Get Up & Go Kayaking in Shell Key Preserve, Tierra Verde, Fla., ranked #9 in the US for Tripadvisor’s Best of the Best Things to Do for 2024! The distinction is part of the Traveler’s Choice Awards which, under the Best of the Best category, celebrates the highest level of excellence in travel through a full year’s worth of outstanding reviews and opinions. 

In April, this Tampa Bay-based company surpassed 30,000 five-star reviews – and it’s not hard to understand why. The company’s Tampa Bay location can be found at Billy’s Stone Crab, 1 Collany Rd Tierra Verde.

Participants paddle along mangroves, enjoy the pristine white sand beaches, and explore secluded areas within the preserve. As kayakers approach the gulf near St. Pete Beach, they will notice the water becoming increasingly clear. Shell Key Preserve, located near St. Pete Beach in the Tampa Bay area, is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts.

A one-of-a-kind tour of Tampa Bay

During the summer months, kayakers should be on the lookout for manatees and the stunning pink Roseate Spoonbills. In the winter, the sandbars of Shell Key Preserve become home to White Pelicans. Throughout the year, dolphins can be seen frolicking in the clear waters, and cormorants are known to swim alongside kayakers. While sightings of wildlife are common, they are not guaranteed, adding an element of surprise to the adventure.

Before embarking on this exciting journey, a guide will provide participants with paddling and safety instructions. The tour then commences with the guide leading the way around the mangrove islands, through the shallow waters, and to the beach. If the tide is high, the guide may navigate through a hidden mangrove tunnel, offering an additional element of exploration.

Daytime tours cost $59 for adults, and $54 for kids, and nightime tours are $64 per person. You can reserve your experience on the company’s website.