2 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in:
English
Overview
Get out on the water and see Tampa Bay from a new perspective with this kayaking tour. Ride in a clear kayak—which has the advantage of greater visibility of the underwater world. Along the way look out for coastal birds, marine life, and the beautiful mangroves. No need to worry about missing out on photo opportunities—the trip includes photo stops and a break at Shell Key to enjoy its beach and sandbars.
Go paddling in a clear kayak to admire the underwater world
Travel light—all the kayaking equipment you need is provided
Access great views of Tampa Bay's nature spots and wildlife
A safe kayaking experience—life jackets and whistles are provided
What's Included
Equipment including tandem kayaks, paddles, seats, and dry bags
Safety equipment including lifejackets and whistles
Gratuities
Bottled water
Meeting And Pickup
Meeting point
Billy's Stone Crab
1 Collany Rd, Tierra Verde, FL 33715, USA
Please park in the dirt lot to the left of Billy’s Stone Crab Restaurant. You will see Kayak Tour signs. Once you arrive - follow the wooden restaurant entrance ramp the front of Billy’s Stone Crab back to the docks where you'll see the clear kayaks + your guide!
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Additional Info
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Near public transportation
Infants must sit on laps
Not recommended for travelers with back problems
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
For your safety, we have a weight limit of 250 lbs per guest, and a combined limit of 425 lbs for two people in a tandem kayak
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
about cancellations.
Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
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Q:Where is the departure location for the Clear Kayak Tour of Shell Key Preserve and Tampa Bay Area?
A:We meet for this tour at Billy’s Stone Crab, 1 Collany Rd, Tierra Verde, FL 33715
Apr 2021
Q:How many people can participate in the Clear Kayak Tour of Shell Key Preserve and Tampa Bay Area?
A:Our fleet is small (5 kayaks) so expect an exclusive experience (no more than 10 people at a time).
Apr 2021
Q:What will I see during the Clear Kayak Tour of Shell Key Preserve and Tampa Bay Area?
A:The tour has several stops along the way where you will hear about local wildlife, marine life, and plant life! You will be able to get up close to Florida’s natural mangroves and to hop out on a sandy shoreline or sandbar based on the tide!
Apr 2021
Q:What should I bring with me on the Clear Kayak Tour of Shell Key Preserve and Tampa Bay Area?
A:We recommend bringing a reusable water bottle and a towel.
Apr 2021
Q:What should I wear for the Clear Kayak Tour of Shell Key Preserve and Tampa Bay Area?
A:We recommend wearing a swimsuit or clothing that can get wet, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Wear comfortable shoes that you don't mind getting wet.
Apr 2021
Q:Can I bring my child with me on the Clear Kayak Tour of Shell Key Preserve and Tampa Bay Area?
A:Children are allowed but required by law to wear life jackets at all times if under 6 years old. The child must sit in a kayak for the duration of our tour. If your child is under 30 lbs, please bring an appropriate life jacket as sizing is specific.
Apr 2021
Q:Can I participate in the Clear Kayak Tour of Shell Key Preserve and Tampa Bay Area if I am not an experienced kayaker?
A:Our tours are made for any skill level to participate. We will have basic tips and tricks to help you maneuver the waterways. Some paddling may be considered intermediate but we try our best to paddle at a pace that is convenient for every paddler!
Apr 2021
Q:Will I be sharing a kayak during the Clear Kayak Tour of Shell Key Preserve and Tampa Bay Area?
A:All of our kayaks are tandem (made for 2 paddlers). However, the seats are removable and if you have an odd number of paddlers in your party we are able to accommodate the kayak as a single.
Apr 2021
Q:Is there a weight limit to participate in the Clear Kayak Tour of Shell Key Preserve and Tampa Bay Area?
A:Our weight limit is no more than 250 lbs per person and no more than 425 lbs per kayak. All of our kayaks are double kayaks. Keep in mind, the same 250 lb per-person weight limit still applies even if taking a kayak as a single.
Apr 2021
Q:"Is the Clear Kayak Tour of Shell Key Preserve and Tampa Bay Area handicap accessible?"
A:Due to the nature of kayaking, all guests must have upper-body mobility and the capacity to walk up and down steps to enter/exit kayaks.
Apr 2021
Traveler Photos
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Reviews
5.0
2,772 reviews
Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
Reviews by Viator travelers.
Showing 1-10 of 2,772 reviews
Outstanding
Monte_B,
Mar 2023
Education and learning from Chris the guide. He loves his work and it shows. To him it passion. Great experience.
