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.

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

“Wonderful Captain and very knowledgeable on her wildlife as she is a Marine biologist. She was able to show us five manities plus dolphins in our trip to Shell Island was amazing snorkeling.”

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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

“It was great not too strenuous, got a little windy so a little bit more time getting across to launch, we saw dolphins and lots of great wildlife! Relaxing and enjoyable”

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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

“Captain Clearwater was great, very knowledgeable and easy to shoot the breeze with. He took us to an island to do some shelling and it was a bit crowded so we headed on out to another island a little more remote and bingo ! Great…”

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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

“Professional and fun. It’s a short ferry ride from The De Soto Park boat ramp to Shell island. We went on the 10am to and returned at 2:30. Perfect day!”

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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

“We had a great time with Scott & Karissa, owners of the Island Kayak Tours. They are really really nice people and will take care of everyone. They made sure all are safe while enjoying the kayaking and seeing all the wild animals. Scott has…”

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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

“My daughter wanted to rent kayaks and go off on our own. My wife wanted a tour guide. So glad we went with Rayna, she was great. Would have never found the right paths to take with out her. She was very knowledgeable about the…”

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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

“It was a great tour! Nick was awesome! He is very knowledgeable of the area, wildlife, environment, & shared interesting information. He was very attentive, friendly & easy going with everyone! Even though I accidentally started with another tour group, he was very gracious about!…”

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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

“Great guide, knowledgeable, personable, with lots of local insights. I have done a number if these and this was my favorite. Loved stopping at Irma Pass for a swim and hot dog from Nautidogs.”

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12.Glass Bottom Kayak Mangrove & Sandbar Adventure in St. Pete Beach

Experience Florida's wildlife on a self-guided glass bottom kayak adventure exploring mangroves, sandbars, and islands near St. Pete Beach for $62.

★ 4.0

“We received instructions prior to the trip via text and it was very lengthy and a bit confusing. We thought we booked a guided tour however it was a go at your own pace tour. The kayaks were extremely dirty & did the bottoms didn’t…”

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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

“I ended up doing Egmont Key Island instead and was glad I did. It was a 4 hour trip and I had so much fun shelling, hiking, and snorkeling.”

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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

Explore St Petersburg, Florida

Clear kayaks, resident dolphins and Gulf sunsets on schedule.