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Shell Key Tour: Discover Unique Shells
5.0
30 Ratings
Tierra Verde
Uncover hidden treasures on Shell Key’s shores. Join our guided tour to explore unique shells and learn about the vibrant ecosystem.
Uncover hidden treasures on Shell Key’s shores. Join our guided tour to explore unique shells and learn about the vibrant ecosystem.
Duration:
3 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Shell Key Preserve - The guide will welcome participants at the designated meeting point, providing dry bags if necessary, and offering a brief paddle talk to cover instructions and tips for a smooth and enjoyable experience. The journey will then proceed through the tranquil waters of Shell Key Preserve, with opportunities to spot dolphins, rays,…
- Shell Key Preserve - The guide will welcome participants at the designated meeting point, providing dry bags if necessary, and offering a brief paddle talk to cover instructions and tips for a smooth and enjoyable experience. The journey will then proceed through the tranquil waters of Shell Key Preserve, with opportunities to spot dolphins, rays, seabirds, and more! Upon reaching Shell Key, there will be ample time to explore the shoreline or swim in the shallow waters, searching for the island’s namesake treasures—beautiful and unique shells. The guide will share interesting facts about local wildlife and assist in finding and identifying shells during the exploration. This relaxed adventure is ideal for nature enthusiasts, photographers, shell collectors, and anyone seeking to unwind in one of Florida’s most breathtaking coastal preserves.
What's Included
- Kayak and paddle
- Life jacket
- Drybag
- Kayak and paddle
- Life jacket
- Drybag
What's Not Included
- Bottled water
- Bottled water
Additional Information
Embark on a captivating 3-hour guided shelling tour along the breathtaking shores of Shell Key. Uncover exquisite and rare shells as you wander the beach or snorkel in the inviting shallows. With the expertise of a seasoned guide, discover hidden treasures and gain insights into the local ecosystem. Perfect for families, beach enthusiasts, and anyone…
Embark on a captivating 3-hour guided shelling tour along the breathtaking shores of Shell Key. Uncover exquisite and rare shells as you wander the beach or snorkel in the inviting shallows. With the expertise of a seasoned guide, discover hidden treasures and gain insights into the local ecosystem. Perfect for families, beach enthusiasts, and anyone eager to bask in the sun, this tour offers a serene experience surrounded by nature’s splendor.
*Every participant receives a sanitized mask & snorkel, along with an inflatable tube for leisurely floating in the water.
**Photos capturing your adventure will be sent to each group at no extra charge!
- Not recommended for travelers with shoulder or elbow problems. Must be able to paddle.
Location
2962 Pinellas Bayway S
Pinellas Bayway South
Your guide will send you the exact pin drop of the meeting location the day before the tour to help with GPS discrepancies.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(30 Ratings)
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April_r
Sep 19, 2026
Highlight of visit - It was better than anticipated. Our guide was so knowledgable and flexible to our speed. She had an uncanny ability to spot marine life under the water at great distances. She definitely has a passion for what she is doing. It was a highlight of our visit.
Review provided by Viator
Maraline_a
Sep 11, 2026
10/10, will book again! - This experience was absolutely amazing. Taylor was so sweet and so informative. Throughout our journey, she told us about the preserve and the wildlife in the area. She also took us through some mangroves on our way, which were simply mesmerizing. Any questions we had she answered, and was 100% honest about anything and everything, which I always appreciate. The trip was a workout, but so worth it. I look forward to book again in the future with my parents.
Review provided by Viator
Brannon_s
Sep 6, 2026
Great Experience!!!!!! - Went on the early trip to shell key and from start to finish the trip was awesome. They made sure to point out all the wildlife on the way and were very knowledgeable about the animals and the area. Shell key was awesome as well! Great adventure!
Review provided by Viator
Lisa_s
Sep 2, 2026
Unforgettable Tour! - My husband and I have been on kayak tours before but this one by far was the best! Taylor and JR were so knowledgeable about sea life and shelling! It was so refreshing to see them get as excited as we did when seeing dolphins (up close) and manatees! This experience was unforgettable!! We will definitely be booking with them again our next vacation in Florida!
Review provided by Viator
Frank_p
Sep 2, 2026
One of the best tours I’ve been on in a long long time. Thank you, Taylor.❤️ - People canceled and I ended up being the only one on this adventure! Taylor was an excellent tour guide, and her knowledge of Shell Island was incredible. I learned a lot. There were a lot of manatees in the water and I actually was walking with them through the water. It was amazing! We also saw a lot of dolphins and birds. She found the most beautiful shellls for me and I enjoyed myself immensely!
Review provided by Viator
Seaside08989313451
Aug 15, 2026
Great time - We had a great time. We saw dolphins several times which was very exciting, and watching the birds struggling to swallow giant fish they caught as we kayaked was very entertaining. The guide was very enthusiastic and knowledgeable, which made the experience amazing.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Neal_f
Aug 6, 2026
Perfect in every way! - Taylor was AWESOME! She communicated before hand very well with the threat of rain and we worked a game plan that worked perfectly. She is very knowledgeable about all the surrounding areas and wildlife. Don't hesitate Book Now!
Review provided by Viator
Reggie_h
Aug 1, 2026
Local Tide kayaking and shelling - Awesome experience. If your looking for something to do different this vacation.. Our guide Taylor Swanson was awesome with Local Tide tours. . Really enjoyed this unforgettable experience.
Review provided by Viator
Mbheidt
Jun 9, 2026
Kayaking fun in St Pete - What a great way to spend the afternoon! I will admit, I was a bit hesitant about this trip being in my 50s and not exactly in shape, but I need not have worried! Our little group of six was very well taken care of - our guide made sure everyone was comfortable and could travel at their own pace, yet she managed to keep us together as a group. The mangrove tunnels were beautiful, and a nice change of pace to rowing on the open water. Bring lots of water, you will definitely need it, and maybe a small snack (power bar) to enjoy at the beach when you take the break to relax for a bit. I would highly recommend this adventure to someone looking for something fun on the water!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Arina_b
Jun 6, 2026
Best tour ever!!!!!! - Honestly the best tour I’ve ever done!!! Paddled 3 and a half mile through beautiful mangrove tunnels, mangrove coasts, and shorelines. Saw plenty wildlife and found so many cute shells at the island. The tour guide was so friendly and knowledgeable, would tell us the history of the islands, little fun facts about the wildlife, and any techniques for kayaking. As someone who’s never kayaked before, this was still incredibly easy and fun!!!
Review provided by Viator
