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
509 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
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!!
Perfect way to spend an afternoon!
Scott M,Mar 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Hunter was an excellent guide - very informative about the mangroves, Florida wildlife, and any other questions about the area you may have! The mangroves were amazing and the beach stop was beautiful - very relaxed kayaking experience!
Just Do it!!!
S7713HTlauraw,Feb 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00So glad we did this kayak trip. Claire and her partner were great guides...very friendly and very informative. Really enjoyed going through several mangrove tunnels. A great day out. Highly recommend this outing!!
A fun-filled kayaking experience in St Petersburg
karenkP9334YQ,Feb 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great trip. Our guides (Claire and Oliver) made the trip! They were friendly and very informative…and made the trip fun! we even saw a couple of dolphins! We missed our original date and Coastal Kayak was very accommodating with rescheduling us. Would definitely recommend!
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.
From US$49.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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