Shell Key Kayak & Snorkel Tour: Paddle Mangrove Tunnels

Paddle mangrove tunnels, then wade and search the shoreline for shells on a protected barrier island.

A 3-hour kayak tour from St. Pete that takes you through mangrove tunnels to Shell Key, where you spend about an hour swimming in the shallows, hunting for shells, or relaxing on the beach. Mask, snorkel, floatie, life jacket and dry bag are provided; your guide photographs the group throughout and emails the photos to you afterward. Children from age 5 are welcome, and the tour suits all fitness levels.

Step-by-step itinerary

Kayak tour and beach relaxation

• Paddle through mangrove tunnels
• Spot wildlife along the route
• Swim in shallows at Shell Key
• Search shoreline for shells
• Relax on pristine Shell Key beach

The Experience

Three hours covers the whole arc: paddling through the mangrove tunnels where the water narrows and the trees close in, spotting wildlife as you move through, then reaching Shell Key itself. The guide leads the route and handles the timing so the day holds together without you planning the stops.

Once you reach Shell Key, you step out of the kayak for about an hour. Some people wade in the shallows with the snorkel gear provided; others walk the shoreline hunting for shells, or simply sit and take in the view of one of Florida's protected barrier islands. The floatie keeps you stable in the water if you want it, and the guide is there the whole time, also taking photos of you and your group. Those photos get emailed to you after, at no extra cost.

Mask, snorkel, floatie, life jacket and dry bag all come with the tour. Infants can join if they sit on an adult's lap. The guide speaks English and leads the whole group together.

What’s included

• Kayak, paddle, life jacket and dry bag.
• mask, snorkel and floatie for each guest.
• guide leading the route.
• photos from your experience emailed to you after the tour.

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Local Tide Kayak Tours & Sandbar Parties

Is this one for you?Small groups work well here since the guide leads everyone together through the mangroves and stays with the group at Shell Key. If you want a tour where someone else handles the route and the timing, and you get to choose between paddling, snorkeling or just sitting on the beach once you arrive, this one does all three in a single morning or afternoon.

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Top questions

What's the mangrove tunnel paddling like on this kayak tour?

The mangroves form narrow passages over the water where the trees create a tunnel effect as you paddle through. It's the main paddling section of the tour before you reach Shell Key itself.

How much time do I actually spend in the water versus paddling?

You paddle to Shell Key, then spend about an hour there in and around the water—swimming, snorkeling, searching for shells, or just relaxing—while the rest of the 3-hour tour is paddling and transit.

Is snorkeling equipment included, or do I need to bring my own?

Mask, snorkel and floatie are all provided for each guest. Life jacket and dry bag come with the tour as well.

Can my young kids do this tour?

Children are welcome from age 5. Infants can join if they sit on an adult's lap during paddling.

Will I get photos from the tour?

Your guide photographs you and your group throughout the tour and emails the photos to each group afterward at no additional cost.