Guided Kayak EcoTour: Shell Key Preserve

Experience the beauty of Tampa Bay on a kayak eco-tour of Shell Key Preserve. Explore the diverse ecosystem, spot wildlife, and paddle through mangrove tunnels. No experience needed!

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Shell Key Shoal - We will spend about 30 minutes exploring the beaches of Shell Key with an opportunity to swim, wade, collect shells, etc
  • Shell Key Preserve - We will spend about an hour each way paddling out to the island exploring the beauty of the preserve’s mangrove islands and sea grass flats!
What's Included
  • Sit-on-top kayaks provided
  • All necessary equipment included
Additional Information

Our most sought-after kayak adventure in Tampa Bay takes you across the enchanting waters and stunning beaches of Shell Key Preserve.
We gather at the starting point, make introductions, distribute waterproof bags, and prepare everyone for the kayaking journey. You don’t need to have any prior experience as we will provide a comprehensive briefing on…

Location
2820 Pinellas Bayway S
Pinellas Bayway South
PLEASE DO NOT ARRIVE EARLY. YOUR BOOKING TIME IS OUR PLANNED ARRIVAL TIME. Look for the other cars and our big pickup truck (usually a white Ford pickup truck with silver enclosed trailer) off the right side of the road in the open grassy lot area at approximately the address given.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.8
(92 Ratings)
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Candatrum
Apr 29, 2026
Amazing adventure! - This eco tour was a top highlight of our trip to the area. A great combo of kayaking and exploring shell key. Nick is very knowledgeable about the wildlife and you will learn a lot. Such an enjoyable time exploring shell key. We were lucky enough to see a manatee! Also, kayaking through the mangroves was a fun experience. You won’t be disappointed! 5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Hollisg988
Apr 25, 2026
A great kayak trip! - This was a great activity! Nick was very knowledgeable about the wildlife of St. Pete’s , was friendly, and made the kayak trip so enjoyable. We plan to take another kayak trip with him again when we return here. We saw a manatee and a horse conch, among other animals.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Marnie
Apr 18, 2026
100% Amazing! - Taylor is the bomb-diggety! She is super friendly, hardworking, and knowledgeable. The whole trip rocked and it was because of her.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
G3931hmes
Mar 31, 2026
Amazing. Would definitely recommend - This was the highlight of our time in Florida. Nick was fantastic. We saw a lot of birds and mollusks. We even watched some dolphins hunting near the shore. The trip was not physically demanding, even for us “older” people.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Darrel_s
Mar 31, 2026
The trip was not... - The trip was not physically difficult. We saw lots of birds and mollusks on Shell Key Preserve. We even saw some dolphins hunting near the shore. Our guide was fantastic- very knowledgeable and he made it fun.
Review provided by Viator
Xavierpn3867ug
Mar 11, 2026
Great experience - Coming from out of town this was a great experience. We saw dolphins, crabs, and starfish. Nick was very knowledgeable with great energy and communication. Would highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Karen_b
Dec 27, 2025
Awesome excursion - Excellent - Nick is an excellent guide. Very knowledgeable on local flora and fauna. Nice easy pace for kayaking.
Review provided by Viator
Linda
Sep 24, 2025
Great experience! - Nick showed us a lot of interesting facts about the animal and plant life of the mangroves and explained them to us. Very respectful treatment of the animals and plants. The kayak trip is suitable for beginners and highly recommended.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lai_s
Aug 29, 2025
Nick was wonderfull - Very accommodating, anyone could do it. Nick was wonderFULL, very patient and knowledgeable. This tour was not only a hit for our family visiting us, but was also a hit for our 10yro. A lot of stops. I love that he emphasized the importance of taking everything back that your brought and the importance of everything in the ecosystem.
Review provided by Viator
Tania_a
Aug 17, 2025
Trip cancelled - We didnt take the tour, the operador cancel the trip before we took it, he tell us that we will get a refund
Review provided by Viator
From $48
up to 12 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).