Enjoy a private kayaking experience on crystal-clear waters at Shell Key Preserve, just minutes from Tierra Verde. Discover wildlife and stunning natural beauty on this guided clear kayak tour.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Ideal for anyone with basic fitness who can paddle for a few hours at a moderate pace.
Wildlife
History
Shell Key Preserve is a protected barrier island formed over centuries by sediment deposits in Tampa Bay.
Conservation
The preserve is managed to protect nesting birds and marine habitats, with guidelines to minimize human impact.
Get Up and Go Kayaking - Tampa Bay
Enjoy a private kayaking experience on crystal-clear waters at Shell Key Preserve, just minutes from Tierra Verde. Discover wildlife and stunning natural beauty on this guided clear kayak tour.
Get Up and Go Kayaking - Tampa Bay provides guided clear kayak tours based in Tierra Verde, Florida. The outfitter offers three primary experiences: Shell Key Preserve Clear Kayak Evening Tours, Shell Key Preserve Private Clear Kayak Tour, and Shell Key Preserve Clear Kayak Tour. Trips depart from Tierra Verde and travel to Shell Key Preserve, focusing on coastal ecosystems, seagrass habitats, and shoreline wildlife viewing.
Guides provide a safety briefing, paddling instruction, and equipment orientation before launch. Tours use transparent kayaks that allow unobstructed views of marine life, seagrass beds, and shallow water channels beneath the hull. Private tours are available for groups seeking a customized itinerary or a more intimate experience.
Evening tours visit Shell Key Preserve at sunset, emphasizing low-light wildlife activity and coastal color. The operator follows local regulations for protected areas and designs routes that minimize environmental impact and respect nesting and feeding zones. Reservations are recommended due to limited kayak availability and preserve access restrictions.
Trip duration and exact meeting points are provided at booking and can vary by tide and season. Get Up and Go Kayaking - Tampa Bay serves visitors from Tierra Verde and the greater Tampa Bay area, including St. Pete Beach and St. Petersburg. The outfitter emphasizes clear communication, professional safety gear, and experienced local knowledge of tides, channels, and safe launch points. These small-group clear kayak experiences are suitable for couples, families, and outdoor enthusiasts seeking guided exploration of Shell Key Preserve. Booking information and packing lists are available.
Location
Tierra Verde, FL
Base of operations and meeting point
Tours Offered
3 Tours
Clear kayak experiences available
Private Options
Private Tours
Private tour available on request
Evening Tours
Evening Option
Shell Key evening clear kayak tour
Secure a spot on Shell Key Preserve evening, private, or standard clear kayak tours departing Tierra Verde — limited availability.
Wear Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Protect your skin and delicate marine life by using reef-safe sunscreen during your kayak tour.
Bring Waterproof Bags
Waterproof bags keep your phone, camera, and personal items safe and dry while kayaking.
Stay Hydrated
Pack plenty of water as Florida’s sun can be intense, especially during midday hours.
Watch for Bird Nesting Areas
Respect wildlife by steering clear of marked bird nesting zones to avoid disturbing them.
Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Protects your skin while ensuring no harm to marine ecosystems.
summer
Hydration Pack or Water Bottle
Keeps you hydrated throughout the kayak tour.
Lightweight Quick-Dry Clothing
Comfortable clothing that dries fast is ideal for wet conditions.
spring
Waterproof Phone Case
Protects electronics from splashes and accidental drops in the water.