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
Equipment including tandem kayaks, paddles, seats, and dry bags
Safety equipment including lifejackets and whistles
Gratuities
While we have bottles available, we HIGHLY encourage guests to bring REUSABLE water bottles!
Options
Clear Kayak Tour
Reviews
5,994 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Kayak with Less
toniap601,Mar 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Alessia was great tour guide. Explanatory and knowledgeable. We went to the shell island and was a great experience.
Shell Key
R8202OPmarkg,Mar 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Jenna was a great guide and we had a great time.
Great Fun!!!
francescatP1060JF,Mar 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Jenna was a great guid had a relaxing fun time !
Great
G612XXaaronw,Mar 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Les was great! Great experience
Great experience
Resort599086,Mar 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00So very knowledgeable. We had the best time with Les
Awesome kayaking trip
leiam525,Mar 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our trip was amazing!! Ben was soo awesome. Got everyone in and out of there boats very quickly. Didn’t go too fast for anyone. Explained how to kayak. Was very informative about the wild life and gave us extra time at the beach. I was not aware we were able to go swimming once we got there so wear your swim suit !! We loved finding all the shells at the beach and didn’t feel rushed!
Clear bottom tour
heathertB5167DD,Mar 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My friends and I were so excited to kayak to the She’ll Key Preserve today. Ava, our guide, was excellent! She taught us about the area and was so helpful, passionate and patient with everyone. We saw a dolphin, a rare reddish egret and a few cormorant dove under our boats. It was an excellent trip!
Ava is the best! Knowledgeable, friendly & wonderful
D1337XCericam,Mar 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing experience, would recommend to anyone!
Perfect weather and water.
341nikil,Mar 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Alessia was an excellent guide. She was very patient with my rambunctious preteen/teen boys. Would definitely recommend.
Fun in the sun
kellymQ226WD,Mar 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Ben was an amazing tour guide! Highly recommend
From US$79.00
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Operated by Get Up And Go Kayaking - Tampa Bay