727-742-2277
2900+
TRIPADVISOR 5-STAR REVIEWS
1000+
GOOGLE 5-STAR REVIEWS
3
HOURS ON THE WATER
0
EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
2013
FAMILY OWNED SINCE
CHOOSE YOUR KAYAK
Clear or traditional — your call
Same route, same wildlife, same guide — just a different way to experience kayaking at Shell Key.
Coastal Kayak
$54 per person
✔ Classic sit-on-top feel
✔ Stable and beginner-friendly
✔ Great back support and comfort
✔ A slightly more relaxed paddle
✔ Perfect for first-timers
A traditional sit-on-top design with real back support and a more classic kayaking feel. If you're planning to be out for the full route and comfort matters more than the view beneath you, this is the kayaking option most people are happiest in by the end.
Clear Kayak
$64 per person
✔ See straight into the water below
✔ Transparent hull, unique perspective
✔ Spot rays, fish, and marine life beneath you
✔ Unforgettable for photos
✔ Beginner-friendly too
A transparent hull lets you watch the water move beneath you as you are kayaking — rays gliding across the sand, fish darting through seagrass, the sandy bottom itself all visible right through the boat. It's the more immersive kayaking option, and easily the more photogenic one.
Both complete the exact same route to Shell Key — pick whichever kayaking experience sounds like your kind of afternoon.
THE DIFFERENCE
Kayak tours vs boat tours to Shell Key —
why it matters
Most tours to Shell Key take you by motorboat — loud, fast, and too large to enter the mangroves. You see Shell Key only from the water's edge. Kayaking takes you inside of the Shell Key Preserve. The mangrove tunnels are only accessible by kayak. No motorboat has ever been where your kayak tour is going.
THE EXPERIENCE
St. Pete kayaking tours —
the route that changes everything
Most visitors to St. Pete Beach never see the magical mangrove tunnels. They're tucked inside Shell Key Preserve — a protected 1,800-acre barrier island ecosystem accessible only by small watercraft. No motorboats. No crowds. Just kayakers who know where to look. And ten mangrove tunnels to explore.
Island Ferry's guided kayak tours launch from the Shell Key preserve itself, adjacent to Tierra Verde. From there we take you on a route through the calm backwaters, into the hidden mangrove tunnel system, and out to Shell Key's open Gulf beach. Your guide leads the way, narrates the ecosystem, and makes sure nobody gets lost in the tunnels — which happens more easily than you'd think.
Because kayaking is silent and low-impact, wildlife encounters are closer and more frequent than on any motorized tour. Dolphins, manatees, rays, and shorebirds all behave differently when there's no engine noise. You'll notice the difference immediately.
THE ROUTE
Where our St. Pete kayak tour goes —
sandbars, tunnels, and Shell Key island.
Your kayaking tour begins within the actual confines of the Shell Key nature preserve, away from civilization. We launch from 2962 Pinellas Bayway South, near Fort DeSoto Park. This is the kayak launch point — a calm, sheltered sandbar. Your guide leads the group from there. One of our favorite of St Pete's barrier islands
Launch Point Tierra Verde / Shell Key
Your kayak tour launches from Tierra Verde, at the very edge of the Shell Key preserve. We conduct a safety briefing and gear fitting before departure.
Backcountry seagrass flats
Kayaking through the shallow, calm protected waters teeming with rays, fish, and occasional dolphins. Excellent wildlife viewing here.
Shell Key mangrove tunnels
The highlight of the tour — a network of hidden mangrove tunnels accessible only by kayak. Your guide navigates. You explore. Wildlife is everywhere.
Shell Key beach
Open Gulf beach at the end of the first leg. Walk the shoreline, collect shells and sand dollars, swim in clear shallow water. Afterwards, we kayak back to the launch. See our Shell Key visitor's guide for more.
WILDLIFE YOU MAY SEE
Kayaking tours St Pete —
wildlife closer than you'd expect
Kayaking is silent. Wildlife behaves differently around quiet watercraft than motorized boats — encounters are closer, longer, and more natural.
Bottlenose dolphins
Frequently seen in the channels and open water around Shell Key. Dolphins often approach kayaks out of curiosity — an encounter that's genuinely different from a motorized tour.
Fish and marine life
Schools of fish visible through clear kayak hulls. Horseshoe crabs, conchs, sand dollars, and hermit crabs on the Shell Key beach. Occasional sea turtle sightings in warmer months.
Manatees
Seasonally common in the shallow grass flats near Shell Key. Once Gulf water temperatures reach 73°F, manatees appear regularly. Kayaks get closer than any boat can.
Mangrove ecosystem
The mangrove tunnels are a nursery habitat for juvenile fish and home to fiddler crabs, mangrove crabs, and roosting birds. Your guide explains the ecology as you paddle through.
Rays
Eagle rays, cownose rays, and southern stingrays glide across the sandy bottoms beneath clear kayaks. Visible from directly above in the shallow water.
Shorebirds
Pelicans, ospreys, herons, egrets, oystercatchers, and roseate spoonbills along Shell Key's shores and mangrove edges. The mangrove tunnels are particularly rich with bird activity.
