Shell Key Preserve: Tampa Bay Kayak EcoTour
4.9
67 Ratings
Tierra Verde
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: 1 day learn more
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 paddling! We mostly use double kayaks to ensure your comfort and easy ride.
(Your booking time corresponds to the expected time of arrival. Average water depth is approximately 2 feet)

Next, we set off into the serene depth of Shell Key Preserve! The Preserve is a captivating shallow habitat with abundance of wildlife & a fascinating ecosystem, which we’ll cover along with the historical background of the Preserve!

Ranging from the shallow seagrass plains, through the denseness of the mangrove islands, to the unspoilt beaches of Shell Key itself, we aim to showcase everything! This includes a journey through some mangrove passages (with friendly tides chiefly from Mar-Oct)
We’ll also dedicate some time to observe and discuss the awe-inspiring wildlife in the Preserve, such as dolphins, manatees, & various breeds of fish & birds!

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
4.9
(67 Ratings)
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Ggmarz
May 18, 2024
Shell Key - My first time on a kayak and as stated on the website, no experience was needed. Nick's expertise and knowledge about Shell Key and the ecosystem was information I thought I never needed to know. Nature is fascinating and you will not be disappointed.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Joyce_r
May 17, 2024
Relaxing afternoon activity. - I had a great day on the water with Nick. The tour was the perfect amount of time and we got to see a ton of wildlife and learn more about the areas ecosystems.
Review provided by Viator
Lori_v
Mar 31, 2024
Great Kayaking Tour!! - Beautiful trip! The kayaks were comfortable, water was easy to paddle and shallow so you can see underneath easily. Nick provided interesting information about the preserve and the area in general. Launching point was easy to find as well. Mangrove tunnel at the end was so cool too! Highly recommend this adventure!!
Review provided by Viator
Sarah_h
Mar 30, 2024
Great family experience! - Our family thoroughly enjoyed this excursion! It was about 2.5 hours and we had an amazing tour guide. He was patient and knowledgeable and made the trip fun. Shell key was beautiful. We enjoyed getting out and walking around to watch the dolphins. On the way back, we went through the mangrove. Super cool experience-highly recommend! (Our kids are 17 and 14 for reference)
Review provided by Viator
Q1424xwnaomir
Mar 22, 2024
Day trip - We had a great time. Nick was a great tour guide...personable and knowledgeable. Shell key preserve was a special place. We recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dawn_s
Mar 22, 2024
Well worth it! - Guide was excellent. Very knowledgeable. Tour is exactly how it is sold. Well worth the money. Beautiful & relaxing.
Review provided by Viator
Kristinaka5250kx
Mar 20, 2024
An Absolutely Fun & Informative Tour, Highly Recommended! - We recently embarked on the 3 hr kayak EcoTour of the Shelly Key Preserve with Nick as our guide, who is an amazing wealth of knowledge of the preserves habitat and wildlife. As we paddled across the water, we saw many species of birds, some diving around and under our kayaks 'fishing' for their lunch, fish, a dolphin hunting the shallow waters and lastly a great blue heron when we guided our kayaks back to the launch. When we arrived at Shell Beach, Nick took the group on an informative stroll along the beach, pointing out shellfish and small fish in the shallow water, explaining the various shells we found and what used to live in the shells, and the vegetation on the island. Following was an incredible paddle through the mangroves, where again Nick gave the group so much information. We would absolutely recommend this tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lieslt2020
Mar 16, 2024
Mangrove tunnel! - Fantastic tour, beautiful area, easy fun kayaking. Nick was knowledgeable and friendly. Highlight was the mangrove tunnel!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Betha1501
Mar 15, 2024
3 hour kayak nature eco tour - I loved the variety of locations and beautiful setting that we discovered on our great ; hour tour. Thanks you so much. Would def recommend this kayak tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
C8175ohalie
Mar 31, 2024
It is a big scam. - Tour guide was grate but this is a big scam. Misleading advertisement and not worth a penny. It’s a shame no one complained about this scam.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 4 guests
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June 2024
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