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Kayak Adventure of Shell Key Preserve & Island with a Local

Kayak Adventure of Shell Key Preserve & Island with a Local

Overview

Hi, I'm Scott. Karissa and I are the owners and only guides at Island Kayak Tours. We will guide you through the mangrove tunnels (tide permitting) and time your adventure just right to give you the best chance at seeing dolphins & manatees. There is also free time for you to explore Shell Key Island, whether that means shelling, swimming, snorkeling, or simply enjoying the view. Our tours 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. All the experience I have from growing up here in St. Petersburg has given me the opportunity to put together a kayak tour like no other. Kayaking has always been one of my favorite things to do around the area. 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. I started this kayaking company to share the natural beauty of my home with you.

City: St Petersburg

Thu 31 Oct

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $50.00

Make a reservation

Thu 31 Oct

Starting at $50.00

Make a reservation

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What's Included

kayak, paddle, lifejacket (PFD), whistle or signalling device

Additional Info

Service animals allowed
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Hand sanitiser available to travellers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Gear/equipment sanitised between use
This an outdoor experience with plenty of space for all guests and guides to remain at least 6 feet away from each other at all times.

What To Expect

Tierra Verde

Tours take place in Shell Key Preserve. As a native Floridian, I will guide you through the backcountry of the preserve. Through shallow grassy meadows we go, watching fish jump and birds hunt; all the while, ducking through the mangrove tunnels (tide permitting) and allowing time for pictures and explanations of the surrounding habitat. Most of the area we paddle in is typically only frequented by locals and is off-limits to motorized vessels.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveler Photos

Reviews (100)

D4521JStiffanys

Apr 2021

We have gone on several kayaking tours . This tour was one of the best. Our guides Scott and Karissa were genuinely kind people who both knew about the area, but the land as well. They had a great sense of humor and really wanted everyone just to have a wonderful experience. We were blessed to see dolphins, that is always a bonus!

Response from Host

Apr 2021

Thank you very much for all the kind words and taking the time to leave us a wonderful review! We had so much fun kayaking with your family at Shell key. The dolphin show that day was a really nice surprise! We hope you enjoy the rest of your vacation and look forward to seeing you again next time. Safe travels. Scott & Karissa

G2538ORmichellea

Apr 2021

The location of the launch site was changed last minute. A text was sent regarding this but it wasn't super clear as to the change as it still told me to go through the toll booth and park in the first lot, which I did. I finally got in touch with Karissa and informed us they would be in a grass lot BEFORE the toll booth. We went there and were greeted and put in kayaks. All was going well and I was thoroughly enjoying the trip. Once we arrived at shell island, the male in charge from Island Kayak Adventures approached me to address the error in location. Instead of just saying, "hey is everything good?" or "sorry about the miscommunication", he decided to berate me and yell at me (and HE DID YELL AT ME) in front of my friends and family, as well as the people on the trip that I didn't know. He wanted 100% to prove he was right and that "everything was my fault" he did not let up until I was crying and had to tell him multiple times to walk away from me. I'm not sure why he felt the need to do that and definitely not at this point in the trip. He ruined the entire experience. Despite his unprofessional actions, they still deemed it fit to charge me full price. If you want to be yelled at and pay for it, this is the trip for you! They do not understand that the change in the location is not why I am upset. It was the harassments and argumentativeness received from them during the middle of our trip. They have never apologized to me in any way .All communication from them has only been to prove how right they believe they are. Zero customer service from these two... I was not upset until they approached me in the middle of the trip and were hostile towards me. Could the directions of been clearer, sure, but that IS NOT WHY I AM UPSET.

Response from Host

Apr 2021

Michelle, we have spoken privately and apologized for the misunderstanding over the launch site location. This was a weather related change, and we did this to make your tour more enjoyable. The notice of change was sent to you the evening before your tour. This included written directions, a link to a map, and street address. When you responded to the message we thought you were clear on the directions. We will work to be sure the wording is as clear as possible in the future. At no point did anyone yell at you and no one was trying to prove anyone wrong. As I past out shell bags to your family on the beach I asked if everything was "OK" and you were clearly mad. As you said "I was mad early but it's getting better" I apologize again and asked "if there was any way we could have done things better" since we were in private and no guests were around. I asked this question so we would not make this mistake again and you would not be mad at us. This is what was said. Everyone in your group came up to me after the tour and told me they had a wonderful time. We are sorry that you did not. We apologized for the confusion and you were still mad. As we told you in our private communication.

Road274172

Apr 2021

This was a great trip for my whole family, ages 12 to 78. It was a relaxing paddle with great views and wonderful guides that gave so much information about the plants, animals and area in general. Thank you, Scott and Karissa!

Response from Host

Apr 2021

You're very welcome! Thank you so much for coming out with us. We enjoyed the opportunity to paddle around Shellkey with you all. Thank you so much for all the kind words and we look forward to seeing you again next time. Safe travels. Scott &Karissa