Home > US > Tierra Verde > Shell Key Preserve Clear Kayak Tour
Shell Key Preserve Clear Kayak Tour
Book online
Overview
Tampa Bay Area | All Ages | 2 - 2.5 Hours
Duration: 2 Hours
Cancellation Summary: Free Cancelation up to 72 Hours in Advance
Meeting Point: Billys Stone Crab: 1 Collany Rd, Tierra Verde, FL 33715
Max Age: 99
Group Size: Maximum 10 People
Description: Join us for a one-of-a-kind adventure through the stunning Shell Key Preserve, just minutes from St. Pete Beach. Paddle in our 100% clear kayaks and enjoy crystal-clear views of the vibrant marine life below and the pristine beauty of the preserve around you.
What’s in Store?
* Mangroves: Paddle amongst pristine mangrove islands, teeming with wildlife and natural beauty.
* Clear Gulf Waters: Explore sparkling waters that remind you of the Caribbean
* Secluded Beach Stop: Relax on the sandy shores of Shell Key, collect unique shells, and take in breathtaking views.
* Diverse Wildlife: Keep an eye out for pelicans, crabs, birds, and more. Seasonal sightings include manatees in summer and white pelicans in winter.
Please Note: Wildlife sightings are at random and can vary based on the time of year.
What is Included: * Tandem Clear Kayaks – Perfect for enjoying unobstructed views of the underwater world.
* Paddles – Lightweight and easy to use for a smooth paddling experience.
* Life Jackets – Provided and required for all participants, ensuring safety and comfort on the water.
* Dry Bags – Keep your belongings safe and dry during your adventure.
* Knowledgeable Ecotour Guide – Expertly leads the tour, shares fascinating insights, and assists with photos.
* Free Parking - Available on site.
What is not Included: * Gratuity for your guide
Itinerary: 1. Check-In & Orientation: Meet your guide, gear up with clear kayaks, and receive paddling and safety instructions.
2. Mangrove Paddle: Navigate calm waters along mangrove-lined routes, spotting wildlife like fish, crabs, and birds.
3. Mangrove Tunnel: Glide through a hidden mangrove tunnel, a serene and magical experience when conditions allow.
4. Secluded Beach Stop: Relax on the sandy shores of Shell Key, collect shells, and soak in the scenic beauty.
5. Return Paddle: Explore additional mangrove areas or shallow waters before paddling back to the launch point.
Highlights: * Award-Winning Experience: With accolades like TripAdvisor’s #1 Nature & Outdoor Activity in the world (2022) and thousands of five-star reviews, our tours are tried, tested, and loved by adventurers from around the globe.
* Unmatched Views: Our 100% clear kayaks allow you to see everything beneath the surface, offering a front-row seat to Shell Key’s vibrant underwater world. No other kayak tour provides this level of immersion in nature.
* Expert Local Guides: Our passionate guides are experts in the local ecosystem. They’ll not only ensure your safety but also share fascinating facts about the mangroves, marine life, and Shell Key’s unique history, making your experience both fun and educational.
* Small Groups for a Personal Touch: We keep our group sizes small to ensure a more intimate and relaxed experience. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to ask questions, connect with your guide, and truly soak up the preserve’s beauty without feeling rushed.
* Accessible for All Skill Levels: Whether you’re an experienced paddler or a first-time kayaker, this tour is designed to be beginner-friendly. Our guides provide paddling tips and assistance as needed, so everyone can enjoy the journey.
* Guaranteed Access to Shell Key Preserve: This protected area is only accessible by water, and our tours ensure you get exclusive access to its pristine beaches, mangroves, and wildlife-rich waters.
* Incredible Photo Opportunities: Whether it’s dolphins leaping in the distance, seeing a whelk below your kayak, or the stunning views over the Gulf of Mexico, every moment is picture-perfect.
Check in Details: We launch from Billy's Stone Crab Restaurant, located at 1 Collany Rd, Tierra Verde, FL.
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!
Plan on arriving 15 minutes early so that we can depart on time.
What to Bring: * Water (preferably in a reusable water bottle)
* Swimsuit/clothes that you don’t mind getting a little wet
* Jackets/windbreakers are recommended during the winter months
* 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!
Special Requirements: * Reservations are required for all tours.
* The weight limit is 425 pounds per kayak and no more than 250 pounds per person. Each of our kayaks are doubles (tandem).
* Each Child (3-11 years old) must be accompanied by an adult.
* Each Child under 3 years old must be accompanied by 2 adults.
* For small children under 30lbs, please bring your own Coast Guard Approved life jacket.
Restrictions: * You must have upper-body mobility and the capability of paddling a kayak to participate.
* This activity is not recommended for pregnant women in their third trimester.
* Pets are prohibited throughout Shell Key Preserve by order of Pinellas County.
* Alcohol is prohibited throughout Shell Key Preserve by order of Pinellas County.
Disclaimers: We do not cancel for hot or cold weather.
Meeting And Pickup
You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup
Meeting point
Street: 1 Collany Road
City: Tierra Verde
Country: US
Postal Code: 33715
Province: FL
Additional Info
Important Info
- Please sign your waivers before the tour (the link is in a separate email with the subject "Action required for your kayak tour").
- Included in the waiver is a safety video that covers important information required by the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission. Please watch the video before completing your waivers.
- Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled tour time.
- The paddle will last about 2 hours, and we'll be happy to take pictures along the way.
- Dress appropriately for the temperature! For warmer days, consider wearing bathing suits or exercise clothing complemented by hats and sunglasses. For cooler days, consider bringing a light jacket or windbreaker. Shoes aren’t allowed to be worn inside the kayak.
- Alcohol and pets are prohibited throughout Shell Key Preserve and on tour.
- Lifejackets are provided and are required to be worn for the duration of the tour. You must bring a Coast Guard-approved lifejacket for children under 30 pounds.
As a friendly reminder: our guides work on generosity from tips. If you haven’t already included gratuity at the time of booking, our guides very much appreciate a cash tip! We like to say, "If you enjoyed your ride, tip your guide!"
See you soon!
Amber Buzzi | Owner
Important information regarding our weight restrictions - For the safety of our guests, we have a weight limit of no more than 250 pounds per person AND a combined weight between paddlers totaling no more than 425 pounds. If the kayak rides too close to the surface of the water and is at risk of taking on water, our guides will restrict guests from paddling, in the interest of safety.
Cancellation Policy
If Get Up And Go Kayaking cancels a trip due to inclement weather, you will receive a full refund or the option to reschedule.
If you cancel your trip within 72 hours of the tour time, you will not be refunded or rescheduled unless you have purchased Trip Protection. If you have purchased Trip Protection, you can cancel your tour by emailing or calling and leaving a message up until 12 hours prior to departure.
If you cancel your trip more than 72 hours prior to the tour time, you can cancel, reschedule, or receive a full refund.
If you do not arrive on time or are a no-show participant, you will be charged the full price of the tour. This includes showing up with fewer paddlers than the original amount booked for.
