This was such a great kayak tour. It's suitable for beginners as it is at a relaxed pace. Scott is a fantastic tour guide with lots of local knowledge of the area. He leaves time for shell collecting on a beach. This is a family-owned business and they do it so well. Highly recommended! read more

Island Kayak Tours - Entering a mangrove tunnel - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Tierra Verde, Florida

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My god, best tour guide ever. Excellent tour. Scott was extremely personable, he gave us a complete rundown of the area, and also gave us advice for or trip including places to eat and other fun things to do. I came in 2025 with my son Mikey and Daughter Antoinette. Scott was very entertaining. Memorable experience. read more

Strongly recommended! We booked the shell key tour and was even better than expected. We initially chose this company because they have the seatin kayaks which are easier for kayaking than the ones where u sit on top. And their price for a 3 hour tour can't be beat. The preserve is a beautiful area to kayak. We saw cormorant birds that swam w the us and one even caught a pin fish right beside us, ...also saw blue herons, yellow crown heron and dolphins. This was in Dec so it was perfect weather but not for the manatees. The owner Scott is a really good guide and entertaining and his wife is there to help out w kayaks too. He's a long time local to the spot and has a ton of info on the wildlife and area. We typically rent our own kayaks and do our own thing but I'm glad we decided to do Scott's tour. I really enjoyed learning so much about the area from him. If we come back, we would do a tour with Scott again. read more

This was a wonderful day kayaking with Scott and Karissa. They are very experienced and Wonderful tour guides. I thought that maybe the tour was going be too long at 3 hours but it was perfect. We went through the mangroves and in between paddling the shallow inter coastal area, we stopped at Shell key preserve. I would recommend this tour for all levels. It was so enjoyable. read more

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My partner and I had the BEST time with Scott, Karissa, and Ty! We got a little confused getting to the launch site (which I would now recommend to anyone else attending this tour to leave about 15m earlier than planned and make sure you don't have "avoid tolls" selected in your google gps). Scott and Karissa's son Ty was kind enough to wait for us and catch us up with the rest of the group with the the rest of the group so not to delay the tour for everyone else, but honestly, I think we inadvertently got the best of both worlds because Ty was knowledgeable, patient, and so kind that it was almost like we had a small private tour of our own (Thanks Ty!) Overall, the experience was immensely educational with personal childhood stories since Scott grew up in the area. Since everyone has their own kayaks, it was the perfect socially distant activity and the mangroves were so beautiful and serene I couldn't believe we were still in FL. Plus we were able to go shelling for big shells and sand dollars on Shell Key Island. I believe we were the only ones on the island itself and had the unique experience of a manatee swim right by us, not even 10ft away, while we took a little dip by the shore. So amazing with so much wildlife, we had a blast! It's a family run business and one I will 100% recommend to anyone I know who will be visiting the area! I still can't believe how much value you get for $28/person! Seriously. All other tours are T least 2-3x more expensive and not nearly as intimate and wonderfully hosted as Scott and the family run with Kayak Island Tours! I say this from personal experience because we went on two other excursions we researched during our trip that were more expensive that this one, yet this was by far our favorite :) Thanks for the experience and sushi recommendations, we had the best time! read more

Island Kayak Tours - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Tierra Verde, Florida

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I came across Island Kayak Tours when I was looking at possibly taking a ferry from Fort de Soto to Shell Key. Kayaking sounded much more fun and was the same price! Other kayak tours were double the price, and traveling with 5 people we really appreciated the affordability! I sent a text to Karissa, and within a few minutes had booked our tour. Scott gave us a quick lesson, took the time to make sure everyone felt comfortable and went at an enjoyable pace. Scott grew up in the area and had been kayaking since childhood, so he really knew the area and wildlife well. We learned so much on our tour, that we continued to spot and name birds and shells for the rest of our trip. We saw a small blue bonnet shark, sting rays, cormorants, roseate spoonbill, frigate birds, mangrove tree crabs as we went through the tunnels, and more! This trip was the highlight of our vacation, and highly recommend booking this tour! We will book again next time we visit the area. Thank you Scott and Karissa for doing what you do! read more

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Scott was a great guide! It was really nice that he was a Florida native and had a lot of knowledge about the area. It was really nice that he took the time to explain all of the flora and fauna and take us through the mangrove forest. Also really enjoyed searching for seashells on shell island...got some good ones, even found a sand dollar! This is a great way for tourists to get in some good exercise and really immerse themselves in the local ecosystem. read more

This husband and wife duo are amazing,funny and friendly!! If u want to kayak and learn about the land they are the ones to go to!! We had a blast read more

Island Kayak Tours - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Tierra Verde, Florida

