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 $55 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.
Scenic60301804500
5/30/2026Excellent experience Scott and Karissa were excellent. They were both very helpful and knowledgeable about the area and wildlife in that area. The route was great and they both made sure we were all comfortable. We have been on other kayaking tours and this was the best one yet.read moreread less
mlpoole
4/26/2026Another awesome Shell Key paddle! Went out with Scott and Carissa for the second time and it was just as great as when we went two years ago. I learn something new every time we have been with them. History of the area, information about the wildlife and plants. And great childhood stories growing up in the area. We even got to see a couple of manatee.
They do an amazing job guiding, teaching and keeping you safe. We would highly recommend them, and this trip, regardless of your paddling experience.
We will be back.read moreread less
Kathleen B
3/28/2026INCREDIBLE EXPERIENCE FROM START TO FINISH BEST THING EVER ..It felt like we were kayaking with friends Scott and his wife were so knowledgable and kind ..it was 100/100! Great value, memories to last a lifetime and we learned so many cool things. Never felt like a tourist on this trip, nor did I have a moment of worry. We were in great hands and our entire group has talked about it non-stop. Thank you Scott and Carissa for a magical experience!!!read moreread less
Matt D
3/21/2026A fantastic kayaking adventure to Shell Key From booking to the end, this experience was fantastic. We had a booking for a morning tour, but winds got strong so the tour was canceled and we were contacted promptly with several options for rebooking. We took an afternoon tour instead.
Scott was a great guide with lots of info and stories about the area, nature, and wildlife. On our particular tour, the group spotted a dolphin, and also a cormorant that had been snared by a fishhook (apparent by the attached bobber and the bird’s struggle). Scott was able to bring the bird into his kayak and free it from its impediment before releasing it back to freedom. It was quite an experience to witness. Scott and Karissa’s reverence for the habitat was obvious and they enjoy sharing it with guests.
The time on Shell Key was great too - shell bags were provided to help with collecting, and you can enjoy a beach mostly unpopulated by anything but seabirds and other wildlife.
If you are even considering this tour, do it. The price is very reasonable, you don’t need to be in shape or athletic to do it, and seriously, the water is shallow everywhere so if you are not a swimmer, put your worries aside and enjoy the water.read moreread less
HappyRetiredgrammy
11/25/2025T-giving Family kayaking at Sunset Karisa and Scott are an amazing team and very knowledgeable of the eco system.
That is why we have gone with them several times in the last 10 years.
We relaxed while kayaking and enjoying each other and the outdoors.
There were 16 of us this trip - our whole family with 8 grandkids ranging from 17 to 4. Have never been disappointed yet. Did the Sunset Cruise this time and it was a spectacular setting. Loved every minute of it.read moreread less
Andrea S
8/02/2025Great trip for the family We had a wonderful trip with Scott and Karissa.
They are very knowledgeable about the area and the wildlife and showed us a lot while we kayaked across to shell ley island, including some great mangrove tunnels.
They were always mindful of the entire group and made sure everybody had a good experience. The pace was suited for beginners.
We highly recommend it and if we are ever in the area again, we will definitely book this kayak adventure again.read moreread less
jimcU686PI
5/04/2025Kayak Adventure This was a great time and Scott really know how to find dolphins and other sea creatures during out trip. The mangroves were so cool and we loved shell Key. It was a trip we plan on doing again and have told all our friends and family about. A trip worth taking!!read moreread less
Yvette Carrano
4/16/2025Absolutely worth it and the best. Local business and very knowledgeable about the area because they are born and raised here. Was a little windy but manageable and we even saw dolphins. Navigating the mangroves was fun and seeing shell key was awesome too. Would love to spend more time there. Super fun.read moreread less
Megan M
4/12/2025Families don’t hesitate to book! Due to traffic and an accident we were running behind and this tour company worked with us to allow us to join the later kayaking outing.
We throughly enjoyed the time we had kayaking and learning about the creatures that live in the area. The shell island was a highlight for all of us too! We found beautiful shells and loved taking in the beauty of the waves crashing. Our guides were accommodating and really educated us about so many things.
Highly recommend!read moreread less

Our $55 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 $55 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 $55 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. 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
- $55 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!
Visit our photos page 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.




































