would highly recommend this excursion.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
U1349xglisaw
Mar 2, 2024
Wonderful Time! - Our group had an amazing time. Scott was awesome as our guide, he provided a lot of history and nature facts during our trip. I highly recommend Island Kayak Tours, you will not be disappointed.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kayakkuy
Mar 1, 2024
A pleasurable and informative day kayaking - Scott and Christy are great kayaking tour guides. In that they grew up and live in the area, they are very knowledgeable about the Shell Keys ecosystem, the history of the Shell Keys along with the local area. A very pleasurable day kayaking. An easy paddle for even first time kayakers.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Select Date and Tickets
up to 15 guests
1 Adult
April 2024
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