Clear Kayak Tour of Shell Key Preserve and Tampa Bay Area

5.0 (6,710 Viator reviews) 2 hrs St Petersburg area

Get up close to mangroves
Take in Florida's natural beauty!
Paddling by the Mangroves
Paddle in paradise
Join us for a unique sunset!

Photos: Viator · 7 more on Viator

About this activity

Adventure through Shell Key Preserve in your 100% clear kayak! See crystal-clear water, diverse marine life, and the underwater world below your clear kayak.

You’ll paddle along mangroves, enjoy white sand beaches and sandbars, and explore a secluded beach. If the tide is high, your guide will lead the way through a hidden mangrove tunnel. Shell Key Preserve is located in Tierra Verde, FL near St. Pete Beach in the Tampa Bay area.

Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, manatees, pelicans, crabs, and more while enjoying the preserve’s picturesque mangroves, beaches, and sandbars. Be on the lookout for a manatee or the beautiful pink Roseate Spoonbills in the summer months. White Pelicans call the sandbars of Shell Key Preserve their home during the winter months! Throughout the year, dolphins frolic in the crystal-clear waters and cormorants love to swim alongside your kayak. Chances are that you’ll see a variety of wildlife, but sightings are random and not guaranteed.

Itinerary

  1. Stop 1 · 120 min

    Your guide will welcome you and provide brief paddling and safety instructions. Then, you’ll be off on an adventure as your tour guide leads the way around the mangrove islands, through the shallows, and to the beach. If the tide is high, your guide will lead the way through a hidden mangrove tunnel. You’ll also take a break at Shell Key's beach, where you can collect shells, take in the views, and be surrounded by nature. Your guide will be happy to take photos and make sure you have fun along the way! Be on the lookout for a manatee or the beautiful pink Roseate Spoonbills in the summer months. White Pelicans call the sandbars of Shell Key Preserve their home during the winter months! Throughout the year, dolphins frolic in the crystal-clear waters and cormorants love to swim alongside your kayak. Chances are that you’ll see a variety of wildlife, but sightings are random and not guaranteed.

What's included

  • Equipment including tandem kayaks, paddles, seats, and dry bags
  • Safety equipment including lifejackets and whistles

Not included

  • Gratuities
  • While we have bottles available, we HIGHLY encourage guests to bring REUSABLE water bottles!

Meeting point

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

We launch from Billy's Stone Crab Restaurant. Please park towards the back of Billy's parking lot and walk towards the restaurant entrance. Follow the restaurant entrance wooden ramp to the docks behind the restaurant, where you will meet your tour guide!

End point: We launch from Billy's Stone Crab Restaurant. Please park towards the back of Billy's parking lot and walk towards the restaurant entrance. Follow the restaurant entrance wooden ramp to the docks behind the restaurant, where you will meet your tour guide!

Good to know

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • We require one adult per each child under age 12.
  • We require two adults per each child 3 years old and under.
  • For your safety, we have a weight limit of 250 lbs per guest, and a combined limit of 425 lbs for two people in a tandem kayak

Cancellation policy

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

Reviews

5.0/5

6,710 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor

  • 5 star6,586
  • 4 star79
  • 3 star24
  • 2 star6
  • 1 star15

Read the reviews on Viator

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Distances are straight-line from the activity's center of St Petersburg (Viator lists this tour under St Petersburg; it has no meeting-point coordinates).