Clear Kayak Tour: Shell Key Preserve Adventure
5.0
4,206 Ratings
Tierra Verde
Embark on an unforgettable adventure through Shell Key Preserve in a 100% clear kayak. Explore crystal-clear waters, diverse marine life, and the underwater world below your kayak.
Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Shell Key - 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
  • Tandem kayaks with paddles, seats, and dry bags
  • All necessary safety equipment, such as lifejackets and whistles
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
  • Bottled water
Additional Information

Embark on an exploration around Shell Key Preserve in our completely transparent kayak! Experience the clarity of the water, varied aquatic life, and the underwater universe beneath your translucent kayak.

You’ll traverse alongside mangroves, bask in the scenery of white sandy beaches and sandbanks, and discover a hidden beach. Should the tide be high, your tour guide will navigate you through a secret mangrove channel. Shell Key Preserve is situated in Tierra Verde, FL close to St. Pete Beach in the Tampa Bay region.

Stay alert for dolphins, manatees, pelicans, crabs, among others while appreciating the preserve’s scenic mangroves, beaches, and sandbanks. Be vigilant for a manatee or the stunning pink Roseate Spoonbills during the summer seasons. White Pelicans make the sandbanks of Shell Key Preserve their dwelling during winter! All year round, dolphins play in the crystal-clear waters and cormorants delight in swimming next to your kayak. There’s a high probability that you’ll witness a variety of wildlife, though sightings are unpredictable and cannot be assured.

  • 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
Location
Billy's Stone Crab
Collany Road
Please park in the dirt lot to the left of Billy’s Stone Crab Restaurant. You will see Kayak Tour signs. Once you arrive - follow the wooden restaurant entrance ramp the front of Billy’s Stone Crab back to the docks where you'll see the clear kayaks + your guide!
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
5.0
(4206 Ratings)
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Lesley
Jun 16, 2024
Awesome Day Kayaking - We had an amazing kayak tour guided by Chris! He was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, making our experience truly memorable. My boyfriend and I had a fantastic time and would highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for a fun and engaging adventure on the water.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
G8557ovmegans
Jun 16, 2024
Beautiful scenery! - My husband and I went on the kayak tour as a treat for his Father’s Day. The preserve is absolutely beautiful, we took so many amazing photos of the wildlife and scenery. Our tour guide Chris was amazing! He paced the tour really well and was super knowledgeable. Chris made sure it was easy for everyone to participate, even complete kayaking novices like me and my husband! Highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
N1966pwdond
Jun 15, 2024
Must do if you like being on the water - Awesome time at shell key our guide Chris was very fun and informative, he showed us a bunch of wildlife. We saw manatee, dolphin, tons of birds, crabs and one huge snail. If you like nature and being on the water you got to try it out
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Joycv903tq
Jun 10, 2024
Fun family kayak tour - My family loved this tour! We went with Chris, who is very nice and knowledgeable about the preserve. He even made sure we all had pictures. Our kids loved this tour as well, especially the cormorants following our kayaks, eating fish. It was a hot and sunny day, but the water splashes keep you cool. Definitely bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen! Chris made sure we all had water as well. It seems like a long distance but Chris made sure to give us breaks and point out the wildlife. My 12 year old had a solo kayak and did great. Would definitely recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
N6198wachristopherm
Jun 9, 2024
Guided Kayak Tour w/Chris - Our guided Kayak tour with Chris was better than anticipated. He was very personable and made sure to point out all of the wildlife in detail. He also encouraged us to explore on our own when able too. All around great experience, would definitely book again!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Linda
Jun 9, 2024
Highly recommend, would do again - Great experience. Our guide, Chris, was wonderful. Very knowledgeable and personable. Made the tour fun and informative.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nickmx3593st
Jun 9, 2024
Chris - Chris took us on a amazing tour, very friendly and nice! We saw dolphins within the first 5 minutes and had a great time! Thank you to Chris!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
W7228hbbenm
Jun 9, 2024
Chris - Our tour guide, Chris was excellent. He is very knowledgeable and great at his job. Would 100% recommend and use him again
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kellybelly74
Jun 9, 2024
Great Way to Spend Afternoon!!! - What a fantastic time! Our guide Chris was amazing! Very knowledgeable, helpful and friendly!!! The setting was picturesque lots of nature to take in!!! I would recommend this to everyone!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
U5685gbmeganh
Jun 6, 2024
Kayak extravaganza!! - This was an amazing g trip! Chris was so patient and knowledgeable. He took time to explain so many things and answered questions. I highly recommend this tour and would love to do it again!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 10 guests
1 Adult
June 2024
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