4 St Petersburg Kayaking Tours to Book Early

1.Clear Kayak Tour of Shell Key Preserve and Tampa Bay Area

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5,800 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $79Our pick

Meet your guide at Billy’s Stone Crab in Tierra Verde for a small-group clear kayak tour of Shell Key Preserve. Paddle through open water and mangroves, stop for photos and shells, and watch for dolphins, pelicans, spoonbills, fish, and crabs. Guides such as Alessia, Jenna, Ben, and Chris add useful nature stories along the way.

“The shells available on the island are amazing! My six year old loved it…although my arms didn’t love having to paddle for the both of us! Lol.”

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2.Shell Key Clear Kayak Sunset & Glow Tours

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 542 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $84

Paddle a clear tandem kayak through Shell Key Preserve from Tierra Verde as color-changing LEDs light the water below. Guides such as Raven, Bria, Carmen, and Matt help spot wildlife and keep the pace friendly. The 90-minute tour may include sunset, mangroves, a sandbar, stars, and a few wet or buggy moments.

“We greatly enjoyed ,Jenna, our tour guide who was very knowledgeable about the area and made it an amazing trip with fun glow lights. Loved the night time trip! Can get s little wet so recommend a towel to sit on! FYI.”

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3.Small Group Kayak Tour of the Shell Key Preserve

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 501 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $79

Paddle the mangroves and open water around Shell Key Preserve near St. Petersburg on a three-hour guided trip. Coastal Kayak Charters supplies kayaks, instruction, and dry bags. Guides including Taylor, Tracy, Brian, Kristi, and Alivia are praised for their nature knowledge and easygoing help. Expect wildlife, shelling, and a beach stop.

“Wear a bathing suit! The island stop is soo worth a quick swim! Tracy, our guide, was fantastic, and gave us lots of great info!”

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4.Kayak Adventure of Shell Key Preserve & Island with a Local

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 178 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $58Best value

Join local guides Scott and Karissa for a three-hour kayak tour through Shell Key Preserve near St. Petersburg. Paddle shallow grass flats, explore mangrove tunnels when tides allow, watch for dolphins, manatees, birds, and fish, then stop at Shell Key Island to swim and collect photos of its striking shells.

“We truly enjoyed our day with Scott and Karissa. Very knowledgeable, friendly, and down-to-earth people. Scott gave great kayak pointers before we started our day to ensure a smooth experience. Gave interesting facts about the wildlife and environment of the mangroves. All in all worth the money and would definitely recommend it!!!”

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