We had a wonderful time on our tour!! Pros: -Scott was a super knowledgeable guide -beautiful scenery!! Mangrove tunnels, wildlife and seashell island were beautiful! -our 5 year old did a tandem kayak with my husband and loved it! Scott was so kind and patient with the kids. -price is super reasonable. Cons: -none. It was really fabulous!! read more

Island Kayak Tours - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Tierra Verde, Florida

Scott was extremely knowledgeable of the path, scenic views, wildlife, and island. He was easy to chat with and engaged with all the guests on the tour. Our tour ran a little longer, not a compliant!!! It shows that they take time with their guests to ensure knowledge, safety, and a great experience. Thank you!!!! -Melinda & Ben Youngstown Ohio read more

Had a second trip with these guys and loved it as much as the first. Tide was higher this time and we got to hit the mangrove tunnels. These two have a love of paddling and it definitely rubbed off on me. As a newbie I appreciate that they never hesitate to answer questions or offer advice. I've already steered a few people in their direction for future trips. read more

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Booked this tour after finding it online. Scott was great! He's a local who grew up here so really knows his stuff! We did the Nature 50/50 tour. You start just outside Fort de Soto, and kayak through mangroves tunnels. You end up on a beautiful island where everyone just explored on their own, and then kayak back. Super relaxing yet adventurous at the same time. He makes everyone feel comfortable no matter what your experience with kayaking is. The kicker is the price. It's $25/person and we were out for 3-3.5 hours! You can not beat this price for how great he is and relaxing the tour is! Make sure you pack water and sunscreen! I plan on bringing all my family/friends who visit me to his tour! read more

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This is a family own and operate by husband, wife, and son. Had a great time on this kayak tour! Scott the tour guide was so friendly and knowledgeable of the area and places around it. Scott grew up exploring these mangrove swamps- knows them like the back of his hand. A very unique experience and only $25!! Would definitely recommend and will definitely do this tour again next time we come to the area! read more

Island Kayak Tours - Island Kayak - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Tierra Verde, Florida

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Wish we could give more stars! This was a great kayak tour. Scott and Karissa are very knowledgeable about the area.

The 50/50 tour was great. It had a good mix of kayaking in the bay, hiking/shell-finding on the island, and kayaking through the mangroves. We spent about an hour on each. There is a tour guide who is knowledgeable, and there is also room for you to take your time and explore a bit on your own. It was no effort to set up -- you just arrive at the boat launch and they have everything ready for you. read more

Wonderful 3 hour tour out to Shell Island with our knowledgeable guide, Scott. He was entertaining as well as informative about the local area where he grew up. Spend time walking on Shell Island and about 3 miles of kayaking including the fun mangrove tunnels. Great time and a great value! read more

Island Kayak Tours - Paddling the the mangrove tunnels. - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Tierra Verde, Florida

Great experience kayaking to shell key and back...Scott was a fantastic guide! Very knowledgeable, charismatic, and entertaining! He does a wonderful job of sharing his love of the area with his guests. read more

We were looking for something adventurous to do in the St. Pete Beach area last minute. Instantly came across Island Kayak tours and was amazed by the five star reviews left - and now I know what everyone was raving about! Here's why you should do the tour: 1. You'll see the area from a perspective you just can't get from staying on the beach - we saw dolphins, fish, birds and paddled out to sand bars and through mangrove tunnels. 2. Scott is amazing. He is one of the few locals you'll find in this touristy area and has so many great stories and knowledge of not just wildlife - but the area as well. Very energetic and caring guide! Not to mention, he is extremely responsive and answered all my questions within minutes via text at the last minute. I appreciate that before booking, he was honest and not pushy. 3. The price is right - $25. That's less than some kayak or paddleboard rentals alone. That's basically how much a buffet breakfast will cost you. This was a highlight of our trip. So glad we decided to do a tour with Scott - we experienced things we wouldn't have seen if we just went at it on our own! read more

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Our guides were incredibly knowledgeable and personable. It was such a fun day. We kayaked through mangroves and out to shell island and got so many shells and sand dollars. The scenery was so beautiful. We learned about cormorants and the habitats for dolphins and manatees, although we didn't see any. What a workout! It was worth it. I would do this again! Thanks for the fun day and great convo. read more

What a great trip. We were 2 older ladies and we were a bit slow. But they were supported us the whole way. Because we were so far back the birds joined us. We had a great time. We plan on doing it again. The couple are a great team. Thank you read more

We enjoyed our adventure with Scott and his wife so much we went back and did it a second time! The pictures and explanations on the website do not give the actual experience any justice. The mangrove tunnels were amazing and so was all of the wildlife we were about to see. The cormorants were the star of the show though following us almost every step of the way. Watching them swim under the kayak for fish was an incredible spectacle! We felt so welcomed by Scott and his wife it took a lot of the nervousness away being our first time in a kayak. If you're thinking about going on a kayak tour make sure to go with Scott and Karissa! Oh, one more thing. You'll get one heck of an arm and shoulder workout! read more

