Clear Kayak Tour of Shell Key Preserve and Tampa Bay Area

5.0 (6,677 reviews) 2 hours Free cancellation

out of 5

6,677 reviews

5.0

Get up close to mangroves — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Take in Florida's natural beauty! — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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.

Nature and Wildlife Tours Private and Luxury Kayaking Tours Eco Tours Water Tours Small Group Excellent Quality Adventure Tours

At a glance

Duration: 2 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 10 people
People per booking: 1–10
Guide: English
Operated by: Get Up And Go Kayaking - Tampa Bay

Ages: Children (0–11 years) · Adults (12–120 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Equipment including tandem kayaks, paddles, seats, and dry bags
Included: Safety equipment including lifejackets and whistles

Not included

Not included: Gratuities
Not included: Bottled water: While we have bottles available, we HIGHLY encourage guests to bring REUSABLE water bottles!

Itinerary

Stop 1

2 hours

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.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

We launch from Billy's Stone Crab Restaurant. Please park towards the back of Billy's parking lot and walk towards the restaurant entrance. Follow the restaurant entrance wooden ramp to the docks behind the restaurant, where you will meet your tour guide!

End point

We launch from Billy's Stone Crab Restaurant. Please park towards the back of Billy's parking lot and walk towards the restaurant entrance. Follow the restaurant entrance wooden ramp to the docks behind the restaurant, where you will meet your tour guide!

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

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