Winter Kayaking in Shell Key Preserve: A Wildlife Adventure Near St. Pete
Looking for a fun way to experience Florida this winter? Kayaking in Shell Key Preserve is the perfect outdoor adventure for anyone who loves wildlife, sunshine, and exploring the beautiful waters of the Gulf Coast. This adventure is the top-rated kayaking in Tampa Bay.
Located near Tampa, Shell Key Preserve is home to pristine beaches, mangrove islands, shallow waterways, and abundant wildlife. Winter is an especially exciting time to visit, when cooler temperatures make for comfortable paddling and seasonal birds arrive along the coast.
See Florida Wildlife From Your Clear Kayak
One of the best parts of a Shell Key kayak tour is never knowing what you might see around the next bend. Birdwatching is especially amazing during our winter low tides where we keep our eyes on the shoreline and skies for American oystercatchers, piping plovers, red knots, brown pelicans, great blue herons, great egrets, and American white pelicans.
American white pelicans, the third largest bird in the US, are an incredible sight. With their enormous 9.5 foot wingspans and bright white bodies, they’re hard to miss as they glide over the water or gather along the shoreline, sometimes in the hundreds!
And the birds aren’t the only wildlife you may encounter. Dolphins, stingrays, fish, giant conch shells, and other marine life can often be spotted while paddling through the preserve. With an expert tour guide skilled in spotting the local wildlife with you the entire way you’re in good hands!
Your Next Florida Adventure Is on the Water
There’s something special about exploring Shell Key by kayak. Instead of simply seeing the preserve from the shore, you get to paddle right into its natural surroundings. You might be quietly cruising through the mangroves one minute and watching a dolphin surface beside you the next.
Not to mention that kayaking in the winter months here in Florida is one of the best times of year for collecting amazing shells! Low tide tours when the huge swaths of sandbar are fully exposed are a phenomenal option for any shell lovers.
Whether you’re visiting St. Pete, looking for things to do in Tampa Bay, or simply want a memorable outdoor experience, a Shell Key kayak tour is a great way to spend a winter day in Florida. Don’t miss out on learning about our amazing local ecosystems with one of our knowledgeable tour guides!
Ready to get on the water? Book your Shell Key kayak tour and come see the wildlife and beauty of Florida’s Gulf Coast for yourself!