Excellent! Scott & Karissa are top notch!!! Very knowledgeable and professional. Our entire group loved every minute of it. We even got to see some dolphins and a small shark. A must do when in the area. read more

An AMAZING experience! From the first call with Karissa to the actual tour with Scott and Karissa, this team was fantastic. My trip was changed as they are very weather and safety conscious. They put the safety and experience over going out in questionable conditions. From the minute I arrived to the minute I left, everything was wonderful. I arrived to the kayaks ready to go and a warm welcome, then onto a helpful presentation of how to kayak ( a refresher to some but helpful to others). Next a brief outline of our adventure and an idea of what to expect. We were assisted getting in our boats and once everyone was ready, we left as a group with Scott doing a narration of the area all the way out to Shell Island while Karissa brought up the rear making sure everyone was with us. Then through the mangroves tunnels we went before reaching Shell Island. We were assisted again getting out of our boats and told where to go. A fun time on the island...either in the water or on the beach...then a surprise of a couple of manatees decided to visit. On the return, again Scott assisted everyone back in the kayaks both on the island and when we arrived back at our cars. I was amazed what a great job they did, always keeping us posted on what to expect and what to look at as we paddle. And I was always treated so nice entering and exiting the kayak. Whether you are a new kayaker or an experienced one, this tour is the way to safely see the mangroves and enjoy the knowledge of the area that was provided. read more

Found Island Kayak Tours on Yelp around 830 on a Monday morning. Saw one excellent review then noticed seven more reviews that weren't recommended. Clicked and all those were excellent too. Not sure why they aren't all recommended because they were all spot on and inspired me to call to see if they had any Monday tours. They had a tunnel tour starting in 30 minutes! Let's go! We met up on a public roadside where some people and other outfitters were putting into the water. Scott got us hooked up and off we went. It was beautiful from the start. Scott told us about all the wildlife. This area is sacred for him as he's been coming to the Shell Key Preserve since he was five. Tons of knowledge. He was able to answer every question I had. The mangroves were sweet to kayak through. The sun sparkled through holes in the canopy and it was cool to learn how nature was at work all around us. We stopped at a beach and hung out for a while at the halfway point. My wife found a whole sand dollar for the first time ever. Dreams came true that day. I highly recommend their service. Call them now. read more

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Absolutely amazing experience! We saw the mangrove tunnels and a dolphin playing in the shallow water. Would recommend to everyone! The guides, Scott and Carissa were amazing and super helpful along the way. read more

We had a great time kayaking with Karissa! She was very nice and knowledgeable about the area. It was a peaceful tour through calm waters, we explored three mangrove tunnels, and concluded the trip on a little island on Shell Key Preserve. A three hour tour for $25! Highly recommend! read more

Island Kayak Tours - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Tierra Verde, Florida

Had an amazing time kayaking out to Shell Island. Scott is very knowledgeable and made it fun for everyone. He took us into the mangrove tunnels which were very cool. Would highly recommend!! read more

Scott gives a great kayak tour at great price. He provides a lot of information and history while paddling through some gorgeous waters. Local family run business. He is very personable and friendly.. We have been twice over the past year and will go again in the future. Highly recommend. read more

So cool to get a tour from someone who grew up on this ever changing ecosystem...a must do if you love the shore line.

The couple that runs this place is so sweet! It is great for any level of kayakers. When one person in the group was struggling one of the guides stayed back with her the whole time. Highly recommend if you are a tourist or a local! read more

We took the 1 PM tour to shell key preserve. It was super fun and upbeat. The tour guide was great and made sure we knew how to kayak so it is good for beginners. Would definitely recommend for locals and visitors. We got to see dolphins and other aquatic life which made the day great! Loved going through the mangrove tunnels too! read more

Scott and Karissa did a great job!! My family enjoyed our time with them this morning. Scott shares his great knowledge of the area's wildlife and land to make the trip interesting along with the beautiful scenery. Saw two separate pods of dolphins, so many jumping fish and the amazing shells in Shell Key. Don't hesitate on this excursion!! Well worth it!!! read more

This is a MUST DO! If you are considering a kayak experience - this is the one! I am a Floridian and appreciate the local knowledge and history that Scott brings to the experience. He knows the area, its history and even the water birds (he's named them) that swam around our kayaks and oars and caught little fish that they (birds) showed off to us (funny and amazing!). It was great fun and suitable for all ages and experiences levels. The canopied mangroves were incredible - my first experience and of course everyone loved the shelling and swimming where you get to play for about an hour! The whole trip was like Disney entertainment - but real and we were in the show!!! Karissa was an important part of the whole experience as well - because as Scott would lead for the faster paddlers, she followed at the back to stay with the slower paddlers to ensure the safety from the rear. I will be back and will recommend to all my friends!!! read more