
Small Group Kayak Tour of the Shell Key Preserve
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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 519 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Small Group Kayak Tour of the Shell Key Preserve worth booking?
Small Group Kayak Tour of the Shell Key Preserve is a 3-hour experience in St Petersburg, United States, from $74 per person. It scores 90 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “90+ Club”, based on a 5/5 rating across 519 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing. It sits in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.
- Outty Ranking
- 90 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (519)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $74 per person
Join Coastal Kayak Charters for a small group guided kayak tour of the Shell Key Preserve. We are one of the few companies running kayak Tours to Shell Key. You begin with a relaxing boat ride to the the magical sandbar
What you get
About this experience
Join Coastal Kayak Charters for a small group guided kayak tour of the Shell Key Preserve. We are one of the few companies running kayak Tours to Shell Key. You begin with a relaxing boat ride to the the magical sandbar of Shell Key preserve, where you begin your kayak adventure. Our trips offer more personalized service and better wildlife viewing opportunities while out on the water. We will explore hidden mangrove tunnels, shallow seagrass meadows, and stop on Shell Island for time to swim, look for shells, or just relax on the beach. Our tours are designed for beginners and casual kayakers alike. We use stable user friendly kayaks that provide a great paddling experience. We primarily use double kayaks unless you have an odd number in your group. If you prefer single kayaks they are available through our website. Then you return home on a relaxing 15min boat ride back to the dock. Come explore with local professionals who love what they do and see the difference for yourself.
What's included
Included
- *Ages 8+ | 8-12year olds must be in a double kayak with an adult or older child.
- All Equipment, Instruction & Dry Bags. Primarily Double Kayaks, singles available through website.
- **Weight Limit** 250lbs per seat | 450lbs combined for double kayaks.
- *Please arrive to launch site 30min early.
Not included
- *Gratuity for your Guide*
What you'll see and do
The Shell Key Preserve is an 1800 acre nature preserve at the mouth of Tampa Bay. It protects sensitive marine habitats and includes the county's largest undeveloped barrier island. Its' beaches provide important nesting grounds for sea turtles and it is designated as one of Florida's most important nesting and wintering areas for shorebirds.
180 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
St Petersburg
Please use Google maps for directions.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Please use Google maps for directions.
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 12 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Coastal Kayak Charters
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Not recommended for travelers with recent surgeries.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 519 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
519 verified traveler reviews for Small Group Kayak Tour of the Shell Key Preserve. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Best kayak adventure!!!!
It was awesome!!!!!!! Claire was the coolest guide. She was very knowledgeable and upbeat and made the trip fun. We were the only people on the tour so it felt more personal. We did see dolphins which was the highlight of the tour. Be aware this is a physical activity make sure you are prepared to do this!
via Viator
Dolphin show
Great learning experience was very relaxing and saw a lot of wildlife, including dolphins next to kayak
via Viator
Fun times!
What a memorable experience! Went with my 10 & 15yo daughters. Claire was our tour guide. She was fun, knowledgeable, and kind. We saw dolphins, Kevins (lol), mullets putting on a show hopping out of water, kayaked through beautiful mangroves, and spent some time on beach at Shell Key. Overall, wonderful experience. We are sore this next day and sunburnt, but well worth it. Bring that sun block and perhaps cushion for your bottom. Kayak roundtrip is 4.5 miles :)
via Tripadvisor
Fun day with family
Great time. Super friendly guide. One heck of an upper body workout, so be prepared. Since early tour to beat the heat. Make sure you tip your guide when you get back.
via Viator
Claire was quirky and...
Claire was quirky and funny and a wealth of knowledge about the ecosystem and wildlife of the preserve. 10/10 experience
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 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
- 182
- Verdict
- 90+ Club
Why this scores 90
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Small Group Kayak Tour of the Shell Key Preserve: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for St Petersburg.
How much does Small Group Kayak Tour of the Shell Key Preserve cost?
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Prices start at $74 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 Small Group Kayak Tour of the Shell Key Preserve 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 Small Group Kayak Tour of the Shell Key Preserve worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 90 out of 100, which we label "90+ Club". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 519 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. Scoring 90 or above puts it in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.
Can I cancel or reschedule Small Group Kayak Tour of the Shell Key Preserve?
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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 Small Group Kayak Tour of the Shell Key Preserve 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 Small Group Kayak Tour of the Shell Key Preserve?
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Around 182 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 Small Group Kayak Tour of the Shell Key Preserve 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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