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

“What a top notch experience! From start to finish, everything was well executed, and our guide, Jenna was outstanding as she shared about our surroundings and the wildlife we encountered.”

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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

“Great captain! Lots of dolphins and a manatee. Neat little Key with thousands of shells. Didn't find any big ones, but got enough small ones to fill a mason jar. Great day on the water. Noel.took excellent care of us.”

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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

“Bria was a great host. Place was easy to find, directions were spot on. Small group size kept it personal. Sunset was gorgeous. Seeing the wildlife through the kayak was unique. Great night activity if you are looking for something different. Recommend.”

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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

“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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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

“Loved it. My family and I really enjoyed it. We will do it again and will 100% recommend. The host was the best.”

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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

“I had never been kayaking before, Capt Yak was a great teacher and patient with me on how to use the paddles. He was also very knowledgeable of the wildlife and history of the area. He also took pictures of my friends and I. I’m…”

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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

“What a great experience! This has become my new favorite water sport. The sand bar was amazing, can’t wait to do this again….. considering purchasing my own kayak, sorry guys!🤷🏼‍♀️”

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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

“Our captain was very knowledgeable about the places to go, He helped us find shells and sand dollars. He told us great stories and he was just too cool.”

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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

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Clear kayaks, resident dolphins and Gulf sunsets on schedule.