Experience one of the best guided kayak tours in St. Petersburg, Florida, as you explore the natural beauty of the Shell Key Preserve by water. Choose between our popular clear kayaks for a see-through view of the marine life below or our classic coastal kayaks for a traditional paddling experience through this protected ecosystem.
This St Pete guided kayak tour is led by knowledgeable local guides who share fascinating insights about the area’s wildlife and the century-old mangrove tunnels that make Shell Key so unique. You’ll paddle calm, protected waters within the 1,800-acre Shell Key Wildlife Preserve in Tierra Verde, just minutes from St Pete Beach and downtown St. Petersburg.
Wildlife sightings are common on this eco-friendly adventure. Guests often encounter manatees, stingrays, and a wide variety of shorebirds, including pelicans, egrets, herons, cormorants, ospreys, and occasionally the stunning roseate spoonbill. This relaxing yet immersive kayak tour is ideal for families, beginners, and nature lovers looking to experience Florida’s Gulf Coast up close.
Your adventure begins with a scenic paddle through the mangrove tunnels of the Shell Key Preserve, followed by a stop on the sandy shores of Shell Key Island. Here, you’ll have time to step out, stretch your legs, and explore the island at your own pace. Shell Key is an ideal spot for shelling and searching for sand dollars, making it a favorite highlight of the tour.
After exploring the island, you’ll hop back into your clear kayaks for a direct paddle back to the launch point. The full experience covers approximately four miles of kayaking through the Shell Key Preserve, offering a peaceful and immersive eco-tour.
Our sit-on-top kayaks are designed for comfort and stability. They are more stable than sit-inside kayaks, easy to get in and out of, and provide ample space for a backpack or small cooler. Supportive seat backs ensure a comfortable ride throughout the tour, making this experience suitable for beginners and experienced paddlers alike.
We offer the best kayaking tour in St Pete.
Feel free to visit our sister website at Coastal Kayak Charters. Also visit our microsite at St Pete Kayaking.
We also offer Boat Tours to Shell Key.
Expectations
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Please be advised that kayaking is a physically strenuous activity. This tour is a 4-mile paddle, and you must be in at the least a moderate physical condition to complete the tour.
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This is a tour of a nature preserve, away from civilization. If you are averse to mud, ants, insects, or wild brush, this tour may NOT be for you.
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Minimum age is 8yrs old. Children 14 and under must ride tandem with an adult.
Details
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$64 per person on Clear kayaks
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$54 per person on Coastal kayaks
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Trips run 7 days a week, but departures vary. Call ahead for exact departure times.
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FREE parking at our launch site near Ft Desoto Park.
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Trip duration is approx 3 hours.
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You can purchase tickets online or by phone!
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Cancellations: No refunds for cancellations less than 48 hours before your scheduled departure. No refunds for "no shows". We give FULL refunds if Island Ferry cancels for inclement weather.
What To Bring
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Wear your swimsuit, and water shoes are preferable to flip-flops.
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Bottled water.
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Sunscreen, hat, and glasses.
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A towel to keep in your car for afterward.