Paddle to Shell Key Preserve for a 4-hour sandbar kayak tour
4 Hours
Guide, gear, dry bags
Kayak from Tierra Verde to Shell Key Preserve and explore calm bay waters and mangrove tunnels with a guide. Spend time on the island before paddling back.
Ages 18+ per tour description. Weight limit is 250 lbs per seat and 450 lbs combined for tandem. Bring water and wear water shoes, slides, or flip-flops.
Full refund with 24 hours notice of cancellation. Full refund if the operator cancels due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. No-shows will be charged the full price.
Arrive 30 minutes before departure. If you arrive late, you risk forfeiting your tour and fee (no exceptions).
Bring water. You will not be permitted to begin the tour if you do not have water.
Wear water shoes, slides, or flip-flops (required).
2830 Pinellas Bayway South, 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.
Christie was a great guide! We enjoyed the variety our kayak tour had, especially shelling at Shell key preserve! There is so much wildlife here and having a guide made it much more informative!
Alex G
June 23, 2026
Christie was a great guide! We enjoyed the variety our kayak tour had, especially shelling at Shell key preserve! There is so much wildlife here and having a guide made it much more informative!
Alex G
June 23, 2026
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