After having limited access to outdoor activities due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it was awesome to get out on the water to take in the fresh air, sunshine and incredible nature that Shell Key Preserve offers. To follow current social distancing recommendations, our group of 11 was divided into two smaller groups and we staggered our departure times. Being that we had some first time kayakers, guides Doug and Ross adjusted our pace so that everyone felt safe and comfortable. Over the 35 years I've lived in Florida, I have kayaked or canoed on various waterways. What made this trip unique was what Shell Key Preserve offers visitors, as well as our knowledgeable and professional guides. During the 3 hour outdoor adventure, our guides led us through protected channels, magical mangrove tunnels, and out to Shell Key where we had the opportunity to walk, collect shells, and swim. Cormorants swam alongside and under our boats, attracted by the fish our paddling stirred up. Not only are Doug and Ross experts on local nature, they also entertained and educated paddlers with romantic legends about the Don Cesar "pink palace" and treasures buried by locals inside and around the mangrove tunnels. I was so enthralled by Doug's stories, that they inspired me to conduct an online search after our kayaking trip so that I could share his story origins with others. I highly recommend Coastal Kayak tours to both locals and visitors, beginner to experienced paddlers alike.
Response from Host
May 2020
Brigita, it was absolutely our pleasure having your group out. We had a wonderful day to kayak in the Shell Key Preserve and we are so happy everyone enjoyed it as much as they did. We certainly hope to have you all out again for another adventure. Thank you again for the great review. Ross & Doug.