Shell Key Clear Kayak Sunset & Glow Tours in St Petersburg, United States
St Petersburg, United States

Shell Key Clear Kayak Sunset & Glow Tours

Outty Ranking 86 5.0 · 737 traveler reviews1.5 hoursFrom $89
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Outty Ranking

86/100

Exceptional. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 737 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Shell Key Clear Kayak Sunset & Glow Tours worth booking?

Shell Key Clear Kayak Sunset & Glow Tours is a 1.5-hour experience in St Petersburg, United States, from $89 per person. It scores 86 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 5/5 rating across 737 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 (737)
Duration
1.5 hours
From
$89 per person

Sunset Tour: Enjoy a picturesque sunset before darkness falls & Watch the sunset from the beautiful beach on Shell Key. As night falls, your LED lights will illuminate more of the water around you, the stars will come out, and the experience will be transformed into a nighttime kayaking adventure. Fish become quite active at dusk and start jumping out of the water. Glow Tour: Adventure into the mangroves. Light up the water below your 100% clear kayak as you paddle at night into the hidden mangrove tunnel, where you will experience the ambiance created by the soft color of the LED glow lights on the incredible overhead formation of the mangroves. You’ll hear fish jumping around you, see some sea grass below, and feel the relaxing ocean air while paddling through the preserve. This tour is for people who are adventurous! Due to the night time nature of the tour, there may be some surprise visits from wildlife.

What you get

    About this experience

    Sunset Tour: Enjoy a picturesque sunset before darkness falls & Watch the sunset from the beautiful beach on Shell Key. As night falls, your LED lights will illuminate more of the water around you, the stars will come out, and the experience will be transformed into a nighttime kayaking adventure. Fish become quite active at dusk and start jumping out of the water. Glow Tour: Adventure into the mangroves. Light up the water below your 100% clear kayak as you paddle at night into the hidden mangrove tunnel, where you will experience the ambiance created by the soft color of the LED glow lights on the incredible overhead formation of the mangroves. You’ll hear fish jumping around you, see some sea grass below, and feel the relaxing ocean air while paddling through the preserve. This tour is for people who are adventurous! Due to the night time nature of the tour, there may be some surprise visits from wildlife.

    What's included

    Included

    • Paddles and Seats
    • Lifejackets with whistles
    • Clear Kayaks with LED lights
    • Dry Bags to store your phone or keys

    Not included

    • Gratuities

    What you'll see and do

    1. Kayak at night on a glow tour and illuminate the water 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 the waters and around the mangrove islands of Shell Key Preserve. Along the way, be on the lookout for crustaceans, fish, sharks, birds, and more with the LED lights igniting the water as you paddle. This tour is for people who are adventurous! Due to the night time nature of the tour, there may be some surprise visits from wildlife. Plan on wearing long sleeves and/or long pants, with bug spray underneath your clothing to deter mosquitos.

      90 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    St Petersburg

    We launch from Billy's Stone Crab Restaurant. Please park towards the back of Billy's parking lot and walk towards the restaurant entrance. Follow the restaurant entrance wooden ramp to the docks behind the restaurant, where you will meet your tour guide!

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    We launch from Billy's Stone Crab Restaurant. Please park towards the back of Billy's parking lot and walk towards the restaurant entrance. Follow the restaurant entrance wooden ramp to the docks behind the restaurant, where you will meet your tour guide!

    Options you can book

    • Sunset Tour

      Stops at the beach : Enjoy a picturesque sunset from the beautiful beach on Shell Key before darkness falls, then paddle at dusk.

    • Glow Tour - Paddle at night

      Stops in the mangrove tunnel: Adventure into the darkness! Light up the water below your 100% clear kayak as you paddle at night into the mangrove tunnel.

    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
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 10 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Get Up And Go Kayaking - Tampa Bay

    Know before you go

    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
    • For our nighttime glow tours, we only allow teens ages 12 and older.
    • We require one adult per each child under age 18.
    • Must have upper body mobility and ability to climb stairs to get in and out of kayaks
    • The weight limit is 250 pounds per person AND no more than 425 pounds combined per tandem kayak.

    Photos

    Catch an incredible sunset, Shell Key Clear Kayak Sunset & Glow Tours in St PetersburgSee the world below, Shell Key Clear Kayak Sunset & Glow Tours in St PetersburgEnjoy the sunset from a remote beach., Shell Key Clear Kayak Sunset & Glow Tours in St PetersburgTake a sunset adventure, Shell Key Clear Kayak Sunset & Glow Tours in St PetersburgLight up the mangroves, Shell Key Clear Kayak Sunset & Glow Tours in St PetersburgSee the preserve in a whole new light, Shell Key Clear Kayak Sunset & Glow Tours in St Petersburg

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 730 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    8 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    7 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Value for money

    4 mentions

    Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.

