St. Petersburg, Florida, isn’t just about its lively arts scene and sunny beaches. This city also offers some fantastic National Park Tours that focus on the surrounding natural habitats—perfect for anyone looking to escape the urban buzz and experience Florida’s wild side. From paddleboarding through mangrove tunnels to scenic bike rides through lush preserves, these tours will help you see the region’s diverse ecosystems up close. We especially love the Small Group Kayak Tour of Shell Key Preserve for its intimate setting and wildlife sightings, as well as the Clear Kayak Tour with its incredible underwater views. Whether you’re into wildlife, shells, or just soaking up the sunshine, there’s something here for every outdoor enthusiast.
Quick Overview
This list includes guided kayak adventures, boat cruises, and bike tours that explore Shell Key Preserve, Tampa Bay, and Boyd Hill Nature Preserve. Each tour offers a unique angle—some focus on shelling and wildlife, others on eco-exploration or biking through scenic habitats. For an immersive experience, check out the Small Group Kayak Tour of Shell Key Preserve, which combines wildlife viewing with a relaxed paddle in a small group. If you prefer a boat cruise, the Shelling Cruise from John’s Pass provides a laid-back way to explore the area’s beaches and spot dolphins. For a well-rounded outdoor day, the Bike Tour of Boyd Hill Nature Preserve offers a deeper dive into Florida’s ecosystems on two wheels.
1. Small Group Kayak Tour of the Shell Key Preserve
At number 1, this small-group kayak adventure takes you through the tranquil mangrove tunnels and shallow seagrass meadows of Shell Key Preserve. This 1800-acre protected area is home to nesting sea turtles, wintering shorebirds, and a host of marine life, making it a favorite for wildlife fans. Your guide, Taylor, with her 25 years of birding experience, will lead you through the quiet waters, sharing insights about the ecosystem and pointing out dolphins, sea turtles, and seabirds. The tour lasts about 3 hours and includes all equipment and instruction, making it accessible for beginners and experienced paddlers alike.
The highlight is the stop at Shell Island, where you can collect shells, go for a swim, or just relax on the beach. The small group setting ensures personalized attention and an intimate experience. Reviewers praise this trip for its fun facts, wildlife sightings, and the chance to explore parts of the preserve most visitors miss. With a price of $79 per person, it offers excellent value for a personalized, eco-focused adventure.
Bottom Line: If you want a hands-on, wildlife-rich paddling experience with a knowledgeable guide, this tour hits the mark. It’s perfect for nature lovers who appreciate small groups and personalized attention.
2. Three Hour Shelling Cruise to Shell Key Preserve from John’s Pass
For around $45, the Shelling Cruise from Johns Pass offers a relaxing, family-friendly way to explore Shell Key Preserve by boat. This 3-hour trip departs from Hubbard’s Marina and combines a scenic ride with time on the island for shelling and swimming. The boat, the HUB Cat 49, cruises through protected bay waters, where you often spot dolphins, manatees, and seabirds.
The highlight is the hour spent exploring Shell Key itself—famous for its shells and sandy beaches. The crew provides informative commentary, and many guests mention how much they appreciated the relaxed pace and abundant wildlife sightings. The ride back often offers views of Gulf beaches, adding to the peaceful vibe. The tour is rated a perfect 5 stars by 212 reviewers, many praising the crew’s friendliness and the abundance of shells found.
Bottom Line: This cruise is ideal if you prefer a laid-back, scenic boat trip with the bonus of shelling and wildlife viewing. Its affordability makes it a great choice for families or budget-conscious travelers.
3. Kayak Adventure of Shell Key Preserve & Island with a Local
Topping our list at number 3 is the Kayak Adventure of Shell Key Preserve & Island. Led by a local guide, this 3-hour tour offers the rare experience of exploring less-visited areas of the preserve. You’ll paddle through mangrove tunnels (tide permitting), which provide a fascinating glimpse of Florida’s native ecosystems—something most visitors don’t get to see. Along the way, you’ll have chances to spot dolphins, manatees, and a variety of birds, with plenty of photo opportunities.
The guide, with her insider knowledge, shares stories about the area’s ecosystem and history. The tour includes time at Shell Key Island for swimming and collecting shells, along with ample wildlife viewing. Reviewers praise the guide’s personable approach and the chance to see wildlife in a quiet, unspoiled setting, with many mentioning how this tour exceeded their expectations.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those wanting an immersive, wildlife-focused kayak experience with a knowledgeable local. It’s perfect for paddlers who want to explore the hidden corners of Shell Key Preserve.
