Glide over shallow seagrass beds in a transparent kayak and spot marine life in Shell Key Preserve.
Kayak and gear, Guided tour
Paddle a transparent kayak through the mangrove tunnels and clear shallows of Shell Key Preserve. Enjoy unobstructed views of marine life as your guide shares insights into the coastal ecosystem.
You must arrive 30 minutes before departure, bring water, and wear water shoes. Weight limit is 250 lbs per person and 450 lbs combined in a tandem kayak. Ages 3–13 must ride in a tandem with an adult, and a reachable phone number is required for schedule updates.
Full refund for cancellations made at least 24 hours before departure or if the operator cancels due to weather or unforeseen circumstances. No-shows are charged the full price.
2800 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL 33715
Coastal Kayak really delivers when it comes to exploring the mangrove tunnels and Shell Key Preserve. Guides like Taylor, Tracy, and Kristi consistently earn praise for being knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely friendly. They tailor tours to match what groups want to see and do, whether that's lingering in the stunning mangrove tunnels or spending more time relaxing on the white sand beaches. Wildlife sightings of dolphins, manatees, and various birds are common, though never guaranteed. Several guests mentioned their guides even took photos during the trip and shared them afterward. The tours typically run about three hours and include exploring the beautiful mangrove ecosystem before heading to Shell Key. Most reviewers loved the relaxed pace and the guides' expertise about local wildlife and history. One reviewer noted their guide paddled quite quickly through the tunnels, which felt rushed. Another mentioned the clear kayaks look cool but are actually harder to paddle and don't really enhance the experience compared to regular kayaks. The occasional complaint aside, this outfit has built a strong reputation for creating memorable kayaking adventures in the Tampa Bay area.
Had an amazing 3 hour private tour for two of us with Tracy. She is friendly, informative and took the time to do what we wanted to do. We saw birds, fish, dolphins, mangrove tunnels and spent some time relaxing on Shell Key. Highly recommend!!!
Robert Leonard
September 7, 2025
Had an amazing 3 hour private tour for two of us with Tracy. She is friendly, informative and took the time to do what we wanted to do. We saw birds, fish, dolphins, mangrove tunnels and spent some time relaxing on Shell Key. Highly recommend!!!
Robert Leonard
September 7, 2025