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Small Group Kayak Tour of the Shell Key Preserve

5 (417)
Tierra Verde, US
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Small Group Kayak Tour of the Shell Key Preserve

5 (417)
Tierra Verde, US
Share
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Join Coastal Kayak Charters for a small group guided kayak tour of the Shell Key Preserve. Discover the hidden wonders of this 1800 acre nature preserve at the mouth of Tampa Bay. Glide through mangrove tunnels (tides permitting), explore shallow seagrass meadows, and relax on Shell Island's pristine beach. As St Pete's top-rated kayak tour company, Coastal Kayak Charters offers a personalized experience with knowledgeable local guides. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced kayaker, our stable and user-friendly kayaks ensure a rewarding paddling adventure. Get up close and personal with wildlife, including sea turtles and shorebirds, as you immerse yourself in the beauty of this protected marine habitat. Book now and see the difference for yourself.

About this experience

  • Free Cancellation For a full refund cancel at least before the start of your booking
  • Suitable for 1-10 Participants
  • Small Group Tour, Private Tour
  • Guided Experience
  • Small group guided kayak tour
  • Personalized service and better wildlife viewing
  • Exploring hidden mangrove tunnels
  • Swimming and shell searching on Shell Island
  • Beginner-friendly and experienced kayaker-friendly
  • All Equipment, Instruction & Dry Bags. Primarily Double Kayaks, singles available through website.
  • **Weight Limit** 250lbs per seat | 450lbs combined for double kayaks.
  • *Ages 3+ | 3-12 must be in a double kayak with an adult or older child.
  • *Please arrive to launch site 30min early, there are no public facilities available at site.
  • *Gratuity for your Guide*

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More about this experience

Introduction

Join Coastal Kayak Charters for a small group guided kayak tour of the Shell Key Preserve. As St Pete's top-rated kayak tour company, they focus exclusively on offering intimate experiences with small groups or private tours. Their trips provide more personalized service and better wildlife viewing opportunities while out on the water. Explore the hidden beauty of mangrove tunnels and shallow seagrass meadows, and make a stop at Shell Island to swim, look for shells, or simply relax and enjoy the beach. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced kayaker, Coastal Kayak Charters has got you covered. They use stable and user-friendly kayaks, ensuring a great paddling experience for all. So, embark on this adventure with local professionals who love what they do and see the difference for yourself.

What to expect?

Expect a 180-minute tour filled with breathtaking natural wonders. The journey begins at the Pinellas Bayway Kayak & SUP Launch, just before the entrance to Fort De Soto State Park. With the Shell Key Preserve spanning 1800 acres, you'll explore a vast nature preserve guarding Tampa Bay's mouth. Marvel at the protected marine habitats and the county's largest undeveloped barrier island. The pristine beaches of Shell Key Preserve serve as crucial nesting grounds for sea turtles, making it a designated area for shorebirds' nesting and wintering. Immerse yourself in this unique ecosystem and witness the beauty of nature firsthand.

Who is this for?

This small group kayak tour is suitable for individuals of all ages and skill levels. Beginners can join in and learn the basics of kayaking in a safe and supportive environment. Experienced kayakers can further hone their skills while enjoying the stunning sights of the Shell Key Preserve. Everyone is welcome, from families looking for an exciting outdoor activity to solo travelers seeking a serene escape amidst nature's beauty. Coastal Kayak Charters ensures that their tours cater to diverse audiences, making it an inclusive experience for all.

Why book this?

Coastal Kayak Charters stands out as St Pete's top-rated kayak tour company for a reason. Their commitment to small group tours and private experiences ensures a personalized adventure like no other. By limiting the group size, they maximize wildlife viewing opportunities and create a more intimate connection with the surroundings. With their extensive knowledge and expertise, the guides provide insight into the ecosystem and local history, making the tour educational and engaging. Moreover, Coastal Kayak Charters offers stable and user-friendly kayaks, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable paddling experience for everyone.

