- This was our first time kayaking, Scott and his wife were amazing! The mangroves were beautiful. We got to see a pair of dolphins and several sand dollars! We had an amazing time and highly recommend booking a kayak adventure with them! They were also very knowledgeable and we learned a lot on our excursion!read moreread less
Andrea7/01/2021 - Everyone should experience this, it was so beautiful and well worth the money. Scott was wonderful!read moreread less
Mindi6/28/2021Highly recommend. Took my son out who has never kayak in salt water or through mangroves. Although it was a bit of a work out for him. He dis admitted to it being a great experience and he got to see his dolphin. It was a perfect day that truly made for a great memory. Scott was amazing they really go above and beyond. A must if your in the area. We will definitely come back for round 2.read moreread less
Richard6/25/2021 - Great way to spend a few hours, learn about the area, and enjoy Florida’s splendid wildlife. We saw a manatee, dolphins, lots of birds. Scott is a great guide - extremely knowledgeable with a sense of humor. I’d definitely do this again. Highly recommended.read moreread less
Gina6/23/2021Both Scott and Karissa are so awesome!! Great stories from Scott that the kids loved. Dolphin siting, awesome shells, and the kids loved the birds diving for fish the entire way. HUGE tanks to Karissa for hanging with my 10 year old and I as we battled the wind in the beginning. She was more than patient and easy to talk with.
Our family will for sure return to this kayaking adventure on our next family vacation to Florida.
Again, thank you both for an awesome experience.read moreread less
Summer6/22/2021 - Such a great experience and the highlight of our trip with our 19yo son. The Mangrove tunnels are magical! Now we’ve learned to kayak we want to go out on our own next time.read moreread less
Jerilyn6/21/2021
Excellent 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
Scenic603018045005/30/2026
Another 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
mlpoole4/26/2026
INCREDIBLE 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
Kathleen B3/28/2026
A 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
Matt D3/21/2026
Perfect Kayak Tour This was our third time booking with Island Kayak Tours, and it just keeps getting better! Scott and Karissa are wonderful guides. We saw a dolphin surface near our kayaks and loved shelling. We can't wait to book our next tour!read moreread less
SylvieWB1/13/2026
T-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
HappyRetiredgrammy11/25/2025
Kayak Tour 2025 This was our 2nd time using island kayak tours. Scott & Karissa do a great job of making the trip a lot of fun, not just another kayak tour. Highly recommend this guys, you will not regret it and have a great time!read moreread less
Tommy V8/02/2025
Great 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
Andrea S8/02/2025
Kayak 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
jimcU686PI5/04/2025
Adventure, some day in the sun lots of dolphin watching Very entertaining and knowledgeable guides local couple provides phenomenal experience, exploring local natural habitatread moreread less
Sam P4/19/2025
Families 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
Megan M4/12/2025
Great tour for wildlife lovers and beginner kayakers We had an amazing time on the tour! We had the most perfect weather and were able to see lots of wildlife, including some dolphins and spider crabs. The mangrove tunnels were interesting - it was nice to grab a quick break from the sun and some pictures, plus hear some of Scottie’s stories from his childhood.
It was a nice workout and I’m glad that my husband and I decided to share a tandem kayak so we could easily take breaks and help each other out.
We highly recommend the tour and hope to make it back someday!- Jay and Stefanieread moreread less
Daydream493155455094/11/2025
Absolutely 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
Yvette Carrano4/16/2025
5 stars!! We chose this tour based on reviews. Didn't disappoint! Scott and Karissa are awesome.. gave us all sorts of answers to questions we didn't know we had! We will be back!!!read moreread less
Kim Lind4/22/2024
Best Kayak Tour around! Family owned and operated business. It is one of my favorite things to do when I visit my friend in Florida. Thank you for another amazing trip!read moreread less
Tiffani Martin Henry4/18/2024
Today we went out on a kayak tour with Scott and karissa….. the 5 of us, had the best time ever. We did the 50/50 tour which was perfect for having kids. Scott was full of so much knowledge to share about the area. He showed us some cool creatures too. We can’t forget about karissa. Sweetest lady ever! She was right there to answer my questions and show us some cool fish in the water. My kids haven’t stopped talking about the encounter with the dolphins and manatees today. Thank you both and we look forward to next time.read moreread less
Nichole N Adam Fuhrman7/14/2023
Thank you both for sharing your knowledge and love for the area with our family. We loved this experience and hope to do it again in the future!read moreread less
Tina Marie7/07/2023
We booked a tour for all 15 of our family members, during our week of vacation in St. Pete. We had two kiddos under the age of 6, and four more between the ages of nine and twelve. Scott and Karissa easily accommodated us all. They were patient and fantastic tour guides and everyone (young and old) enjoyed our tour. We even got to see a manatee. We will be back!read moreread less
Candie Lauren7/04/2023
Amazing experience led by Scott who is a local and who tells you so much about the area. Extremely knowledgeable on the wildlife and the area. The tour was extremely well organised, felt safe and special all the time and had some relaxing time on Shell island. Highly recommend it !read moreread less
Celine Warren8/12/2022
Scott was our guide and he did an amazing job. We were supposed to go Tuesday but high winds made us reschedule, which was super easy to do. On the way to the mangroves, we were able to watch a dozen snatch fish out of the water and gulp them down. Then we went through 2 mangrove tunnels before heading to shell key. Scott parked us in a little lagoon and we had about an hour on the preserve. On the way back we passed a couple dolphins in two different locations. The whole time, Scott told stories about the area and checked to see if everyone was okay in the groups of 13-15 people.
