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

“Alessia, our guide was very generous in sharing her knowledge of the surrounding nature - vegetation, mangroves, variety of birds, shells, a live conch in it's shell. She knows a lot & shares it well! :)”

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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

“It was a great trip even though we didn’t get to see any wildlife besides a rare snake near Shellley! Wish we had a little more snorkel time but captain Dave was great showing us around and being knowledgeable”

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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

“We went on the guided night tour and it was nothing short of amazing! Our tour guide Matt was personable, knowledgeable and made sure we all had a great time. On our adventure, he helped point out a number of sea dwellers and many birds…”

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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

“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

“Neil was incredible and the whole experience was amazing! My whole family had so much fun and loved all the sights! Definitely recommend for a personalized experience - Neil went at our pace, he was very kind, thoroughly knowledgeable and communicative right from the beginning.…”

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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

“Best part of our trip! Go early as possible it’s a great way to start a vacation day, by far my favorite thing I’ve done in Florida. We have so many cool shells to make our own crafts to remember the trip! We saw dolphins…”

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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.