SHELL KEY TOURS IN ST PETE, FL

BOAT TOURS AND KAYAK TOURS TO SHELL KEY

We offer tours to Shell Key preserve by boat, clear kayak, or coastal kayak. Take a boat for snorkeling, or a kayak tour to explore mangrove tunnels and get up and close to wildlife.

⭐ Top-rated Shell Key tours in St. Pete • Small groups • Local captains and guides

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Explore the natural beauty of Shell Key Preserve with Island Ferry’s small-group boat and kayak tours. From snorkeling and shelling to guided kayak adventures through the hidden mangrove tunnels, our Shell Key tours offer unforgettable dolphin and wildlife encounters just minutes from St. Pete Beach and Tampa Bay.

Boat Tours and Kayak Tours to Shell Key Preserve

Discover the wild beauty of Shell Key Preserve, an undeveloped barrier island and protected 1,800-acre wildlife sanctuary just offshore from St. Pete. Island Ferry offers Shell Key tours by boat, clear kayak, coastal kayak, and paddleboard, so you can choose the adventure that fits your group—whether you want snorkeling and beach time or an up-close eco tour through mangrove tunnels.

Expect unforgettable wildlife encounters along the way. Depending on the season, guests often spot dolphins, manatees, rays, and wild shorebirds in their natural habitat—one of the reasons Shell Key is a must-do for visitors to St. Pete Beach and Tampa Bay.

Choose Your Shell Key Adventure

Shell Key Boat Tour (Snorkeling + Island Time)

Our Shell Key boat tour combines a dolphin cruise and scenic tour with snorkeling and exploring the island. We take you into the preserve after seeing the dolphins, then stay nearby while you swim, snorkel, and beachcomb. We provide snorkel gear and floating noodles, and you’re welcome to BYOB for a relaxed day on the water.

Shell Key Clear Kayak Tours (Mangroves + Wildlife Viewing)

Want the most immersive eco experience? Our clear kayak tours to Shell Key offer a unique “see-through” view of the water below as you glide through the preserve’s mangroves and seagrass flats. Your guide will point out wildlife and explain the ecology that makes Shell Key one of Florida’s most vibrant coastal habitats.

Shell Key Coastal Kayak Tours and Paddleboards

Prefer a traditional kayak? Our coastal kayak tours and paddleboard options deliver a classic Florida adventure—quiet, scenic, and wildlife-rich. You’ll explore the preserve at water level, then enjoy time on Shell Key’s unspoiled shoreline for shelling and photos. These kayaks offer superior back support and comfort.

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Shell Key Shelling and Wildlife Highlights

Shell Key’s beaches are famous for shelling. You may find cockle shells, scallop shells, whelks, conchs, and more along the shoreline. Even from the beach, it’s common to spot dolphins very close to shore—Shell Key is that kind of place.

The preserve is also home to fascinating coastal creatures, including hermit crabs, horseshoe crabs, and rays. Every trip is different, and the “what will we see today?” factor is a big part of what makes a Shell Key tour so memorable.

Small-Group Tours for a Better Experience

Island Ferry specializes in semi-private small-group Shell Key tours with a high level of service and personal attention. Our boats carry no more than 6 passengers, so your trip feels relaxed—not crowded. Whether you’re traveling as a couple, family, or small group of friends, you’ll enjoy a more comfortable ride, better wildlife viewing, and a more personal tour experience.

Pricing and Tour Length

Keep it simple—choose your ride:

Boat Tours: $64 per person (all ages) | ~2 hours
Clear Kayak Tours: $59 per person | ~2.5–3 hours
Coastal Kayak Tours: $54 per person | ~2.5–3 hours
Paddleboards: $54 per person

Departures run 7 days a week and vary by season.

Island Ferry of St Pete offers the finest boat tours and kayaking tours to Shell Key Preserve!

We also offer:

Sunset Cruises on the Gulf

Private Half-Day Snorkeling Tours

What's Included

Boat Tour Includes

Snorkeling gear and floating noodles
Free bottled water
Free parking at Tierra Verde Marina Resort
Cooler with ice on board
BYOB welcome

Kayak Tour Includes

Life jackets and paddles
Instruction on kayaking and paddling
Free parking at the launch location

Know Before You Go

Bring your swimsuit and towel
Purchase tickets online or by phone
Cancellation policy: no refunds within 48 hours; full refunds if Island Ferry cancels for weather