Good to know

When embarking on this kayak tour, meeting at the Pinellas Bayway Kayak & SUP Launch is easy. It is located just before the entrance to Fort De Soto State Park. The tour lasts approximately 180 minutes, providing ample time to explore the Shell Key Preserve's stunning natural beauty. While the itinerary may vary slightly depending on tides and conditions, rest assured that the tour will immerse you in the best the preserve has to offer. Make sure to bring your enthusiasm, sunscreen, and a camera to capture the unforgettable moments of this kayaking adventure.

Reviews

Customers of Coastal Kayak Charters rave about their unforgettable experiences. Many appreciate the personalized service and the knowledgeable guides who enhance the tour with fascinating facts about the preserve and its wildlife. Reviewers often mention the beautiful scenery and the opportunity to see dolphins, manatees, and various bird species up close. The small group setting allows for a more intimate atmosphere and ensures that everyone receives attention and assistance if needed. Guests describe feeling a deep connection with nature and a sense of tranquility during the tour. Overall, Coastal Kayak Charters receives high praise for their exceptional kayaking experiences in the Shell Key Preserve.

How long before the event do I need to book?

  • You can book at any time before the event

Vouchers accepted in the following formats

  • Mobile

Is an adult required for the booking?

  • At least one adult or senior required per booking

Reviews

(417)

5 (417)

KGelo

Tracy was an amazing tour guide and we highly recommend this company! Perfect tour & experience for ALL ages!!! Thank you again Tracy :)

Linda_M

Taylor our guide was FABULOUS!!! She was so knowledgeable , kind, friendly, and really personable.!!!! It was my husband's 70th birthday, and Taylor helped make it extra special !!!!! It was su much fun!!!!!!

G684XPlindam

Taylor our guide was FABULOUS!!! She was so knowledgeable, friendly, kind, and really personable!!! It was my husbands 70th birthday and Taylor helped to make it extra special!!!!! It was so much fun!!!!

Judith_K

Taylor was an excellent guide. She was very informative and helpful throughout the entire excursion and took into account our specific needs. The excursion included open water kayaking as well as kayaking through mangrove tunnels and time on a beach to relax.

K9106JKlindab

We took the tandem kayak tour to shell island preserve. Our guide Brittany was awesome. Knowledgeable, friendly, and patient with us who have never been in a tandem kayak before. The day was beautiful, pleasantly warm not hot. I highly recommend these folks.

Emig5

My sister and I had so much fun on this excursion! Our guide, Taylor, did an amazing job leading our group and keeping it fun, even though we had very windy conditions which made the kayaking tough. Taylor was knowledgeable, friendly, and upbeat. The tour takes you through mangrove tunnels and over to Shell Key, a beautiful stop for swimming, soaking in the sun, and finding shells. I’ll definitely do this again the next time I’m in St Pete.

163maureend

We took a small group tour with Taylor as our guide. She shared her knowledge of the area along with enthusiasm for paddling. Taylor took excellent care of us assuring we were safe and able to manage when the wind picked up. It was an enjoyable and educational paddle. We highly recommend you take this trip and ask for Taylor.

Laura_M

Brian was a great teacher, tour guide and comedian. Our family had a wonderful time. We enjoyed the 3 hours.

Dream02693307898

Trip was amazing the mangrove tunnels were incredible. Tour guides kept us informed while giving us plenty of freedom to enjoy kayaking.

Eva_R

Unfortunately I didn't make it on time for the kayaking tour. I live in Central FL and I've been to the Fort DeSoto area several times, usually it takes an hour and a half to get to the location, therefore I left 2 1/2 hours early but the traffic and accidents prevented me from reaching the destination on time. I called the company an hour and 1/2 prior to departure to advise them my estimated time of arrival would be 10 minutes late. I didn't expect them to delay the trip but I did ask if it would be an option to reschedule due to unforseen circumstances. The guy stated NO and suggest I continue to come. When I arrived the group had already left. I completely understand the No refund policy but in certain circumstances you should offer rescheduling options. Life happens and we are not always in control. This company could care less. I would suggest booking your experience with someone else.
Collected by Evendo, Tripadvisor & Viator
2024-04-25 01:49