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
*Please arrive to launch site 30min early.
*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.
*Gratuity for your Guide*
Options
Start Time
Reviews
501 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fun time, great experience
X3225NIglennc,,Jan 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00These guys were great. I had to change the number of people in our group and they were super accommodating. The tour was interesting and the guide Clair was terrific. What a beautiful place! Thanks for a great day.
Great time on the Shell Key kayak tour
lonar425,,Oct 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00great experience! Our guide, Tracy, was super friendly and knowledgeable! we enjoyed meeting Kevin!😊 we highly recommend this tour.
Highly recommend
Melissa R,,Oct 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The day was perfect, lots of wildlife. The water was beautiful. Three hours was the perfect trip & the preserve was beautiful. Excellent excursion, Tracy was an awesome guide.
Funtime kayaking to Shell Key
garytA8875TN,,Aug 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great kayak tour through the mangroves and over to Shell Key. Tracy was our guide and she was awesome. Mangroves were a great experience and She’ll key had a beach for swimming.
Great kayaking and shelling!
jenniferbO9390JB,,Aug 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great time on our kayak tour. Everything was as advertised. Our guide Taylor was very knowledge and we felt safe the whole time. She even collected some amazing shells for us on Shell Island. There are a ton of shells but she had an eye for picking out some amazing ones. We would definitely kayak with this company again.
Great experience!
Elena B,,Jul 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We’ve enjoyed our experience, it’s was nice to go right into the magroove. We’ve also saw dolphins and manatee by the shell beach! I would recommend it!
Guide Taylor was...
Valerie H,,Jul 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Guide Taylor was excellent. Mangroves were beautiful. Beach are we went to, the water was so warm. Gulf and preserve. Lots of fish
Great Kayak Trip
Lauren K,,Jun 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My husband and I took our 2 teenage daughters out for the Shell Key kayak tour. Taylor was our guide and she was great. We paddled through the mangroves and out to the island. We did get close to a dolphin on our way back. It’s not a difficult trip at all. There is quite a bit of boat traffic on the weekends so I might suggest a weekday if possible.
Awesome time. Taylor was...
Grant C,,Jun 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Awesome time. Taylor was great! She was very friendly and knowledgeable about the area. Definitely recommend.
Loved the experience!
Boxerdogdork,,Jun 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a great experience, guide Tracy was wonderful! The mangrove tunnels, birds and shell key preserve were fun to experience via kayak. I booked on trip advisor but was glad I called the company to switch to single kayaks because they provided me with the correct drop site. I would book again, I enjoy kayaking and this was a good experience. I would like to book again with a private group so I know all on the trip had kayak experience.
From US$79.00
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Operated by Coastal Kayak Charters