
Clear kayaks at Shell Key Beach
Get Up and Go Kayaking - Tampa Bay
Named No. 9 experience in the U.S. in the "Best of the Best Things to Do for 2024" by Tripadvisor's community of travelers!
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Take an unforgettable clear kayak tour of Shell Key Preserve in the Tampa Bay area! Paddle near mangrove islands, explore white sand beaches and sandbars, and discover Florida’s incredible marine life.
Wildlife encounters at Shell Key Preserve vary by season. In the summer, look for manatees and pink Roseate Spoonbills. During the winter, White Pelicans gather along the sandbars. Year-round, you might spot dolphins swimming in the crystal-clear waters or see cormorants diving beneath your kayak. While we can’t guarantee sightings, our experienced guides will help you make the most of your adventure.
For a one-of-a-kind evening experience, try our Shell Key Preserve Glow tours:
- Sunset Tour: Paddle to Shell Key and watch a stunning sunset over the Gulf of Mexico from a secluded beach. Then, enjoy a peaceful twilight paddle as the sky transforms, and light up the water below with LED lights in each kayak.
- Glow Tour: Light up the water beneath you with color-changing LED lights as you paddle through the preserve and into a hidden mangrove tunnel at night!
Shell Key Preserve kayak tours launch from Tierra Verde, FL, near St. Pete Beach—a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts! Book your Shell Key Preserve kayak tour today and experience Florida’s natural beauty from a completely see-through kayak!

mangrove

Drone view of Shell Key Preserve

See the sunset from your clear kayak


Expert guides leading the way
general information
- Family-friendly