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
(164 Ratings)
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478greggm
Mar 4, 2025
A beautiful kayak experience you do not want to miss. - It was a very pleasant experience in a beautiful area of Florida. Scott was very informative and accommodating to all ages and all levels kayaking skills. Having engaged in three, Florida kayaking experiences in February 2025, this was the best experience by far. We highly recommend it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tiffanih2019
Feb 9, 2025
Incredible paddling adventure of your life - Get ready for the most incredible paddling adventure of your life! Every time I visit my best friend in Saint Petersburg, I make it a priority to book a kayaking trip with this amazing crew. Scott, who was born and raised on the waters around Fort De Soto, is an absolute wealth of knowledge—seriously, ask him anything, and he’ll have an answer! This isn’t just an unforgettable paddle; it’s like taking a fascinating, hands-on class about the area. I learn something new every single time I go! If you’re looking for an adventure that’s both thrilling and educational, I can’t recommend this experience enough!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Seaside697091
Jan 7, 2025
My granddaughters look forward to kayaking everytime we come to Fl. Bot said this was the best trip. - The water was nice and calm and not too cold. The guide was fantastic and had a lot of knowledge about the area and the waterways. It was 4 miles total but didn't feel like it. My 10 y/o granddaughter had no problem completing it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Safari754989
Jan 1, 2025
Great for beginner kayakers and avid shellers! - You get way more than your money's worth on this tour. The guides are great, the shells on the key were plentiful and we had ages 13 to 77 out kayaking with no issue. Would 100% recommend Scott and Karissa (and we've done other kayaking tours in the area to compare.) We'll be back for more next visit!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Amylh2196rm
Dec 29, 2024
Absolutely Perfect - Island Kayak Tours with guides Scott and Karissa is an unforgettable adventure! Scott and Karissa are exceptional guides who blend professionalism with a warm, friendly approach that instantly puts you at ease. Their knowledge of the local waters, wildlife, and hidden gems adds incredible depth to the experience, making it as educational as it is exhilarating. From breathtaking views to perfectly planned routes, every moment feels thoughtfully curated. Whether you're a seasoned paddler or a beginner, Scott and Karissa ensure you feel confident and cared for. This is more than a tour; it’s a truly magical journey! Highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
994pamelah
Nov 15, 2024
Great time! - Scott was awesome!! What a great kayak tour. Our 4, 14, 17, and 18 y/o all really enjoyed it. No prior skill needed. What a blast! Would definitely use them again!! Trip was 3 hrs - 1hr to the island, 1hr on the beach, and 1hr on the way back. Don't forget your hat, water, and sunscreen!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jenniferfv7040ii
Aug 29, 2024
Great day on the water! - Had an amazing time with Karissa and her husband. He is a wealth of knowledge and both are so nice. We kayaked in shallow water then through mangroves and then got to go in the water at Shell Beach. Founds lots of sand dollars. It was the perfect amount of time paddling and relaxation! Loved the birds swimming along side us and putting on show catching fish! Highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
243dannis
Aug 17, 2024
Shell key preservation Kayak - Very nice experience and our family enjoyed it so much! We were very lucky that we saw manatees as well. Highly recommend the trip!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sarah_s
Aug 5, 2024
Great trip!!! - I'm a fan of kayak tours and have done quite a few along the east coast, including through mangroves. Scott was easily the best tour guide I've ever had! Gave great easy to follow instructions for new kayakers, incredibly personable and friendly, immediately memorized the names of everyone on the group, and shared really interesting local history and facts on all of the animals, fish, plants, etc. that we saw throughout the trip. He was just extremely engaging and helpful. Karissa brought up the rear, making sure everyone was doing ok and no one left behind. One of the coolest parts was the cormorant birds hanging with the group so they could dive for the fish we were stirring up by kayaking. We watched them catch so many fish! Shell Key, as the name implies, is filthy with beautiful shells! I could have stayed there all day. Scott and Karissa had shell bags you could borrow, but we had brought our own plus snorkels, which was a good move.
Review provided by Viator
Lesliehv6018rf
Jul 21, 2024
Best tour! - This was a fabulous tour. The guides were very knowledgeable and we could hear them no matter where we were in the group. Navigating through the mangrove tunnels was a highlight. 💯 recommend this tour if you’re visiting the area.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
March 2025
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