Clear Kayak Tour of Shell Key Preserve and Tampa Bay Area
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
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.
Additional Info
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.
What To Expect
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
Safety equipment including lifejackets and whistles
Equipment including tandem kayaks, paddles, seats, and dry bags
Gratuities
While we have bottles available, we HIGHLY encourage guests to bring REUSABLE water bottles!
Options
Clear Kayak Tour
Reviews
5,785 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great trip!
D2140YEdennisd,,Jan 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Alessia was the best! We had such a great time and learned a lot. She is so knowledgeable and friendly. We loved kayaking to Shell Key Preserve and seeing all the birds and wildlife. We highly recommend this trip and also Alessia as your guide!
Peaceful, beautiful and a little workout!
B1332CAandream,,Jan 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My 9 year old and I went on this kayak tour today! It was so fun. The tour guide was really good, patient, and full of information. We would do it again for sure!
Wonderful time
GoPlaces64901669294,,Jan 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Alessia was awesome! We had such a great time and she was so knowledgeable. Thank you for a wonderful trip! It was a beautiful morning and we saw so much!
Beautiful experience!
Tschida4,,Jan 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Jenna was an excellent guide and wealth of knowledge about the birds, fish, and environment. Very engaging and we had a variety of ages on the trip.
Jenna is awesome!
lizzyt468,,Jan 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Jenna was an exceptional tour guide! She was very knowledgeable and she taught us so much! We had a wonderful experience and would highly recommend this!
Awesome Kayak and Nature Experience
Lbrinsmaid,,Jan 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great few hours with Jenna kayaking over to and exploring Shell Key. The experience was perfect all around. Easy booking and communication, top-notch equipment but most importantly, a tour guide who was professional, knowledgeable and engaging. Jenna was able to identify every bird we saw, and there were loads of them, much to the delight of a bird watcher who was in our group. We were a little worried about the weather, but it ended up being a beautiful day and the chillier than normal temperature was not an issue at all. Highly recommend.
Amazing kayak adventure with Be !
RebekahS674,,Jan 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a gorgeous excursion and our guide Ben was amazing! It was in the low 50s but that didn't slow us down one bit… and we had the beach to ourselves! Ben’s knowledge of the birds and sea life was impressive and such a bonus. Thank you for a great adventure!
Great experience in nature. We must vote to save it!
agassin2026,,Jan 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Greatly enjoyed paddling with Jenna. She is knowledgeable and cares about the area and its preservation. Sunset was beautiful.
Loved this tour! Don’t miss this experience- you won’t regret it! Ask for Alessia as a guide!
Trip792560,,Jan 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was an incredible experience and our guide Alessia was friendly and knowledgeable. Shell Key Island is beautiful!
Great experience!
madalyns2026,,Jan 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Alessia was a knowledgeable and friendly guide! Would recommend even for people who have little kayaking experience. Great time and would do again
From US$79.00
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Related Experiences
Operated by Get Up And Go Kayaking - Tampa Bay