Come kayaking with us at Shell Key Preserve in St. Pete Florida!
Hi, I’m Scott, owner and guide at Island Kayak Adventures. We are a
local family-owned kayaking company where you are always talking to an owner. We specialize in guided eco kayak adventures, and keep our tours affordable, at $39-$42 per person, because we believe in the pay it forward philosophy. Growing up here in St. Petersburg has given me a lifetime of experience and knowledge in Shell Key Preserve. This has allowed me the opportunity to find all the best kayaking spots to give you a true Florida experience, something other kayak companies just can’t do. I started this kayaking company to share these places with you.
We launch from a public launch site in Tierra Verde, Florida, centrally located approximately 15 minutes from downtown St. Petersburg, and 10 minutes from St. Pete Beach. We combine the highest quality single & tandem sit inside kayaks, PFDs, and paddles with the best price for an experience that is second to none. We keep our groups small in order to give you the best, most personalized experience possible. Our goal is to share the natural beauty of the preserve with you in a safe and environmentally friendly way, just as we have for years. Help us make kayaking with Island Kayak Adventures one of the most popular things to do in the Tampa Bay area.
Come on out, make some new friends, and let us show you around this hidden gem! Get a sneak peek by checking out some of our photos.
- Jim H1/19/2023 - TripAdvisorTake this tour! For us, kayaking thru mangroves & understanding from Scott, our guide, how they’re formed was just the best! Scott and his wife Carissa, both grew up here and shared their deep knowledge of the area. Learning that the island we paddled to wasn’t even there 50 years ago... read moreFor us, kayaking thru mangroves & understanding from Scott, our guide, how they’re formed was just the best! Scott and his wife Carissa, both grew up here and shared their deep knowledge of the area. Learning that the island we paddled to wasn’t even there 50 years ago - that it had been formed by weather over that short amount of time - really kind of blew our minds. Then, to be able to spend time combing Shell Key was so much fun. You’d be hard pressed to find a better way to spend three hours of your time. Could not recommend it highly enough. read less
- David Blankinship1/06/2023 - GoogleScott and his wife were absolutely amazing tour guides on the kayak tour that I took with my daughter this week. My daughter and I are proficient paddlers and we appreciated that fact that Scott was able to make the tour enjoyable for people of any ability level. He did... read moreScott and his wife were absolutely amazing tour guides on the kayak tour that I took with my daughter this week. My daughter and I are proficient paddlers and we appreciated that fact that Scott was able to make the tour enjoyable for people of any ability level. He did a very quick and efficient introduction to paddling and we were off right away on our about 4-mile round trip paddle to Shell Key. Both of them did a great job of striking up conversation with us and giving us all kinds of tidbits about the wildlife and history of the area. Scott grew up there and has a wealth of knowledge that I can't think that others doing similar kayak tours would have. I would highly recommend the tour and it simply can't be beat for the price ($39 per person plus tax). read less
- blankind1/04/2023 - TripAdvisorAmazing kayak tour led by a local Scott and his wife were absolutely amazing tour guides on the kayak tour that I took with my daughter this week. My daughter and I are proficient paddlers and we appreciated that fact that Scott was able to make the tour enjoyable for people of any ability level. He did... read moreScott and his wife were absolutely amazing tour guides on the kayak tour that I took with my daughter this week. My daughter and I are proficient paddlers and we appreciated that fact that Scott was able to make the tour enjoyable for people of any ability level. He did a very quick and efficient introduction to paddling and we were off right away on our about 4-mile round trip paddle to Shell Key. Both of them did a great job of striking up conversation with us and giving us all kinds of tidbits about the wildlife and history of the area. Scott grew up there and has a wealth of knowledge that I can't think that others doing similar kayak tours would have. I would highly recommend the tour and it simply can't be beat for the price ($39 per person plus tax). read less
- clester2012/31/2022 - TripAdvisorBeautiful sunset kayak tour with kids My daughters—ages 7, 11, and 15—and I did the 3 pm sunset tour last night, and it was such a great experience. The highlights were playing in the waves and shelling on Shell Key, and of course the mangrove tunnels. But that sunset was something to behold! I would recommend... read moreMy daughters—ages 7, 11, and 15—and I did the 3 pm sunset tour last night, and it was such a great experience. The highlights were playing in the waves and shelling on Shell Key, and of course the mangrove tunnels. But that sunset was something to behold! I would recommend an earlier trip or a good nap for younger children. My 7-yr-old got very overwhelmed on the way back to the kayaks after visiting the beach, but everyone was so kind about it and she calmed quickly once we were back on the water. My older kids were so thrilled with sharing their photos and showing off their shells from the tour. I can’t say enough about this experience. I am certain it will be the highlight of our vacation! Thank you! read less
- TLWTraveler12/30/2022 - TripAdvisorA great tour We had an amazing time on this trip! Kayaking through the mangroves was an unforgettable experience. We had plenty of time to wander around shell key and hunt for shells. Scott was a great guide and was very friendly and knowledgeable about the area. One of the best tours we’ve done!
- PJFGA12/29/2022 - TripAdvisorBeautiful tour with knowledgeable guides This kayak tour was exactly what we were looking for. Serene and beautiful with knowledgeable guides. I’ve never kayaked in a mangrove and that was definitely a highlight. The time out of the kayak and on a beach for exploring and shell collecting was welcome after being in the kayak... read moreThis kayak tour was exactly what we were looking for. Serene and beautiful with knowledgeable guides. I’ve never kayaked in a mangrove and that was definitely a highlight. The time out of the kayak and on a beach for exploring and shell collecting was welcome after being in the kayak for a while. We saw some wildlife and a gorgeous sunset too. Even our teenager was engaged in the entire outing! Highly recommend! read less
- Joel G12/19/2022 - TripAdvisorLearned a lot, great value, fun outing! We were a group of 4 adults and one 5-year-old. The tour was PERFECT for us, which included both locals and out-of-towners. Scott was super knowledgeable about everything and you can sense his joy in sharing the area and teaching us about the geography and the wildlife. This tour was... read moreWe were a group of 4 adults and one 5-year-old. The tour was PERFECT for us, which included both locals and out-of-towners. Scott was super knowledgeable about everything and you can sense his joy in sharing the area and teaching us about the geography and the wildlife. This tour was an incredible value as we learned a ton, had a great time, the cost was incredibly reasonable, and we were very happy to support a local small business. read less
- pamm40311/13/2022 - TripAdvisorPam My girlfriend and I went on this guided tour. This was the first time my friend ever kayaked. They were very patient with us and helped us in and out of the Kayak. Scott and Karissa were very knowledgeable of the history of the land and sea and pointed out... read moreMy girlfriend and I went on this guided tour. This was the first time my friend ever kayaked. They were very patient with us and helped us in and out of the Kayak. Scott and Karissa were very knowledgeable of the history of the land and sea and pointed out all the wildlife. We saw Komarants, dolphins, a shark, many other birds and even a pigmy octopus.
I loved Shell Key Island.
I highly recommend this tour.
Thank you read less - megankL7598BJ11/03/2022 - TripAdvisorBest Kayak Tour Scott and Karissa were great guides. They were knowledgeable of the area, wildlife, and history. The mangroves were beautiful and Shell Key is breathtaking. We saw dolphins playing a couple times, plus all kinds of birds, fish, etc. We would recommend this tour for all ages... read moreScott and Karissa were great guides. They were knowledgeable of the area, wildlife, and history. The mangroves were beautiful and Shell Key is breathtaking. We saw dolphins playing a couple times, plus all kinds of birds, fish, etc. We would recommend this tour for all ages and would do it again ourselves. read less
- G2759SDlorib10/30/2022 - TripAdvisorAmazing adventure to pristine beach and enchanting mangroves! This is our 2nd time on this adventure. We had a great day on the water filled with expert commentary on the surroundings and wildlife, sprinkled with just the right amount of personal stories and memories. The adventure provides just enough time on the island for shelling & swimming and... read moreThis is our 2nd time on this adventure. We had a great day on the water filled with expert commentary on the surroundings and wildlife, sprinkled with just the right amount of personal stories and memories. The adventure provides just enough time on the island for shelling & swimming and a respite in the shade of the mangroves is a welcome bonus on the way back to the launch. The kayaking was easygoing even for beginners. The best part is that the guides are genuinely kind and want you to have the best possible experience. Loved it! read less