    Traveler reviews

    730 verified traveler reviews for Shell Key Clear Kayak Sunset & Glow Tours. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    716
    4 star
    9
    3 star
    2
    2 star
    1
    1 star
    2
    Sort
    M9928XEandyd · October 2026

    Well worth it

    Extremely glad we decided to do this. Kayaks were easy to maneuver and our guide LINDSAY was very knowledgeable and answered any questions.

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for joining us on a clear kayak adventure! We’re so happy you enjoyed your time with Lindsay and that she was super knowledgeable!! We hope you’ll consider joining us for more tours in the future!

    via Tripadvisor

    Shala2014 · October 2026

    Magical

    It was so beautiful and relaxing. Loved seeing the birds and dolphin! Lindsey is extremely knowledgeable and was the perfect guide.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for joining us on a tour of Shell key!! We’re so happy you got to see a dolphin and that you thought Lindsay was the perfect guide!

    via Tripadvisor

    S2413TXemilyl · September 2026

    Beautiful, serene, and worth it

    Loved Mak! He was a informative tour guide and created a great and relaxing atmosphere and really let us sit in the moment and absorb the sunset and the experiance

    Response from the operator: Thank you for joining us on a clear kayak adventure! We are happy to hear you had a great time paddling with Mak and that he was able to make you feel so comfortable and at ease on your sunset excursion! We hope to see you again soon!

    via Tripadvisor

    dominiquedP8006TH · September 2026

    Nick was an amazing guide.

    Nick was a great tour guide and was very informative about the nature and the culture of the Tampa area.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for joining us on a clear kayak adventure! We are happy to hear you had a great time on the water with Nick! We hope to see you again soon!

    via Tripadvisor

    909sakinam · September 2026

    Worth every dollar! Best way to end summer!

    Had a sunset kayak trip with friends and it was amazing! I’ve been kayaking before but truly this was wonderful. Our guide Nick was a gem, really informative and helpful. And we caught one of the best sunsets but the beach. Planning to come back with a bigger group and even family! 10/10 experience! I cannot recommend enough!

    Response from the operator: Thank you for joining us on a clear kayak adventure! We are happy to hear you had such a blast exploring Shell Key Preserve at sunset and that Nick made your experience on the water even better! We look forward to paddling with you again soon!!

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    1.5 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    258
    Verdict
    Exceptional

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Get Up And Go Kayaking - Tampa Bay, who run 4 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 86.3 and 1 in the 90+ Club.

    See everything Get Up And Go Kayaking - Tampa Bay runs

    Why this scores 86

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)100
    Review evidence (18% weight)90
    Booking momentum (14% weight)89
    Value for money (12% weight)41
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)71
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Shell Key Clear Kayak Sunset & Glow Tours: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for St Petersburg.

    How much does Shell Key Clear Kayak Sunset & Glow Tours cost?

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    Prices start at $89 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 Shell Key Clear Kayak Sunset & Glow Tours take?

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    Plan for about 1.5 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 Shell Key Clear Kayak Sunset & Glow Tours 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 737 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 Shell Key Clear Kayak Sunset & Glow Tours?

    +

    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 Shell Key Clear Kayak Sunset & Glow Tours suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Shell Key Clear Kayak Sunset & Glow Tours?

    +

    Around 258 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?

    +

    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 1.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Shell Key Clear Kayak Sunset & Glow Tours 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?

    +

    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 St. Petersburg Jungle Prada Site History Tour, Small Group Kayak Tour of the Shell Key Preserve, Clear Kayak Tour of Shell Key Preserve and Tampa Bay Area. 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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.

    What is included in Shell Key Clear Kayak Sunset & Glow Tours?

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    Included: Paddles and Seats; Lifejackets with whistles; Clear Kayaks with LED lights; and Dry Bags to store your phone or keys. Not included: Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Shell Key Clear Kayak Sunset & Glow Tours?

    +

    We launch from Billy's Stone Crab Restaurant. Please park towards the back of Billy's parking lot and walk towards the restaurant entrance. Follow the restaurant entrance wooden ramp to the docks behind the restaurant. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Shell Key Clear Kayak Sunset & Glow Tours offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Shell Key Clear Kayak Sunset & Glow Tours?

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    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Shell Key Clear Kayak Sunset & Glow Tours wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers; and Must have upper body mobility and ability to climb stairs to get in and out of kayaks. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Shell Key Clear Kayak Sunset & Glow Tours if the weather is bad?

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    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Shell Key Clear Kayak Sunset & Glow Tours?

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    Across 737 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, value for money. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    What booking options are available for Shell Key Clear Kayak Sunset & Glow Tours?

    +

    There are 2 options to choose from, including Sunset Tour, Glow Tour - Paddle at night. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Shell Key Clear Kayak Sunset & Glow Tours.

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