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SHELL KEY PRESERVE

Guided Clear Kayak Tours in the Tampa Bay Area

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↠ RATED #1 TOUR IN THE USA BY TRIPADVISOR ↞

COME PADDLE WITH US! PICK A DAY & BOOK NOW!

↠ ABOUT THE TOURS ↞

Take an adventure through Shell Key Preserve in a completely clear kayak in the Tampa Bay area! 

At Shell Key Preserve, you’ll paddle along mangroves, enjoy white sand beaches and sandbars, and search for incredible wildlife. Depending on the time of year, we see a variety of wildlife. In the summer months, keep your eyes peeled for a manatee or the beautiful pink Roseate Spoonbills. During the winter months, White Pelicans call the sandbars of Shell Key Preserve their home! Throughout the year, dolphins frolic in the crystal-clear waters of the preserve, and cormorants love to paddle alongside our tours. Even though we love showing our guests the wildlife within the preserve. Sightings are random and not guaranteed. Our Shell Key Preserve Clear Kayaks Tours take place in Tierra Verde, FL, right near St Pete Beach.

We also offer an evening Glow Tour of Shell Key Preserve. Our glow tours a unique nighttime adventure where you paddle through the preserve while our color-changing, waterproof LED lights illuminate the waters below your clear kayak.

↠ SHELL KEY PRESERVE | TAMPA BAY AREA ↞

Located near St. Pete Beach, Florida, Shell Key Preserve offers a serene escape surrounded by the tranquil waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Accessible only by boat or kayak, Shell Key Preserve is a hidden gem for those seeking a peaceful retreat. With its pristine beaches and mangrove-lined waterways, Shell Key Preserve provides a perfect backdrop for relaxation and exploration.

Shell Key Preserve boasts over 1,800 acres of untouched natural beauty, making it a popular destination for eco-conscious travelers. Its expansive sandy shores are renowned for their abundance of seashells, attracting beachcombers and nature enthusiasts alike. As a barrier island, Shell Key Preserve presents an unspoiled environment ideal for wildlife observation and outdoor activities.

Exploring the waters surrounding Shell Key Preserve reveals a vibrant ecosystem teeming with marine life. Clear channels meander through lush mangroves, offering opportunities for kayaking and boating adventures. Encounter playful dolphins, look for different species of birds, and keep your eyes peeled for a variety of fish as you immerse yourself in the pristine coastal environment of Shell Key Preserve.

 

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TOP-RATED

With over 9,000 five-star reviews, Get Up And Go Kayaking – Shell Key Preserve is rated the #1 Nature & Outdoor Activity in the world by TripAdvisor!

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GIVING BACK

We’re passionate about the outdoors and conservation! We believe in being good stewards of the environment, which is why we donate to Florida Land & Springs Conservation.

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SMALL GROUPS

Our max group size is 10 paddlers – the perfect size to hear our guides and enjoy conversations along the way. (Larger private parties may be available upon request)

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BEST GUIDES

Soak up the sights – and some knowledge! Learn unique facts along the paddle about the local waterways, wildlife, and more from our awesome local guides.

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GREAT VIEWS

Don’t let a normal kayak hinder your view! Our clear kayaks are the absolute best way to view the surroundings, and there are plenty of opportunities to snag some Reels or videos for TikTok!

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GUARANTEED ACCESS

Booking a tour with us gets you guaranteed access to the Shell Key Preserve, which is only accessible by water! By booking ahead, you’ll guarantee your spot on the tour.

↠ AS FEATURED ON: ↞

↠ OUR SHELL KEY STICKER ↞

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Collect the exclusive Shell Key Preserve sticker on the day of your tour from your guide! Collecting more location stickers can unlock some great rewards. Learn more about our loyalty program HERE!

↠ MEET OUR TEAM ↞

Our passion for the environment meets your adventure on the water! Explore the pristine beauty of Shell Key Preserve with our team of expert eco-tour guides who are the heart and soul of our five-star rated kayak tours. We pride ourselves on our highly educated and knowledgeable guides, each with their unique background and expertise. Our dedicated team members are committed to making your kayak tour an unforgettable experience.

With over 9,000 five-star reviews, our guides are not just experts—they’re storytellers, educators, and nature enthusiasts who are dedicated to ensuring you have the experience of a lifetime. From sharing fascinating facts about local flora and fauna to leading you through serene waterways, our guides are committed to creating memories that last a lifetime.

Join us at Get Up and Go Kayaking for a clear kayak tour like no other. Book your adventure today and let our incredible guides show you the beauty of Shell Key Preserve from a whole new perspective.

Jenna

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Chris

Thomas Aastad wearing a hat and smiling at the camera

Alessia

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Raven

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El

Grace

Ben

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Jada

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Tatiana

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Bria

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Jesse

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Carmen

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TOP-RATED TAMPA BAY KAYAK TOURS
★★★★★

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Amazing

Jenna was an amazing tour guide. She paced the trip perfectly, keeping all of her guests close by - accurately assessing our paddling experience, and keeping us all interested in the ecosystems of the area! We got a beautiful evening and trip AND great insight into what goes into sustainability and why. It was clear that Jenna is an expert in the topic and she was great at sharing what she knows.We hope to go on this tour again, I know we'll see something new & different each time!

– Regina M. | Tripadvisor
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Loved It

Richard was a great tour guide for our kayak ride. He made the ride very trustworthy and fun, I even took off my life jacket as he made me feel very confident about the ride. The sunset experience was the best part of this kayaking ride - breathtaking indeed.

– Karina S. | Tripadvisor
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Great Adventure

While visiting from the Chicago area, my daughter, her boyfriend and I had an awesome kayaking experience with Raven. The weather was perfect and the water was calm. Raven always showed us as much as she could and knew a lot about the marine life and the history of the surrounding islands and waterways. Raven has a great sense of humor and is polite and super positive. It was a wonderful experience during our Spring break! Thanks!!!

– Jen G. | Tripadvisor
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Fantastic

We took the 430 p.m. tour and our guide was Raven. She was fantastic! Great customer service skills, friendly and knowledgeable about the area. I loved all the details she gave us about the wildlife and the mangroves importance to the area. I highly recommend this tour!

– SS. | Tripadvisor
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A Must Do!

I had a great kayaking tour with our guide Alessia. She made the trip interesting because she found many sea creatures and shared her knowledge about each of them. And just as the trip was ending the highlight of our tour were the dolphin and her baby swimming around our kayaks.

– Lori S. | Tripadvisor

↠ GET IN TOUCH ↞

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(727) 265-2268

(Available from 8:00am – 5:00pm)

Call or Text Us

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(727) 265-2268

(Available from 8:00am – 5:00pm)