Our $39-$42 50/50 Shell Key Tour adventure does not require any experience. Tours last approximately 3 hours. We provide all necessary equipment and paddle instructions if needed. Please book your reservation in advance as space is limited.
Our $39-$42 50/50 Shell Key Tour adventure does not require any experience. Tours last approximately 3 hours. We provide all necessary equipment and paddle instructions if needed. Keep in mind our adventures 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. Please book your reservation in advance as space is limited. Call or text (727) 490-8211 to schedule your adventure.



Fast Facts
1. Yes, it’s really just $39 in fall & winter and $42 in spring & summer. We enjoy making our tours affordable for everyone.
2. No experience is necessary. Our tours are perfect for both first-timers and advanced kayakers. An easy to follow paddle instruction is provided.
3. We provide all necessary equipment, including kayak, paddle, life jacket, and signaling device.
4. All of our kayaks are high quality, comfortable, stable, sit inside kayaks with back rests.
5. We have both tandem (double) and single kayaks. Our tandem kayaks hold a combined weight of 600 pounds and our single kayaks are suitable for guests up to 275 pounds.
6. We have two guides on each tour for your safety, comfort, and convience.
7. Our tour times vary from day to day, depending on the tide.
8. Reservations are required. Contact us in advance to secure your spot. If we must cancel your tour due to bad weather, you will have the option to reschedule or immediately receive a full refund.
9. There are multiple ways to contact us. You can call, text, or email us directly, or message us through Facebook Messenger.



50/50 Shell Key Tour
- $39 in fall & winter
- $42 in spring & summer
- approximately 3 hours
The 50/50 Shell Key Tour is 50% kayaking, 50% nature, and 100% ideal for people who want it all. You get an expert guide to show you through the mangrove tunnels (tide permitting) and time your adventure just right to give you the best possible chance at seeing dolphins & manatees who only visit the area at certain times of the day. You also get time to explore Shell Key, whether that means shelling, swimming, snorkeling, or simply enjoying the view. It’s truly the best of both worlds!
Visit our photos page to watch our short video for a more visual description of what we offer and to see pictures from some of our past kayaking adventures.



Why We Do What We Do
Here is a little backstory on me…I grew up in Pinellas County, and have been boating, fishing, and kayaking at Shell Key Preserve since I was a kid. Much of the county has been developed and built up, but the natural beauty and slow pace of the preserve have stayed the same. My mission is to share this beautiful ecosystem with you at a price that anyone can afford because I enjoy sharing the Florida I grew up with and making new friends. I look forward to giving you the best kayaking adventure in the Tampa Bay area.