Shell Key
Shell Key Preserve is a 1,828-acre preserve located in the mouth of Tampa Bay, near Ft Desoto Park, which includes a 195-acre barrier island known as Shell Key. The area is off limits to motorboats so the only way to explore the area is to paddle.
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These guys follow us out! |
Glide alongside the abundant marine wildlife on the flat water as you paddle by the mangroves . Since you are standing at full height, you can see the seafloor through the crystal clear water. We often have cormorants (small aquatic birds which hunt for fish) swimming under out boards and kayaks. They follow us all the way out to the island.
We paddle out at a slow pace so we can enjoy the beautiful scenery. The water is very shallow! You can see the seafloor the entire way out. Take advantage of the opportunity to see dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, and a variety of fish and birds, while paddling to a private island where we can relax, look for some great seashells, swim, and snorkel. If the tides are right, we can take you though the secret mangrove tunnel.
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The Sandbar |
If the tide is low we can stop on the sandbar. If it's not too windy, we can hit the island.
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The Island
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