- Tarpon Springs
Explore Tarpon Springs, Florida, on a guided clear kayak tour, paddling through historic waterways, mangrove islands, and wildlife-rich estuaries. Choose from two unique tours based on the season!
Quick Details
DAYTIME Tours
Pricing varies by date. Please choose a date for the exact price.
Prices starting at:
Adult
Ages 12+
$ 69
Child
Ages 11 & Under
$ 59
GLOW Tours
Nighttime tours
Per Person
Ages 12 & Up
$ 74
Explore Shell Key Preserve on a Kayaking Tour near St. Pete Beach!
See crystal-clear water & diverse marine life while clear kayaking near St. Petersburg, FL
You’ll paddle along mangroves, enjoy white sand beaches and sandbars, and explore a secluded beach. As you kayak near St. Pete Beach within Shell Key Preserve, the water will get clearer as you approach the gulf. While paddling, remember to look through your clear kayak to see the underwater world below! Shell Key Preserve is located near St. Pete Beach in the Tampa Bay area.
Kayak with dolphins, manatees, pelicans, crabs, and more as you explore Shell Key Preserve
Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, manatees, pelicans, crabs, and more while enjoying the preserve’s picturesque mangroves, beaches, and sandbars.
Be on the lookout for a manatee or the beautiful pink Roseate Spoonbills in the summer months. White Pelicans call the sandbars of Shell Key Preserve their home during the winter months! Throughout the year, dolphins frolic in the crystal-clear waters and cormorants love to swim alongside your kayak. Chances are that you’ll see a variety of wildlife, but sightings are random and not guaranteed.
Learn about Shell Key Preserves wildlife and ecosystems from your knowledgeable eco-tour guide
TripAdvisor rated your tour as the #1 Nature & Outdoor Experience in the world in 2022.
Your guide will welcome you and provide brief paddling and safety instructions. Then, you’ll be off on an adventure as your tour guide leads the way around the mangrove islands, through the shallows, and to the beach. If the tide is high, your guide will lead the way through a hidden mangrove tunnel. You’ll also take a break at Shell Key, where you can collect shells, take in the views, and be surrounded by nature. Your guide will be happy to take photos and make sure you have fun along the way!
Enjoy a unique St. Pete night kayak tour while your light up kayak illuminates the waters below
Enjoy a unique nighttime tour while your color-changing, waterproof LED lights illuminate the waters below your clear kayak.
Explore the waters of Shell Key Preserve while looking for wildlife, taking in the stars, and lighting up the water beneath you. Depending on the departure time, you may witness an incredible sunset. As dusk falls, you’ll turn on your lights to illuminate the water below. Your tour guide will lead the way on a true adventure through Shell Key Preserve. Plan on wearing long sleeves and/or long pants, with bug spray underneath your clothing to deter mosquitos.
Shell Key Clear Kayaking FAQ's
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All Sales Final: Once booked, all sales are final, and no cancellations are permitted unless specified otherwise.
Unsafe Weather: In the event of unsafe weather, we offer the option to reschedule, receive a gift card, or provide a full refund.
Trip Protection: Purchasing Trip Protection allows guests to cancel or reschedule their initial tour at any time for any reason up to 24 hours prior to the scheduled tour time. Guests will be reimbursed for the full ticket amount, less the cost of Trip Protection and any booking fees. If Trip Protection is not purchased, all sales are final. -
Our weight limit is no more than 250 pounds per person and no more than 425 pounds per 2 people that are in the same kayak. All of our kayaks are double kayaks. Unfortunately our kayak manufacturer has given us this strict limit of 250 pounds per person and we cannot exceed this limit.
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Each of our kayaks are tandem (made for 2 paddlers). However, the seats are removable and if you have an odd number of paddlers in your party we are able to accommodate the kayak as a single.
Keep in mind, the same 250 pound PER person weight limit still applies even if taking a kayak out as a single. -
Tips are greatly appreciated. We like to say, “If you enjoyed your ride, tip your guide!”
Standard US gratuity is 20%!
A mandatory gratuity of 20% will be added for groups 11 or more. -
Alcohol is not allowed on any of our tours.
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- Reservations are required for all tours.
- There is a $1.00 toll, payable by Cash, Coins, or SunPass on your way to the launch site.
- Pets are prohibited throughout Shell Key Preserve by order of Pinellas County.
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We encourage you to bring the following:
- Water (preferably in a reusable water bottle)
- Swimsuit/clothes that you don’t mind getting a little wet
- Sunscreen/sunglasses/hat
- Shoes that can get wet/sandals
- Towel for after the trip
- Any extra gear you’d like! Remember – the less gear, the more visibility through the kayak!
We will provide you with the following:
- Dry bags to store your personal items
- Safety equipment including lifejackets and whistles
- A clear kayak with seats and paddles
- A knowledgeable tour guide
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- Every tour is given on one of our 100% clear kayaks.
- Our fleet is small (5 kayaks) so expect an exclusive experience (no more than 10 people at a time).
- Private tours are available per request.
- Our guides are always helpful and entertaining (and they love tips).
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- Yes, children are welcome on our daytime tours! For our nighttime glow tours, we only allow teens ages 12 and older.
- Children 6 and under are required by law to wear a life jacket at all times while on the water. We provide lifejackets for children that are above 30 pounds.
- We require children 30 pounds or under to bring their own Coast Guard approved life jacket as the size is very specific and safety is of utmost importance.
- We require one adult per each child under age 12.
- We require two adults per each child 3 years old and under.
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Our tours are made for any skill levels to participate, we will have basic tips and tricks to help you maneuver the waterways. Some paddling may be considered intermediate but we try our best to paddle at a pace that is convenient for every paddler! We do require all guests to stay with the group. We also ask that all guests have upper body mobility and capacity to walk up and down steps to enter/exit kayaks.
Shell Key Preserve Clear Kayaking Tour Videos
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