Shell Key Preserve: Unique Local Kayak Adventure

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: 24 hours
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…
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…

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
(174 Ratings)
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Jimcu686pi
May 4, 2025
Kayak Adventure - This was a great time and Scott really know how to find dolphins and other sea creatures during out trip. The mangroves were so cool and we loved shell Key. It was a trip we plan on doing again and have told all our friends and family about. A trip worth taking!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sam
Apr 19, 2025
Adventure, some day in the sun lots of dolphin watching - Very entertaining and knowledgeable guides local couple provides phenomenal experience, exploring local natural habitat
Review provided by Tripadvisor
B5079cmmeganm
Apr 12, 2025
Families don’t hesitate to book! - Due to traffic and an accident we were running behind and this tour company worked with us to allow us to join the later kayaking outing. We throughly enjoyed the time we had kayaking and learning about the creatures that live in the area. The shell island was a highlight for all of us too! We found beautiful shells and loved taking in the beauty of the waves crashing. Our guides were accommodating and really educated us about so many things. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Daydream49315545509
Apr 11, 2025
Great tour for wildlife lovers and beginner kayakers - We had an amazing time on the tour! We had the most perfect weather and were able to see lots of wildlife, including some dolphins and spider crabs. The mangrove tunnels were interesting - it was nice to grab a quick break from the sun and some pictures, plus hear some of Scottie’s stories from his childhood. It was a nice workout and I’m glad that my husband and I decided to share a tandem kayak so we could easily take breaks and help each other out. We highly recommend the tour and hope to make it back someday!- Jay and Stefanie
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kristined834
Apr 11, 2025
Go for the adventure and the stories! - Absolutely amazing...all the personal stories were great. I would highly recommend to anyone! Easy paddle and great company!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
809robynr
Apr 5, 2025
Best Kayaking Tour Ever - Kayaking with Scott & Karissa was the absolute highlight of our trip! They were super friendly and really made sure we felt comfortable and safe the entire time. I loved learning more about the local waters and wildlife. Being out in the water was just amazing! I am so glad we booked this, we really couldn’t have asked for a better experience. If you’re on the fence on which kayak tour to do, definitely go with Island Kayak Tours!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
E5494xgbrandons
Mar 23, 2025
Shell Key Kayaking Fun - Scott is a true local and the best person to explore the Shell Preserve with. He knows the beaches, mangroves, and fauna like the back of his hand and can tell you all about the history and his childhood experiences in a way that is genuinely engaging. The water is comparably nicer (cleaner/clearer) on the west coast of Florida compared to Tampa (still nice). The kayaking itself was great. Despite damage from the hurricanes, there were still mangroves tunnels to explore. He gives great instruction and the pace is good whether you're experienced or a beginner. In these crazy times in the world, I felt grounded and peaceful for the first time in awhile. Pure fun and enjoyment.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Trailblazer314130
Mar 19, 2025
Kayaking adventure - Everything was amazing! We enjoyed every bit of it. Thank you Scott and Chris for a great afternoon and experience! Hope to be back again next year!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Billfyock
Mar 15, 2025
Stellar kayak tour in Florida - One of the best, if not THE best, tour we have ever been on. Scott and his wife were fantastic guides! Cormorants dove under the kayaks as we paddled, while a mama dolphin and her baby played close by. How could it get better?
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Bhampton2010
Mar 14, 2025
Amazing family outing - What a great morning! The tour was excellent and Scott and Karissa were so helpful and knowledgeable. We were not experienced kayakers but loved it and would definitely go again. Highly recommend:)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $58
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).