4. Guided Kayak EcoTour of Beautiful Shell Key Preserve
This guided tour (see details here) is ideal for those wanting a comprehensive introduction to Shell Key’s ecosystems in a manageable 3-hour format. It starts with exploring Shell Key Shoal’s beaches, where you can collect shells and wade into shallow waters. The tour then moves to paddling into the preserve’s mangroves and seagrass flats, offering clear views of the underwater life beneath your kayak.
The highlight is the chance to paddle into mangrove tunnels, often teeming with fish and birdlife. The tour includes a waterproof bag for photos and a chance to relax on Shell Key’s beaches with opportunities to swim. Many reviews commend the knowledgeable guide, Nick, for his passion and commentary about the flora and fauna. The tour offers good value at $48 per person, especially for families or those new to kayaking.
Bottom Line: This tour provides a balanced experience of wildlife, shelling, and paddling—perfect if you want to combine eco-exploration with some leisure time on the beaches.
5. Saint Petersburg Preserve Bike Tour
If biking appeals more than paddling, the Bike Tour of Boyd Hill Nature Preserve is a great way to cover more ground and see Florida’s ecosystems in action. Over about 2 hours and 3 miles of trails and boardwalks, you’ll observe alligators, ospreys, and cormorants, with plenty of opportunities to learn about the natural history from your guide. The tour is limited to eight people, ensuring a personalized experience.
Guided by Louisa, a knowledgeable local, you’ll pass through five ecosystems, spotting butterflies and native plants along the way. Reviewers mention how much they learned about local flora and fauna, and the pictures they took. The tour is priced at $65, making it a good deal for those who prefer exploring on wheels rather than water.
Bottom Line: Excellent for travelers who want a more active, educational outdoor experience and don’t mind a modest workout.
6. Clear Kayak Tour of Shell Key Preserve and Tampa Bay Area
The Clear Kayak Tour is perfect for those craving underwater visibility. Using special clear kayaks, you’ll paddle around the mangroves and shallows of Shell Key and Tampa Bay, getting an unobstructed view of the fish, crabs, and other marine life beneath you. It’s a 2-hour adventure rated with over 5,000 reviews for its excellent experience.
The tour includes photo stops, opportunities to collect shells, and a break at Shell Key’s beach—an ideal way to relax after paddling. Guides like Alessia and Ben are praised for their friendly, informative style, helping you spot wildlife like manatees and pink Roseate Spoonbills. It’s a bit more expensive at $89 but offers a unique perspective with its see-through kayaks.
Bottom Line: Best for families or couples who want to see the underwater world in crystal-clear detail without getting wet.
7. Kayak Adventure at Shell Key Preserve in Tierra Verde
This 4-hour guided kayak tour in Tierra Verde offers a more comprehensive exploration of Shell Key Preserve. With a small group, you paddle through mangrove channels, around islands, and along the coastline, all while spotting sea birds and marine life. The tour includes kayaking equipment, dry bags, and even Bluetooth speakers for a fun atmosphere.
The tour’s longer duration makes it suitable for experienced paddlers or those eager for a full-day adventure. The guide will take you through waters that are often off-limits to motorized vessels, providing an authentic look at the preserve’s wildlife and plant life. As this experience has no reviews yet, it’s best suited for those who want a personalized, private experience or are repeat visitors.
Bottom Line: Designed for serious paddlers who want a dedicated, immersive experience in Shell Key Preserve’s natural habitat.
$75.00 per person
How to Choose the Right Tour
When selecting the best National Park Tour in St. Petersburg, consider your budget, activity level, and interests. If wildlife viewing and a small-group vibe appeal, the Small Group Kayak Tour offers personalized attention. For those craving underwater views, the Clear Kayak is unbeatable. Budget travelers will appreciate the Shelling Cruise for its affordability and relaxed pace.
Think about the physical effort involved—biking at Boyd Hill or kayaking in shallow waters are both accessible but require different stamina levels. Book early, especially for the most popular tours like the Clear Kayak or Small Group Kayak, especially during peak season.
Final Thoughts
St. Petersburg offers a surprising variety of nature-focused tours that showcase Florida’s coastal beauty and diverse ecosystems. Whether you prefer paddling, biking, or cruising, you’ll find options suited to different tastes and fitness levels. For a truly immersive experience, the Small Group Kayak Tour stands out for its wildlife sightings and intimate feel, while the Shelling Cruise is perfect for those who want a relaxed, scenic day on the water.
No matter which you pick, booking early guarantees you a spot in these limited-capacity adventures. Dive into Florida’s natural side—St. Petersburg’s outdoor tours will leave you with memories of dolphins, shells, and sun-drenched landscapes you won’t forget.