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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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
D8696agkellyb
Feb 19, 2024
Great kayak tour - Nick was a great guide, very friendly, knowledgeable and able to meet the varied needs of our group. This was a highlight of our trip!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
T3660nnvirginiab
Feb 11, 2024
Beautiful Shell Keys Kayaking - Taylor was the guide for my kayaking tour. She was very friendly, thoughtful of each person, knowledgeable and fun! She even took our picture paddling through the mangroves. The day was gorgeous and we were able to go though multiple mangrove tunnels. We saw bird and lots of fish jumping but no dolphins or sharks this time. The shell beach was awesome with lots of 🐚 shells. I found two whole sand dollars and Taylor found a sharks 🦈 tooth!! Great way to spend an afternoon! 😎❤️
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jimag5778kk
Nov 12, 2023
Kayaking near Fourt Desoto park - My wife and I had a great time on the kayaking trip . Our guide Nina was great with very personable and friendly personality as well as giving us local knowledge of marine wildlife I would recommend this trip.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rachel
Sep 8, 2023
Fun Kayak Tour - Was a fun experience. Guide went at a great pace and was willing to slow if needed. Beautiful views and great information on the area.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Williamst9718ut
Aug 5, 2023
Wonderful trip with a knowledgeable guide! - My 14 year old son and I booked this kayak experience to the Shell Key Preserve with Nick, the guide. The equipment was in excellent shape and the tour route, especially the part to Shell Key and through the Mangroves, was excellent. There were several breaks along the 3 hour experience. Nick was incredibly knowledgeable and answered all questions with enthusiasm and excellence. Would recommend to others!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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