Small Group Kayak Tour of the Shell Key Preserve
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Join Coastal Kayak Charters for a small group guided kayak tour of the Shell Key Preserve. We are one of the few companies running kayak Tours to Shell Key. You begin with a relaxing boat ride to the island, where you begin your kayak adventure. Our trips offer more personalized service and better wildlife viewing opportunities while out on the water. We will explore hidden mangrove tunnels, shallow seagrass meadows, and stop on Shell Island for time to swim, look for shells, or just relax and enjoy the beach. Our tours are designed for beginners and experienced kayakers alike. We use stable user friendly kayaks that provide a great paddling experience. We primarily use double kayaks unless you have an odd number in your group. If you prefer single kayaks they are available through our website. Then you return home on a relaxing 15min boat ride back to the dock. Come explore with local professionals who love what they do and see the difference for yourself.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Not recommended for travelers with recent surgeries.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
The Shell Key Preserve is an 1800 acre nature preserve at the mouth of Tampa Bay. It protects sensitive marine habitats and includes the county's largest undeveloped barrier island. Its' beaches provide important nesting grounds for sea turtles and it is designated as one of Florida's most important nesting and wintering areas for shorebirds.
What‘s Included
*Ages 8+ | 8-12year olds must be in a double kayak with an adult or older child.
All Equipment, Instruction & Dry Bags. Primarily Double Kayaks, singles available through website.
**Weight Limit** 250lbs per seat | 450lbs combined for double kayaks.
*Please arrive to launch site 30min early.
*Gratuity for your Guide*
Options
Start Time
Reviews
514 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Best affordable fun on Florida water! 💦
Beautifulbon,Apr 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Oliver was a great guide he knows the area well. Best Buy for 2 1/2 to 3 hr only $49. We had a couple new bees with us but he kept us all flowing seamlessly. Saw a quick peek of a manatee, dolphins, lots of birds n flying fish and I saw a sea turtle! Beach time too! When we were disembarking from our kayaks, a man asked how was our ride and how much was it? I told him and he ran right over to Oliver to get booking info for him and his wife for tomorrow! Got to do it!!!👍
Wonderfully!
mischelb2026,Apr 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Kristy and Samantha were excellent guides. Kristy was so knowledgeable about the area and such a positive attitude about the trip. We would highly recommend it.
Shell island mangrove tour
colleen s,Apr 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Was a great kayak tour through the mangroves and on to shell island. Clair was our tour guide and could not have been any sweeter and very upbeat and informative
Excellent kayak company....
Jennifer B,Apr 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent kayak company. We had blast paddling thru the mangroves and across the bay to shell key. Ashley was a wonderful tour guide. Very knowledgeable and eager to share. Thank you for an educational and fun kayak tour!!
a really fun adventure
Euro-salesrep,Apr 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A really excellent trip and very informative - our 2nd visit - we were not disappointed
Sand, surf, dolphins and paddles.
clarebL5682HH,Apr 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was PERFECT! The equipment was in great condition. The guide(Clare) is knowledgeable and friendly with a dash of enthusiasm. We took a 45 minute break on shell key to walk the beach and take a swim. A small group of 6 mixed with first timers and salted veteran paddlers. We were greeted by dolphins at the end of our tour❤️.
Awesome trip
Ryan R,Apr 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great outdoor experience. Guides were great. Very educational. Good exercise. Beautiful views. Very reasonable price.
Great way to see FL nature!
margaretmT6008IA,Apr 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Hunter led our small group of kayakers on a fascinating 3 hr. trip. We saw birds, dolphins, mangroves, and fish up close & very respectfully. So many seashells, and great beach swimming. Hunter knows his stuff - great guide!
It was a very fun...
Janelle S,Apr 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a very fun experience. Saw some dolphins, went to a beautiful beach and Hunter, our tour guide was very knowledgeable.
Great way to spend the day!!
Destination326742,Mar 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great time!! Hunter was awesome, very friendly and welcoming. Th tour was pleasantly longer than expected, learned a lot of cool things about the mangroves (which were amazing!!!) and ocean life. He took time to regularly check on the group and made sure everyone was keeping up and the pace was good. First time on a kayak tour in the ocean and it did not disappoint. Highly recommend!!
From US$59.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Related Experiences
Operated by Coastal Kayak Charters