Name: Small Group Kayak Tour of the Shell Key Preserve
SKU: 192986P1
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (520 reviews)

WizardTrip

Small Group Kayak Tour of the Shell Key Preserve

5.0(520)· St. Petersburg· By Coastal Kayak Charters Watch the video

Free cancellation

From

€53per person

1 to 12 travelers per booking.

Time

1 × Adult × €53€53

Total€53

About the activity

Embark on a guided kayak adventure through the Shell Key Preserve with Coastal Kayak Charters. As one of the few outfitters offering kayak tours to Shell Key, we provide a unique experience. Your journey begins with a tranquil boat ride to the enchanting sandbar of Shell Key Preserve, setting the stage for your kayaking exploration. Our tours are crafted for personalized service and exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities on the water. We'll navigate through secluded mangrove tunnels and glide over shallow seagrass beds. You'll have the chance to stop on Shell Island for swimming, shell collecting, or simply unwinding on the beach. Designed for both novices and casual paddlers, our tours utilize stable, user-friendly kayaks for an enjoyable paddling experience. We primarily use double kayaks, but single kayaks are available upon request via our website, especially for groups with an odd number of participants. Conclude your adventure with a relaxing 15-minute boat ride back to the dock. Discover the difference with local professionals passionate about sharing their love for this pristine environment.

What's included

✓Suitable for ages 8 and up. Children aged 8-12 must share a double kayak with an adult or older child.
✓All necessary equipment, expert instruction, and dry bags are provided. Double kayaks are standard; singles can be arranged through our website.
✓Weight restrictions apply: 250 lbs per person and a combined total of 450 lbs for double kayaks.
✓Kindly plan to arrive at the launch site 30 minutes prior to your scheduled departure.

What is not included

✕Gratuity for your guide is not included.

Itinerary

1
Shell Key Preserve Exploration
The Shell Key Preserve spans 1800 acres at the mouth of Tampa Bay, safeguarding vital marine habitats and encompassing the region's largest undeveloped barrier island. Its shores serve as crucial nesting grounds for sea turtles and are recognized as one of Florida's most significant areas for nesting and wintering shorebirds.
· 3 h

How to use your ticket

Your mobile or paper ticket is accepted. This applies to one ticket per booking.

Meeting point and return

For precise directions, please utilize Google Maps.

Meeting point

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Practical information

This tour is not recommended for individuals with spinal injuries.
Participation is not advised for those with poor cardiovascular health.
A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended for all participants.
Travelers who have had recent surgeries should refrain from this activity.

Activity options

Start Time

Duration

3 h

How to prepare for your experience

Wear comfortable clothing that can get wet.
Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
A reusable water bottle is recommended.
Consider bringing a waterproof camera.
Arrive 30 minutes early for check-in and preparation.
Follow your guide's instructions for a safe and enjoyable experience.

Paddle through the natural beauty of Shell Key Preserve on a guided kayak tour.

Cancellation conditions

To receive a full refund, please ensure your cancellation is made at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Any questions?

Product code: 192986P1

Activity offered by Coastal Kayak Charters via Viator.

Who is this activity suitable for?

Beginners
Casual kayakers
Nature enthusiasts
Wildlife lovers
Families (with children 8+)

Activity essentials

Explore the pristine Shell Key Preserve by kayak.
Discover hidden mangrove tunnels and seagrass meadows.
Relax and swim on the beautiful Shell Island.
Ideal for beginners with stable, user-friendly kayaks.
Small group size for a personalized experience.
Excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing.

St. Petersburg: good to know

Population: 258,308 (2020)
Elevation: 134 m
Currency: United States dollar
Driving: on the right
Power plugs: A, B · 120 V
Emergency number: 911
Capital city: Washington, D.C.

Average temperatures

15°Jan
17°Feb
19°Mar
23°Apr
26°May
27°Jun
28°Jul
28°Aug
27°Sept
24°Oct
20°Nov
17°Dec

Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.

Frequently asked questions

What is the age requirement for this tour?

Participants must be 8 years or older. Children aged 8-12 must be in a double kayak with an adult or older child.

What are the weight limits for the kayaks?

There is a weight limit of 250 lbs per seat and a combined limit of 450 lbs for double kayaks.

What should I bring on the tour?

We provide all equipment. It's recommended to bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a reusable water bottle. A waterproof camera is also a good idea.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The tour will be cancelled in case of bad weather.

How do I get to the launch site?

Please use Google Maps for directions to the launch site.

Reviews

5.05.0(520)

5 stars

511

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Reviews provided by Viator, written by travellers on Viator and Tripadvisor.

