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.
- Van C3/10/2023 - TripAdvisorFun, relaxing, and educational What an amazing day we had kayaking thanks to Scott and Karissa. Their good instruction and thoughtful preparation made our first ever kayaking trip just the first of many more to come. While we were novices at kayaking, we were also unfamiliar with the plant and animal life... read moreWhat an amazing day we had kayaking thanks to Scott and Karissa. Their good instruction and thoughtful preparation made our first ever kayaking trip just the first of many more to come. While we were novices at kayaking, we were also unfamiliar with the plant and animal life of the area, and Scott and Karissa’s broad knowledge of both made the trip fascinating and educational. The tour was definitely a highlight of our vacation. read less
- Terry D3/07/2023 - GoogleSo glad I joined the kayaking tour with Scott, Karissa, and the rest of the folks who came. There is another kayaking tour in the area, but I wanted to support a local small business who may not have acquired drone photography as part of their marketing strategy! During the... read moreSo glad I joined the kayaking tour with Scott, Karissa, and the rest of the folks who came. There is another kayaking tour in the area, but I wanted to support a local small business who may not have acquired drone photography as part of their marketing strategy! During the tour, Scott made several decisions about approaches based on the changing winds and even pulled a bay jellyfish out of the water for us to all see. The mid-trip respite at the beach was great, and we saw baby dolphins playing there. Karissa was responsive the day before when I had some questions, and even let me store some of my luggage in her vehicle while we kayaked. Highly recommend! read less
- 352AnnaD3/06/2023 - TripAdvisorWonderful relaxing tour Scott was very personable and shared a lot of local history, information on the preserve and wildlife. He and Karissa adapted to the different skill levels of the kayakers, and everyone felt like they were included. We were lucky to see dolphins and enjoyed the cormorants fishing around the kayaks.
Bring... read moreScott was very personable and shared a lot of local history, information on the preserve and wildlife. He and Karissa adapted to the different skill levels of the kayakers, and everyone felt like they were included. We were lucky to see dolphins and enjoyed the cormorants fishing around the kayaks.
Bring water, bug spray and sunscreen! read less - 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



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.