Response from Host, Mar 2023
Thank you for your kind review! We're happy to hear that Chris was able to share his knowledge and passion for Shell Key with you during the adventure. We hope to see you again!
We had a great time! Fun...
taylor_c,
Feb 2023
We had a great time! Fun to kayak with the kids and walk around the island. The sunset was a nice added touch.
Response from Host, Feb 2023
Thank you for the five stars! We're so happy that you and your family enjoyed exploring Shell Key and were able to see the sunset during your time paddling. We hope that you'll come back and visit us again sometime!
Don’t miss this experience!
Amber_J,
Feb 2023
Chris was a wonderful, knowledgeable, and informative guide. He made the experience, and we would absolutely recommend him. We enjoyed his positive and personable style and look forward to a sunset and night cruise with him. 100% positive experience!
Best family time - do it
Susan_H,
Feb 2023
Jenna was our tour guide - awesome - she would stop - hop in the water and show us anything that was alive and kicking and give descriptions- I believe we saw something mating - I am on vacation - Illinois- with my 18 year old niece- fun kayaking and Shell picking - we both made a wish - on our own - Find one that has a hole in it hanging on the tree - great afternoon adventure- sun fun - plus her parents were there but my special time with all - go do it have an adventure
Response from Host, Feb 2023
Thank you for your positive review! We're delighted that you and your family were able to make wishes on Shell Island and that Jenna was an awesome guide for your adventure. We hope to see you again!
Great fun!
Susan_R,
Feb 2023
Chris was great: knowledgeable and lots of fun. Family from 11 to 77 had a great time! Lots of birds and shells.
Response from Host, Feb 2023
Thank you for joining us for a clear kayaking adventure! We're thrilled to hear you and your family had such a great time paddling with Chris through Shell Key Preserve! We appreciate your review and hope you can join us again in the future!
Ben was a fabulous guide....
Louise_S,
Feb 2023
Ben was a fabulous guide. He was knowledgeable, personable and very excited about his job! It was a beautiful day!
Response from Host, Feb 2023
Thank you for your very kind review! We're pleased that Ben was able to share his knowledge and passion for Shell Key with you while you were out on your adventure. We hope to see you again for another tour in the future!
We had so much fun!!...
Kelly_H,
Jan 2023
We had so much fun!! Chris was a great tour guide! Perfect day to go kayaking and just the right amount of time. Grab a drink at Billy’s stone crab after!
Response from Host, Feb 2023
Thank you for rating us five stars! It's great to hear that you had fun on your adventure and that Chris was a great guide throughout your tour. We hope to paddle with you again!
Recommend!
Martine_H,
Jan 2023
Our guide Chris was great! Took our pictures. Very knowledgeable. Saw a few dolphins. For those who hope to see Manatees, March-April is the better time of year to go. Great experience!
Response from Host, Jan 2023
Thank you for your detailed and insightful review! We're thrilled to hear that Chris was a great guide and that you were able to see some dolphins out on your tour. We hope to see you again for another adventure!
Informative Adventure
Matt_S,
Dec 2022
Chris does a great job allowing the experience to unfold while sprinkling in his wealth of knowledge!
Response from Host, Dec 2022
Thank you for your kind review! We're delighted to hear that Chris was able to balance the tour with both scenic views and a sprinkling of knowledge. We hope that you'll visit us again soon!
Amazing!
Kelsey_K,
Oct 2022
This was an amazing experience! Our tour guide Alessia was incredible and is very knowledgeable. She went out of her way to make our experience great by looking for wildlife on our journey, discussing the preserve with us, and taking pictures/videos that she sent us later so we wouldn't get our own possessions wet. I highly recommend this company and will use them and their different locations in the future!
Response from Host, Oct 2022
Thank you for your 5-star review!! We are thrilled you had such an amazing experience with Alessia, and that she was able to point out lots of wildlife along the way! We really appreciate your recommendation, and look forward to paddling with you again!
First Time Kayaking!
Samuel_C,
Oct 2022
I had such a blast doing the Clear Kayak Tour with Chris as our Guide! He was funny and informative. We stopped at shell beach and put shells we found on a mangrove tree for our wishes to come true. We also kayaked through tunnels of trees which was pretty cool! There were aquatic birds following us through the whole tour. 10/10 experience!!!
Response from Host, Oct 2022
Thank you for joining us on a clear kayak adventure! We are thrilled to hear you had a blast exploring Shell Key with Chris, and even got to make a wish on the shell tree!! Thank you for your 10/10 rating, and we hope to see you soon!
