
Kayak Adventure of Shell Key Preserve & Island with a Local
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 186 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Kayak Adventure of Shell Key Preserve & Island with a Local worth booking?
Kayak Adventure of Shell Key Preserve & Island with a Local is a 3-hour experience in St Petersburg, United States, from $59 per person. It scores 86 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 5/5 rating across 186 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 86 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (186)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $59 per person
Hi, I'm Scott. Karissa and I are the owners and only guides at Island Kayak Tours. We will guide you through the mangrove tunnels (tide permitting) and time your adventure just right to give you the best chance at seeing
What you get
About this experience
Hi, I'm Scott. Karissa and I are the owners and only guides at Island Kayak Tours. We will guide you through the mangrove tunnels (tide permitting) and time your adventure just right to give you the best chance at seeing dolphins & manatees. There is also free time for you to explore Shell Key Island, whether that means shelling, swimming, snorkeling, or simply enjoying the view. Our tours take place in a shallow saltwater preserve. There are no alligators, and most of the water is knee to waist-deep; perfect for both beginners and experts. All the experience I have from growing up here in St. Petersburg has given me the opportunity to put together a kayak tour like no other. Kayaking has always been one of my favorite things to do around the area. This has allowed me the opportunity to find all the best kayaking spots and to accumulate the local knowledge to give you a true Florida experience. I started this kayaking company to share the natural beauty of my home with you.
What's included
Included
- kayak, paddle, lifejacket (PFD), whistle or signalling device
What you'll see and do
Tierra Verde
Tours take place in Shell Key Preserve. As a native Floridian, I will guide you through the backcountry of the preserve. Through shallow grassy meadows we go, watching fish jump and birds hunt; all the while, ducking through the mangrove tunnels (tide permitting) and allowing time for pictures and explanations of the surrounding habitat. Most of the area we paddle in is typically only frequented by locals and is off-limits to motorized vessels.
180 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
St Petersburg
We launch from a public launch site off Pinellas Bayway in Tierra Verde. Directions & a map will be included with your reservation confirmation message.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
We launch from a public launch site off Pinellas Bayway in Tierra Verde. Directions & a map will be included with your reservation confirmation message.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Island Kayak Tours, LLC
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 186 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Traveler reviews
186 verified traveler reviews for Kayak Adventure of Shell Key Preserve & Island with a Local. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Excellent experience
Scott and Karissa were excellent. They were both very helpful and knowledgeable about the area and wildlife in that area. The route was great and they both made sure we were all comfortable. We have been on other kayaking tours and this was the best one yet.
via Tripadvisor
Scott and Carissa were...
Scott and Carissa were great! They were super knowledgeable and friendly, the equipment was all in great shape. Great for groups or as a solo traveler!
via Viator
Another awesome Shell Key paddle!
Went out with Scott and Carissa for the second time and it was just as great as when we went two years ago. I learn something new every time we have been with them. History of the area, information about the wildlife and plants. And great childhood stories growing up in the area. We even got to see a couple of manatee. They do an amazing job guiding, teaching and keeping you safe. We would highly recommend them, and this trip, regardless of your paddling experience. We will be back.
Response from the operator: Mark & Lori, thank you so very much for the awesome review! We are so happy you all had fun again on our adventure again! Love the pictures!! Thanks for posting. We enjoyed having you and your both out kayaking with us. It was so nice to see you both again and we look forward to seeing you next time. Safe travels. Scott &Karissa
via Tripadvisor
Relaxing afternoon
Beautiful break from the wind which made other tours impossible. The area is peaceful, clean, relaxing, and the guides were great.
Response from the operator: Julian, thank you so very much for the wonderful review! We are so happy you all had fun on our adventure! We look forward to seeing you again next time. Safe travels. Scott &Karissa
via Tripadvisor
INCREDIBLE EXPERIENCE FROM START TO FINISH
BEST THING EVER.....It felt like we were kayaking with friends...Scott and his wife were so knowledgable and kind.....it was 100/100! Great value, memories to last a lifetime and we learned so many cool things. Never felt like a tourist on this trip, nor did I have a moment of worry. We were in great hands and our entire group has talked about it non-stop. Thank you Scott and Carissa for a magical experience!!!
Response from the operator: Kathleen, we enjoyed having you all out kayaking with us! Thank you so much for leaving us an awesome review! We look forward to seeing you again next time. Safe travels. Scott & Karissa
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 65
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 86
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Kayak Adventure of Shell Key Preserve & Island with a Local: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for St Petersburg.
How much does Kayak Adventure of Shell Key Preserve & Island with a Local cost?
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Prices start at $59 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in St Petersburg usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Kayak Adventure of Shell Key Preserve & Island with a Local take?
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Plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in St Petersburg is not rushed.
Is Kayak Adventure of Shell Key Preserve & Island with a Local worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 86 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 186 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most highly reviewed in St Petersburg, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Kayak Adventure of Shell Key Preserve & Island with a Local?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Kayak Adventure of Shell Key Preserve & Island with a Local suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Kayak Adventure of Shell Key Preserve & Island with a Local?
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Around 65 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in St Petersburg can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in St Petersburg and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Kayak Adventure of Shell Key Preserve & Island with a Local start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central St Petersburg within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in St Petersburg?
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St Petersburg pairs beach time with a dense arts district: Dali Museum entry, mural walking tours, clear-kayak paddles through mangrove tunnels and boat runs out to Egmont Key and Shell Key. On Outty we rank every St Petersburg experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Clear Kayak Tour of Shell Key Preserve and Tampa Bay Area, St. Petersburg Jungle Prada Site History Tour, Island Sunset and Skyway Light Show - 3hr Boat Cruise in St. Pete. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit St Petersburg?
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October to April, before the summer heat and afternoon storms. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in St Petersburg?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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