An AMAZING experience! From the first call with Karissa to the actual tour with Scott and Karissa, this team was fantastic.
My trip was changed as they are very weather and safety conscious. They put the safety and experience over going out in questionable conditions.
From the minute I arrived to... read moreAn AMAZING experience! From the first call with Karissa to the actual tour with Scott and Karissa, this team was fantastic.
My trip was changed as they are very weather and safety conscious. They put the safety and experience over going out in questionable conditions.
From the minute I arrived to the minute I left, everything was wonderful. I arrived to the kayaks ready to go and a warm welcome, then onto a helpful presentation of how to kayak ( a refresher to some but helpful to others). Next a brief outline of our adventure and an idea of what to expect.
We were assisted getting in our boats and once everyone was ready, we left as a group with Scott doing a narration of the area all the way out to Shell Island while Karissa brought up the rear making sure everyone was with us.
Then through the mangroves tunnels we went before reaching Shell Island. We were assisted again getting out of our boats and told where to go.
A fun time on the island...either in the water or on the beach...then a surprise of a couple of manatees decided to visit.
On the return, again Scott assisted everyone back in the kayaks both on the island and when we arrived back at our cars.
I was amazed what a great job they did, always keeping us posted on what to expect and what to look at as we paddle. And I was always treated so nice entering and exiting the kayak.
Whether you are a new kayaker or an experienced one, this tour is the way to safely see the mangroves and enjoy the knowledge of the area that was provided. read less

The best company to book a kayaking tour with! I have been vacationing to St. Pete Beach a few times a year for the last 10 years. I found Island Kayak in 2018 and have booked with them at least once a year since. Scott and Karissa are great and... read moreThe best company to book a kayaking tour with! I have been vacationing to St. Pete Beach a few times a year for the last 10 years. I found Island Kayak in 2018 and have booked with them at least once a year since. Scott and Karissa are great and no matter how many times I do the tour, it never gets old.

There is so much wildlife to see, whether it is birds, fish, crabs, manatees, or dolphins. Each tour is a little something different, and they handle all the loading/unloading of kayaks so all you have to do is show up. Paddling is also super easy as the water stays pretty calm.

They do such a great job leading the tour that I've been able to kayak the area myself and locate mangrove tunnels to go through based on Scott's prior instruction. Definitely worth the trip if you find yourself in St. Pete. read less

Do not miss the Shell Key tour led by Scott and Karissa - It.Is.Incredible. Having grown up in the area, Scott, a very engaging and expert guide, knows every inch of the waterways and island along with all flora and fauna in the area. The wildlife we saw was... read moreDo not miss the Shell Key tour led by Scott and Karissa - It.Is.Incredible. Having grown up in the area, Scott, a very engaging and expert guide, knows every inch of the waterways and island along with all flora and fauna in the area. The wildlife we saw was so thrilling - a dolphin, manatees, cormorants fishing under the kayaks, fish and the crazy looking upside down jellyfish. On Shell Key Island we found sand dollars and a wide variety of intact, beautiful shells. Floating through the mangroves made me feel like we were entering a secret childhood hideout - we absolutely loved it!!! This was our first time kayaking and there was no judgment for our slower pace and crazy steering.
Take this tour - you'll be glad you did! read less

The 50/50 tour was great. It had a good mix of kayaking in the bay, hiking/shell-finding on the island, and kayaking through the mangroves. We spent about an hour on each. There is a tour guide who is knowledgeable, and there is also room for you to... read moreThe 50/50 tour was great. It had a good mix of kayaking in the bay, hiking/shell-finding on the island, and kayaking through the mangroves. We spent about an hour on each. There is a tour guide who is knowledgeable, and there is also room for you to take your time and explore a bit on your own. It was no effort to set up -- you just arrive at the boat launch and they have everything ready for you. read less

First time Kayaker here...was a tad nervous, but from the second we arrived our guides (Scott/Karissa sp?) made us feel very comfortable and reassured! They both are so knowledgeable about the area, sea life, waterways, kayaking and so much more- I learned so much! The scenery was breathtaking! I would... read moreFirst time Kayaker here...was a tad nervous, but from the second we arrived our guides (Scott/Karissa sp?) made us feel very comfortable and reassured! They both are so knowledgeable about the area, sea life, waterways, kayaking and so much more- I learned so much! The scenery was breathtaking! I would definitely recommend this tour and I will definitely be doing this again soon!!! read less