Honeymoon
Katelin_M,
Oct 2022
This was amazing! I am very afraid of water and especially the ocean. Most of the tour is over pretty shallow water. I felt very comfortable with our guide and when we were over deep water it was extremely calm. We saw dolphins, a sting ray and many birds. Some of the birds followed us around the reserve! They dive and swim around the kayaks to get an easy snack of spooked fish. Our guide pointed out a small shark that was pretty far from us. He said that he sees many sharks but they are always pretty far and leave very quickly. The shell key was beautiful! We found many large shells. Definitely a once in a lifetime experience.
Response from Host, Oct 2022
Thank you for your kind review, we love hearing about all of the amazing wildlife guests encounter during their trips to Shell Key!! Thank you for joining us, and we hope to see you soon on another clear kayak adventure!
Worth the experience.
Ronnie_R,
Sep 2022
Our guide Jenna was full of knowledge of ever aspect of the experience. The tour and the stops were amazing!
Response from Host, Sep 2022
Thank you for your 5-star review!! We are pleased to hear you had a great experience with Jenna! We hope you'll join us for another clear kayak adventure in the future!
Amazing trip!!
Tammy_A,
Aug 2022
We had Chris as our tour guide and he made it such an amazing experience. He took the time to explain where we were going and what we were experiencing. He was very informative and we learned a lot. We had some wildlife sightings along the way including birds and dolphins. Our favorite stop of the trip was Shell Key where we could take a swim. It was a great day and would definitely come back again!
Response from Host, Sep 2022
Thank you for joining us on a clear kayak adventure! We will be sure to pass on your kind words to Chris- we're lucky to have such amazing guides! We would love to have you back for another paddle to Shell Key!!
Chris was our guide. We...
Deborah_S,
Aug 2022
Chris was our guide. We found him personable, attentive and knowledgable. He made our trip as memorable as possible. He is an asset to your kataking business. Hope to visit again sometime. Thank you.
Response from Host, Aug 2022
Thank you for such a glowing review of Chris! We're thrilled that he was able to make your trip so memorable, and we'll be sure to pass along your compliments to him. We can't wait to paddle with you again someday!
Amazing!
Judy_D,
Aug 2022
My excursion was amazing. My guide, Tatiana was fantastic. I truly enjoyed the trip and will be doing it again! The goal is to collect all the stickers!!!!
Response from Host, Aug 2022
Thank you for your 5-star review! We are pleased to hear you had an amazing excursion with Tatiana! We look forward to seeing you soon!
Fun Tour
Tom_N,
Aug 2022
Ben was a great guide. He made sure we saw everything that was on the tour even though it took longer than planned. It made us want to go kayaking again.
Response from Host, Aug 2022
Thank you for joining us on a clear kayak adventure! We are pleased to hear you had a great time with Ben, and that your experience made you want to kayak again! We would love to see you soon!
Great tour
Cristy_C,
Jul 2022
Ben was our tour guide for the kyack tour. He was very nice and informative. It was a great experience!
Response from Host, Jul 2022
Thank you for your 5-star review! We are pleased to hear you had a great experience paddling with Ben! We hope you'll join us again sometime soon!
The guide had a bad...
Monica_S,
Jul 2022
The guide had a bad attitude towards us, i feel like he could have been more friendly. The experience overall was not pleasing.
Response from Host, Jul 2022
Thank you for your feedback. When the wind picked up and was too high for us to continue the tour, we had to return the launch area early. The guide did have to spend some time tracking the weather while on the water to ensure your safety. When our owner spoke to you following the tour, we issued a full refund and you did not mention any concerns with the tour at all. We are so sorry to hear about your experience and would love to learn more about how we can improve. Please feel free to reach out to us at tampbay@getupandgokayaking.com with more details so that we can address your concerns.
We paddled through and...
Jeremy_S,
Jul 2022
We paddled through and cooled off under a Mangrove Canopy in Shell Key. It was like drifting into a dream world. Two patches of mangroves met each other and formed a tunnel underneath. Very Cool. Our guide Alessia was so positive and knowledgeable. She made the tour 5 star with her insights into the area. Would definitely sign up on additional tours with Alessia as the guide.
Response from Host, Jul 2022
Thank you for joining us on a clear kayak adventure! We are thrilled to hear about your experience paddling through the dream-like mangroves with Alessia! We would love to have you back for another Shell Key adventure!
1 traveler found this review helpful
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Product code: 173028P1