OTHER EXPERIENCES
More ways to explore
St. Pete's coastal waters
$64pp
Dolphin Cruise to Shell Key
A semi-private charter to Shell Key preserve. See dolphins on the way. Snorkel the beach at Shell Key Island. $64 Dolphin Cruise details
$549 / 6ppl
Private Egmont Snorkeling Charter
A half-day private charter visiting three islands — Egmont Key, Outback Key & Shell Key. $549 per 6 people. Egmont Snorkeling details
$69pp
Romantic Sunset Cruise
Adults-only. Max 6 guests. BYOB. The Gulf at golden hour — from $69pp.
$549 / 6ppl
Passage Key Charter
A private charter to Passage Key — one of Florida's most secluded barrier islands. Clothing-optional. $549 Passage Key info
$499 / 6ppl
Sandbar Party Charter
A private 4.5-hour charter to the Gulf's most beautiful sandbars — where the locals go to party. $499
$89 to $549
Bachelorette Party Options
We know what makes a bachelorette party unforgettable — a private boat, cold drinks, beautiful water, and zero strangers. From $89 See details
COMMON QUESTIONS
Kayak tour FAQ —
St. Petersburg, FL
Do I need kayaking experience to join the tour?
No experience is required. Island Ferry’s guided kayak tours to Shell Key are beginner-friendly, and your guide provides instruction and a safety briefing before you head out. Calm, protected waters make these tours comfortable for first-time kayakers.
What is the difference between clear kayaks and coastal kayaks?
Clear kayaks offer a transparent hull that allows you to see into the water below as you paddle over seagrass beds and marine life. Coastal kayaks are traditional sit-on-top kayaks that provide a classic paddling experience. Both options are stable and suitable for beginners. Full transparency: The Coastal kayaks offer far better back support and comfort than do the clear kayaks.
How long are the Shell Key kayak tours?
Most Shell Key kayak tours last approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, including paddling time and time to explore Shell Key Preserve.
Where do the kayak tours depart from?
Kayak tours depart from a convenient launch location near Tierra Verde / St. Pete Beach. Exact meeting and parking details are provided after booking.
What wildlife might we see on a kayak tour?
Wildlife sightings vary by season but commonly include dolphins, manatees (in warmer months), rays, fish, and coastal birds such as pelicans, herons, and ospreys. Kayaking offers a quiet way to observe wildlife in its natural habitat.
Are children allowed on the kayak tours?
Yes. Children are welcome on our guided kayak tours, though age and size requirements may apply for safety reasons. Please contact Island Ferry if you have questions about bringing younger children.
What should I bring on a Shell Key kayak tour?
We recommend bringing:
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Sunscreen and a hat
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Water to stay hydrated
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Comfortable clothing that can get wet
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Water shoes or sandals
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A small dry bag for personal items
Is Shell Key kayaking safe?
Yes. Island Ferry conducts kayak tours in calm, protected waters, and all guests are provided with life jackets. Guides remain with the group at all times and adjust routes based on weather and water conditions. There are NO alligators, and 99% of the tour is on less than 2 feet of water.
What other wildlife might we see besides dolphins?
In addition to dolphins, guests may see manatees, rays, sea turtles, pelicans, and a variety of shorebirds depending on the season.
What is the refund policy if I need to cancel my reservation?
We require 48 hours notice for a full refund of your cancellation. But we know that things happen, and we can make exceptions for certain extenuating circumstances.
What is the policy for weather cancellations?
Decisions on cancelling for weather is the sole discretion of Island Ferry. If we do cancel for weather, you are entitled to a full refund, or an option to rebook for a later date or time.
What time should I arrive for my boat tour?
It is *imperative* that you arrive 30 minutes before departure time for check-in, just as you would for air travel.
What if I am running late for my tour?
Please understand that our scheduled tours run back to back, and so we are unable to delay our boat departures. Please make every effort to arrive for the check-in 30min prior to departure.
Is there a bathroom at the launch?
We have full facilities nearby, but none at the kayak launch itself.
Will I be required to wear a life jacket on the tour?
The state of Florida requires all kayakers to wear a life jacket while on the water. We provide those free of charge.
Can I bring food and drinks?
Yes. The more the merrier, and anything to keep your energy levels up for the entirety of the paddle.
Can I bring a cooler?
If you would like to bring your own modest sized cooler that is just fine.
Is free parking available?
Yes, there is free parking at the kayak launch.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, especially for weekends, holidays, and private charters — spots are limited and popular dates fill early.
Booking a few days in advance is recommended, though same-day availability sometimes exists — call or text to check.
What should I wear for the tour?
Swimwear, sun-safe clothing, and reef-safe sunscreen are recommended for all tours. A hat and light coverup are worth bringing for time in the sun between stops.
Do you pick up from hotels?
No — all tours depart directly from our kayak launch in Tierra Verde. Free parking is available on-site.
Do you offer group rates?
We only accommodate small groups.
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs aren't permitted on Shell Key Preserve due to county regulations — **legitimate assistance** dogs are the only exception. Emotional support animals do not qualify.
Can I pay with cash?
Cash payment can be arranged, but every reservation must be secured with a valid credit card at the time of booking.
Are the tours wheelchair accessible?
The launch itself is not wheelchair-friendly, our kayak tours unfortunately aren't a good fit.
Can I reschedule my tour once I book?
Yes — rescheduling is subject to the same 48-hour notice as is our cancellation policy. Requests made within 48 hours of departure can't be guaranteed a new date.