We took the 1 PM tour to shell key preserve. It was super fun and upbeat. The tour guide was great and made sure we knew how to kayak so it is good for beginners. Would definitely recommend for locals and visitors. We got to see dolphins and other aquatic... read moreWe took the 1 PM tour to shell key preserve. It was super fun and upbeat. The tour guide was great and made sure we knew how to kayak so it is good for beginners. Would definitely recommend for locals and visitors. We got to see dolphins and other aquatic life which made the day great! Loved going through the mangrove tunnels too! read less

Wonderful 3 hour tour out to Shell Island with our knowledgeable guide, Scott. He was entertaining as well as informative about the local area where he grew up. Spend time walking on Shell Island and about 3 miles of kayaking including the fun mangrove tunnels. Great time... read moreWonderful 3 hour tour out to Shell Island with our knowledgeable guide, Scott. He was entertaining as well as informative about the local area where he grew up. Spend time walking on Shell Island and about 3 miles of kayaking including the fun mangrove tunnels. Great time and a great value! read less

Absolutely amazing experience! We saw the mangrove tunnels and a dolphin playing in the shallow water. Would recommend to everyone! The guides, Scott and Carissa were amazing and super helpful along the way.

The couple that run this excursion are so nice and informative. It is the best excursion I have done since living here. My son has gone twice now and both times he was really happy he went. I am a beginner and had no trouble with going my own... read moreThe couple that run this excursion are so nice and informative. It is the best excursion I have done since living here. My son has gone twice now and both times he was really happy he went. I am a beginner and had no trouble with going my own pace. Highly recommend! read less

Had an amazing time kayaking out to Shell Island. Scott is very knowledgeable and made it fun for everyone. He took us into the mangrove tunnels which were very cool. Would highly recommend!!

Our guides were incredibly knowledgeable and personable. It was such a fun day. We kayaked through mangroves and out to shell island and got so many shells and sand dollars. The scenery was so beautiful. We learned about cormorants and the habitats for dolphins and manatees, although we didn't see... read moreOur guides were incredibly knowledgeable and personable. It was such a fun day. We kayaked through mangroves and out to shell island and got so many shells and sand dollars. The scenery was so beautiful. We learned about cormorants and the habitats for dolphins and manatees, although we didn't see any. What a workout! It was worth it. I would do this again! Thanks for the fun day and great convo. read less

Scott was extremely knowledgeable of the path, scenic views, wildlife, and island. He was easy to chat with and engaged with all the guests on the tour. Our tour ran a little longer, not a compliant!!! It shows that they take time with their guests to ensure knowledge,... read moreScott was extremely knowledgeable of the path, scenic views, wildlife, and island. He was easy to chat with and engaged with all the guests on the tour. Our tour ran a little longer, not a compliant!!! It shows that they take time with their guests to ensure knowledge, safety, and a great experience. Thank you!!!!
-Melinda & Ben Youngstown Ohio read less

This is a MUST DO! If you are considering a kayak experience - this is the one! I am a Floridian and appreciate the local knowledge and history that Scott brings to the experience. He knows the area, its history and even the water birds (he's named them) that... read moreThis is a MUST DO! If you are considering a kayak experience - this is the one! I am a Floridian and appreciate the local knowledge and history that Scott brings to the experience. He knows the area, its history and even the water birds (he's named them) that swam around our kayaks and oars and caught little fish that they (birds) showed off to us (funny and amazing!). It was great fun and suitable for all ages and experiences levels. The canopied mangroves were incredible - my first experience and of course everyone loved the shelling and swimming where you get to play for about an hour! The whole trip was like Disney entertainment - but real and we were in the show!!! Karissa was an important part of the whole experience as well - because as Scott would lead for the faster paddlers, she followed at the back to stay with the slower paddlers to ensure the safety from the rear. I will be back and will recommend to all my friends!!! read less

Scott gives a great kayak tour at great price. He provides a lot of information and history while paddling through some gorgeous waters. Local family run business. He is very personable and friendly.. We have been twice over the past year and will go again in the future. Highly recommend.

Scott did an amazing job explaining everything to us, giving us plenty of time to explore, and spending time at a secluded beach! It was a PERFECT experience! Thank you for a beautiful day! Will definitely go back. We were visiting from Maine. Got to see... read moreScott did an amazing job explaining everything to us, giving us plenty of time to explore, and spending time at a secluded beach! It was a PERFECT experience! Thank you for a beautiful day! Will definitely go back. We were visiting from Maine. Got to see 2 Manatees, dolphins, lots of birds. Worth every penny! read less