St Petersburg, Florida

15 Best Shell Key Kayak Tours

The clear-kayak runs over Shell Key Preserve: transparent hulls above the grass flats, sunset glow tours lit from the boats and dolphins surfacing at paddle distance. The preserve is bird sanctuary and sandbar at once; the kayaks float its whole length.

1.Clear Kayak Tour of Shell Key Preserve and Tampa Bay Area

Experience Tampa Bay from a new perspective with this 2-hour clear kayak tour, exploring Shell Key’s wildlife, mangroves, and sandy beaches.

Most Popular★ 5.0

“Insanely beautiful! Jada was very knowledgeable and shared great fun facts about all of the wildlife we saw. Would definitely recommend. Also very much appreciated the cold water provided”

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2.Small Group 2 Hour Dolphin Cruise with Snorkeling to Shell Key

Experience a 2-hour small group dolphin cruise from St. Pete Beach, with snorkeling at Shell Key Island. Spot wildlife, enjoy scenic views, and relax.

★ 5.0

“This was a beautiful experience! It was my girlfriend’s birthday and we went riding around looking for dolphin and to the beach on Shell Key! We found a bunch of dolphin and the beach was amazing! Captain Noel was awesome, very knowledgeable and I felt…”

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3.Shell Key Clear Kayak Sunset & Glow Tours

Experience the unique thrill of paddling clear kayaks illuminated by LED lights at Shell Key Preserve, exploring wildlife after dark in St. Petersburg.

★ 5.0

“The view from Shelly Key Island was beautiful. Not seeing any sea life was disappointing and wearing clothes as stated in the "what is needed" was not good, it should say wear bathing suit since you will get wet.”

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4.Small Group Kayak Tour of the Shell Key Preserve

Experience a peaceful kayak tour through Shell Key Preserve, paddle mangroves, spot wildlife, and enjoy beach stops—ideal for nature lovers and beginners alike.

★ 5.0

“Awesome experience! Boat captains gave us fun facts during our short ride to the launch, we even saw a manatee and dolphins. Taylor was an amazing kayak guide. We asked for a shell experience and she did not disappoint! Best shelling trio we’ve had in…”

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5.Three Hour Shelling Cruise to Shell Key Preserve from John’s Pass

Explore Shell Key Preserve on a relaxing 3-hour cruise from Johns Pass, enjoying shelling, wildlife sightings, and scenic boat rides in St. Petersburg.

★ 5.0

“I’m so glad I did this! Captain Robyn and First Mate Braelyn were fun, entertaining and informative. We were lucky enough to see dolphins swimming right by the boat multiple times! Shell Island is beautiful and relaxing. Grab a broken shell and hook it on…”

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6.Shell Key Ferry from Ft. DeSoto Boat Ramp in Tierra Verde, FL

Experience a scenic 20-minute ferry ride from Ft. DeSoto to Shell Key, with ample time for shelling, swimming, and wildlife spotting in pristine surroundings.

★ 5.0

“Viator screwed us over! I realized I had made a mistake in my booking (did ferry+camping but only wanted ferry). When I called to fix the problem I was told that there was nothing they could do because it was less than 24 hours before…”

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7.Kayak Adventure of Shell Key Preserve & Island with a Local

Discover Shell Key Preserve on a guided kayak tour—spot dolphins and manatees, paddle mangroves, and relax on Shell Key Island for a memorable Florida adventure.

★ 5.0

“Thoroughly enjoyed the tour and would highly recommend it. Scott was a wealth of information and very passionate about the preserve. Beautiful scenery and relaxing environment. Will definitely return.”

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8.Small-Group Clear Kayak Tour in Shell Key

Discover Shell Key's natural beauty on a small-group clear kayak tour, featuring wildlife sightings, mangrove tunnels, and expert guides for an authentic Florida adventure.

★ 4.5

“Great experience. The guide was excellent and knowledgeable. Equipment in excellence conditions, weather was perfect.”

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10.Exclusive Kayak Expedition: Exploring the Mangroves to Shell Key

Discover St. Petersburg’s waterways with this private kayak tour through mangrove tunnels to Shell Key. Enjoy wildlife encounters, personalized routes, and expert guides for an authentic Florida experience.

★ 4.5

“Our guide was very knowledgeable of the waters and mangroves. Great family fun. Would definitely book another trip.”

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11.Kayak Tour at Gandy Beach Mangroves with Capt Yak with Capt Yak

Discover the Gandy Beach Mangroves kayaking tour led by expert guide Capt Yak, exploring Shell Key Preserve, wildlife, and mangrove tunnels for a unique eco-adventure.

★ 5.0

“Capt Yak was funny, informative, and fun to be around. We learned so many things about the area and it's wildlife. Going through the Mangrove tunnels and exploring at Shell Key was my favorite! It was a very peaceful and beautiful trip. We were able…”

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13.2.5 Hour Shell Key Island Adventure Including Dolphins And Shells

Discover Shell Key Island on a 2.5-hour boat trip with dolphin sightings, shell hunting, and wildlife encounters, led by experienced guides in Florida.

★ 5.0

“This was such a fun experience. Captain John was amazing! It was a fun trip and we had plenty of time to grab as many shells as we wanted as well as swim. On the way back we seen dolphins and that was great as…”

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14.Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Tour To Shell Key – St. Pete, FL

Explore Florida's pristine barrier islands with a guided kayak tour through mangrove tunnels, wildlife spotting, and beach relaxation—an authentic eco-adventure.

★ 5.0

“Taylor is a wonderful guide! She took her time and emphasized it was our tour, to let her what our preferences were! We saw lots of birds, fish jumping, 7 dolphins, two stingrays mating and went shelling on a beach! Will go again without question!”

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More Shell Key Kayak Tours

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Clear kayaks, resident dolphins and Gulf sunsets on schedule.