★★★★★Tripadvisor review
Kayak
Winter V, September 2026
This was a very nice outing! Our tour guide, Samantha, was awesome! You get to paddle through mangrove “tunnels,” see wildlife, and get to have beach time. Definitely recommend.
★★★★★Viator review
Best kayak adventure!!!!
Will_R, August 2026
It was awesome!!!!!!! Claire was the coolest guide. She was very knowledgeable and upbeat and made the trip fun. We were the only people on the tour so it felt more personal. We did see dolphins which was the highlight of the tour. Be aware this is a physical activity make sure you are prepared to do this!
★★★★★Viator review
Dolphin show
Larry_D, June 2026
Great learning experience was very relaxing and saw a lot of wildlife, including dolphins next to kayak
★★★★★Tripadvisor review
Fun times!
daniellevN3137OH, June 2026
What a memorable experience! Went with my 10 & 15yo daughters. Claire was our tour guide. She was fun, knowledgeable, and kind. We saw dolphins, Kevins (lol), mullets putting on a show hopping out of water, kayaked through beautiful mangroves, and spent some time on beach at Shell Key. Overall, wonderful experience. We are sore this next day and sunburnt, but well worth it. Bring that sun block and perhaps cushion for your bottom. Kayak roundtrip is 4.5 miles :)
★★★★★Viator review
Fun day with family
James_e, May 2026
Great time. Super friendly guide. One heck of an upper body workout, so be prepared. Since early tour to beat the heat. Make sure you tip your guide when you get back.

13 activities · United States

St. Petersburg, United States, has 13 activities, tours and experiences to book. Also worth exploring nearby: Tampa, Clearwater, Sarasota.

01Activities to book

The best experiences in St. Petersburg

13 in the catalogue

Top pick

Shell Key Ferry from Ft. DeSoto Boat Ramp

from €35★ 4.9

Highly rated

Dolphin Shelling Snorkeling Cruise in Tampa

from €71★ 4.8

Top pick

Egmont Key Ferry from Ft. DeSoto Park

from €44★ 4.8

Free cancellation

Dolphin Racer Adventure Cruise in St. Pete

from €27★ 4.7

Free cancellation

Dolphin Watching Nature Cruise and Eco Tour from Hubbard's Marina in John's Pass

from €32★ 4.7

Top pick

Semi-Private Sunset Cruise St Pete

from €72★ 4.9

Top pick

Three Hour Shelling Cruise to Shell Key Preserve from John's Pass

from €41★ 4.8

Top pick

Small Group Kayak Tour of the Shell Key Preserve

from €53★ 5.0

Top pick

St. Pete Sightseeing Tour in a Deluxe Street Legal Golf Cart

from €44★ 4.9

Top pick

Shell Key & Dolphins - Semi-Private Tours

from €72★ 4.9

Top pick

Dolphin Watching/Eco Cruise, John's Pass, Madeira Bch, FL

from €32★ 4.9

Top pick

Island Sunset and Skyway Light Show - 3hr Boat Cruise in St. Pete

from €73★ 4.9

All activities · St. Petersburg · 13

02On the water

Boats & cruises in St. Petersburg

3 activities

Free cancellation

Dolphin Racer Adventure Cruise in St. Pete

from €27★ 4.7

Free cancellation

Dolphin Watching Nature Cruise and Eco Tour from Hubbard's Marina in John's Pass

from €32★ 4.7

Top pick

Semi-Private Sunset Cruise St Pete

from €72★ 4.9

03Categories

Nature & wildlife in St. Petersburg

4 activities

Highly rated

Dolphin Shelling Snorkeling Cruise in Tampa

from €71★ 4.8

Free cancellation

Dolphin Racer Adventure Cruise in St. Pete

from €27★ 4.7

Free cancellation

Dolphin Watching Nature Cruise and Eco Tour from Hubbard's Marina in John's Pass

from €32★ 4.7

04Explore nearby

Nearby cities

3 cities

Tampa

Clearwater

Sarasota

Frequently asked questions about St. Petersburg

What is there to do in St. Petersburg?

St. Petersburg has 13 activities, tours and day trips you can book online. Among the most booked: « Shell Key Ferry from Ft. DeSoto Boat Ramp », « Dolphin Shelling Snorkeling Cruise in Tampa », « Egmont Key Ferry from Ft. DeSoto Park ».

What are the top-rated activities in St. Petersburg?

According to traveller reviews: « Clear Kayak Tour of Shell Key Preserve and Tampa Bay Area » (5.0/5, 6,667 reviews) ; « Small Group Kayak Tour of the Shell Key Preserve » (5.0/5, 520 reviews) ; « Island Sunset and Skyway Light Show - 3hr Boat Cruise in St. Pete » (4.9/5, 2,359 reviews).

Can you cancel an activity in St. Petersburg for free?

Usually, yes: 12 of the 13 most popular activities in St. Petersburg offer free cancellation. The exact terms are shown on each activity page before you book.

What is there to visit near St. Petersburg?

Close to St. Petersburg: Tampa, Clearwater, Sarasota.