You can tell he truly loves this area. Fantastic tour and I recommend it to any one who can kayak the 2-3 miles that it takes, which actually wasn’t overly strenuous. 10/10 experience 🙂🙂🐬🐬read moreread less
Mike Herman7/14/2022
What a great experience!!! Scott is so knowledgeable and shared so many facts and stories that made this tour so much fun! Kayaking through the mangroves was something we’d never done and the Shell Key Preserve was beautiful! It was a great way to spend a part of our Girls Getaway!read moreread less
Sandy Izzo6/29/2022
- So 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 moreread less
Terry D3/07/2023Scott 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 moreread less
David Blankinship1/06/2023As a resident, I decided to take advantage of some of our local attractions. I scheduled a Friday morning Kayak adventure and had an amazing time! Scott and Karissa did all of the work, their instructions were great (I was a first timer!), and they lead us on a fantastic tour. I really cannot recommend this enough and I will definitely do it again!read moreread less
Sandra Anderson8/23/2022 - Support small local family businesses! Island Kayak Adventures is a great tour experience. No need to have any kayaking experience they make it so easy for you to learn. You'll learn some fun facts about the area and mangroves. Plus a great cool down swim on a beautiful beach. When we go back this will always be on our list to do.read moreread less
mea danderand6/22/2022My hubby and I had our first ever kayaking trip!! (Something I’d been wanting to try for a while) We went down to Tierra Verde and met Scott and Karissa!
They were excellent guides! We had a BLAST! They took us around the preserve and showed us all kinds of native wildlife!
When we got to shell key island… it was amazing! People were camping out there!
My hubby found an AMAZING conch shell…. It’s huge and uninhabited!! He went wading way out in the water searching for shells instead of along the island like everyone else 😂 While on the island, we saw hermit crabs 🐚 , starfish, sand dollars, sea urchin, blue crabs 🦀 and many other creatures!
We also saw DOLPHINS 🐬 !!! At one point they were right in front of our kayak!!
Thanks again Scott and Karissa you both were excellent and we can’t wait to come back!!read moreread less
Jennifer Oldaker4/15/2022Went on an awesome tour with Scott and Carissa!
Scott had a wealth of knowledge of the area and it's history. He had a lot to share about the area and the wildlife.
We got to see beautiful views, many different types of birds, different land features, various plants, and dolphins! The dolphins swam around our kayaks for a good 10+ minutes.
Overall the trip was a blast and I would definitely go again.
