Hi, I’m Scott, owner and guide at Island Kayak Adventures, Shell Key’s most popular kayak tour company. We are a local family-owned kayaking company. We specialize in guided eco kayak adventures, and keep our tours at $25 per person because we believe in the pay it forward philosophy. Growing up here in St. Petersburg has given me more experience in Shell Key than any other kayak company. Kayaking is one of my favorite things to do. This has allowed me the opportunity to find all the best kayaking spots and to accumulate the local knowledge 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 Island Kayak Adventures the most popular kayaking company 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.
Choose from two different $25 adventures; the 50/50 Shell Key Tour and our kayak rental. Adventures do not require any experience. Tours last approximately 3 hours, and rentals start at 2 hours. We provide all necessary equipment and paddle instructions if needed. Please book your reservation in advance as space is limited.
Fast Facts
1. Yes, it’s really just $25 per person. 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.
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.
9. There are multiple ways to contact us. You can call, text, or email us directly, or message us through Facebook Messenger.
10. We do not charge any booking fees, or require payment in advance.
Choose from two different $25 adventures; the 50/50 Shell Key Tour and our kayak rental. Adventures do not require any experience. Tours last approximately 3 hours, and rentals start at 2 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.
50/50 Shell Key Tour
- $25 per person
- 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!
Kayak Rentals
- $25 per person, two person minimum
- Equipment: kayak, life jacket, whistle, and paddle
- Single and tandem sit inside kayaks available.
- 2 hours, additional time may be purchased for $5 per hour per person.
- At least one person 18 or older with valid ID required.
- Alcohol is not permitted.
- Harassing wildlife and live shelling is prohibited.
Kayak rentals are perfect for adventurers who want to create their own experience. We provide the kayaks at the launch site, and supply you with life jackets & all necessary equipment. You choose which sites to see, which routes to take, and how much time to spend. It’s a kayaking experience like no other in Pinellas County!
Watch our short video for a more visual description of what we offer. Visit our social media page and our photos page to see pictures from some of our past adventures.
If using GPS, please enter 3100 Pinellas Bayway S, Tierra Vierde, Fl 33715 as your destination. Alternatively, you can enter the GPS coordinates 27.65202, -82.71698. Please call first for reservations. This is a public launch site.
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.