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

“Relaxing kayaking experience out to a Gulf key. Ben was a great tour guide, he was very informed and provide a great tour.”

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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

“Being on the small boat and a small group was much more personal and received a lot of local information from the captain Dave. Seeing the lodge, dolphin boats, confirmed we made the right decision..”

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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

“Tracy was awesome. I recommend if you are going with your partner to use your own kayaks. We got the hang of it towards the end using the tandem but there was a learning curve. So much fun and so beautiful.”

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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

“This experience was fun for the whole family. My granddaughter enjoyed the boat ride and finding beautiful shells on the island. The shell necklace from the first mate was a big hit! Take sun screen no matter the time of the year.”

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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

“I'm a fan of kayak tours and have done quite a few along the east coast, including through mangroves. Scott was easily the best tour guide I've ever had! Gave great easy to follow instructions for new kayakers, incredibly personable and friendly, immediately memorized the…”

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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

“Amazing, friendly tour guides who we enjoyed great conversation with. Had a fun time at Shell Key collecting shells and going in the water. Definitely worth doing on your vacation and has made our trip!”

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9.Guided Kayak EcoTour of Beautiful Shell Key Preserve

Discover Shell Key Preserve with this guided kayak eco-tour. Paddle through mangroves, relax on beaches, and spot dolphins for a memorable nature experience.

★ 4.5

“The scenery was great, leisurely activitie, & good guide who was very knowledgeable & friendly. The only disappointment was no manatees but that was our fault for not booking at the right time of the year”

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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

“Such a great Kayak tour! Capt Yak is very laid back but knowledgeable in local wildlife and habitat which made the trip very fascinating.I am handicap but able to walk some and paddle alone, he was very patient and helpful. The water was so clear…”

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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 was a great tour guide!! Friendly and had lots of facts about the mangroves and surrounding area”

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More Shell Key Kayak Tours

Explore St Petersburg, Florida

Clear kayaks, resident dolphins and Gulf sunsets on schedule.