Sunglasses and sunscreen were an absolute must! Bringing snacks along was helpful too!read moreread less
Andrew H.2/16/2022 - Scott and Carissa were fabulous. I’ve taken a few different tours over the years, and this was by far the best! Scott was so informative and kind. My friends and I received a history lesson, environmental lesson, besides being in the best waters and location ever. The whole experience from booking to final docking, was smooth and easy. You can tell this is their passion, and not just for business! They are community minded and involved with the environmental protection of the area, so we all get to continually enjoy this beautiful setting. I highly recommend them for all ages and all events! Beyond accommodating and knowledgeable!read moreread less
Gina Battle11/02/2021This was easily the best $28 a piece we spent on our trip to Treasure Island. We love kayaking and meandering through the mangrove tunnels was awesome. We saw dolphins less than 5 minutes into the trip so close I could have touched it with my paddle. Scott was great and very knowledgeable. We had some beginners in our group tour so it was nice that they use 2 guides so it allowed us more experienced kayakers to move along a little faster.read moreread less
Paul Rice6/12/2021We completed the 50/50 Shell Key tour today with Steve and it was incredible!! We saw a pod of dolphins within the first few minutes of leaving the shore, marveled at the mangrove tunnels and enjoyed a refreshing dip in the ocean at the Shell
key beach while hunting for shells. Steve is so professional and knowledgeable on the area. He was awesome with my two sons and my husband as I as it was our first time kayaking. We absolutely love this tour and would
Highly recommend it! If considering, make sure you book Steve and Island Kayaks. He’s been kayaking this area for 30+ years and provides the best tours by offering small groups, 2 guides and tons of information as you cruise alongread moreread less
Natalia Kreinbring6/11/2021 - 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 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 moreread less
Terrie P6/01/2021Scott and his wife are the best! My wife Diana and I have been several times and will continue to go back to them. Great personalities and very knowledgeable. Beautiful scenery is hard to match anywhere! We are so thankful that we have met this wonderful couple! We encourage you to check them out! You will not regret it!read moreread less
Brian Culver5/24/2021I can’t articulate enough how much I recommend this experience!! Scott and Karissa were phenomenal and made the experience that much more meaningful. Only my second time kayaking and nervous of the water but they made me feel secure. The mangroves were adventurous!!! We even saw dolphins on the beach. The stop off at the beach was a nice unexpected surprise. I feel I found a gem locally and wait to go back!!!read moreread less
Linsy Thomas5/17/2021
Brad Miller12/31/2020Wow..what a day we had today with Islandkayaktours.com it was amazing. I planned this trip as a surprise to my sister who is getting married soon, us 3 sisters and my daughter headed out on the three hour tour..lol so much fun, it was a tough start for me and a really tougher ending due to some strong paddling into the wind, but we had so much help from the crew Scott and Thia. Scott is full of information about the mangroves, the birds and the surroundings. Thai stuck by us in the beginning when we had a rough time getting in a grove, then at the end, he offered to tow us with a rope, but we didn't want the sham, we might have been last but we did it on our own. Please check this adventure out you wont be sorry. I only wish I could give 10 stars.👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍read moreread less
Micki Schilling10/10/2020We had such an wonderful time kayaking with Scott, Karissa and Thai. They were informative and knew an impressive amount of knowledge on the surrounding area and wild life. They were friendly, personable, and everything you look for in a guide. Our highlight was definitely how thoughtful they were. We went with my 7 year old who was only interested in swimming when we got to Shell Key. When we came back from swimming, our wonderful guides had left multiple sand dollars for my daughter. That totally made her day! I’d absolutely recommend island Kayak Adventures! 👍🏼read moreread less
Nancy Thao10/09/2020
Wish we could give more stars! This was a great kayak tour. Scott and Karissa are very knowledgeable about the area.read moreread less
Alithea P.6/15/2023
Professional and personalized service. I called up to ask a question about they're online reservations and I had to leave a message. And there was a good reason - they were out guiding tours. I got a call a couple of hours later literally as soon as they hit the shore and said goodbye to their guests. She asked if it would be okay if they drove the kayaks back to their storefront and that she would call me after they were done cleaning the kayaks. Of course it was fine. Our trip isn't for a couple of months. She called me back just as promised and we worked out the best day for our excursion. There wasn't a question for which she didn't know the answer. Rarely do you find a sports excursion company that balances quality experiences, professionalism, responsiveness, fun. and a such high degree of customer service quality. I know the location well and I'm sure we will enjoy our trip thoroughly. Thank you so much.!read moreread less
Lourdes H.3/07/2023
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 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 moreread less
Maureen K.9/19/2022
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 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 moreread less
Ashlee B.6/24/2022
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 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 moreread less
Deb N.5/10/2022
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 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 moreread less
J F.3/10/2022
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 definitely recommend this tour and I will definitely be doing this again soon!!!read moreread less
Kim D.1/17/2022
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 life which made the day great! Loved going through the mangrove tunnels too!read moreread less
Janae N.1/06/2022
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 and a great value!read moreread less
Susan H.12/28/2021
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.read moreread less
Maddy B.12/15/2021
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 pace. Highly recommend!read moreread less
Tammy B.11/01/2021
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 any. What a workout! It was worth it. I would do this again! Thanks for the fun day and great convo.read moreread less
Billi I.9/20/2021
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, safety, and a great experience. Thank you!!!!
-Melinda & Ben Youngstown Ohioread moreread less
Melinda M.8/26/2021
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 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 moreread less
Terrie M.6/01/2021



































































































