Mangrove Kayak Tour: Explore Unique Wildlife

Embark on an eco-adventure with Capt. Yak in the Shell Key Preserve. Explore mangrove tunnels, encounter wildlife, and relax on Shell Key. Perfect for family groups!

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Tierra Verde - *IMPORTANT! Tour departures may occasionally change due to weather and tide conditions. Notifications will be sent shortly after booking if there are any changes to the departure time.
    The tour will take you through and around Mangrove Keys, Sea Grass Beds, and Sand Bars. Wildlife such as birds, stingrays, horseshoe crabs, shells,…
What's Included
  • Single or tandem kayaks with paddles and life vests included.
Additional Information

Capt. Yak is a veteran-owned business.
Embark on an incredible adventure through a unique mangrove preserve.
Capt. Yak (Greg) has been navigating Florida’s waterways for many years, and his extensive knowledge will captivate you. He will guide you through the preserve to discover fascinating creatures both above and below the water.
Enjoy effortless…

Location
Butler Hole
Location: 2800 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde 33715 You will see my Red truck and equipment 2-1/2 miles on the right once you cross over the Tierra Verde bridge and go through the round-about. Drive over the sidewalk and Park on the grass lot. "NO" restroom on site
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(66 Ratings)
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487arielleb
Jan 21, 2026
Great afternoon on the water - Perfect. Had a beautiful afternoon with Capt Yak. Easy to find location, professional, knowledgable about the flora, fauna, and history. Provided dry bags and kayaks were in good shape. The fellow kayakers were also very nice and appreciated that it was a small group. absolutely recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Robyn
Jan 3, 2026
Great tour, one of my favorite activities while on vacation - Capt. Yak was outstanding, we had a wonderful kayak to shell key. The boats were comfortable and tour was fun and full of birds, shells, mangrove information and dolphins. I would not hesitate to book this tour again, so much fun and well run.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Deborah_r
Dec 30, 2025
Great tour , relaxed , no... - Great tour , relaxed , no experience needed, capt Yak was amazing, learn also about history of the area, went throughout mangroves ending on shell island , pretty safe we saw wildlife and dolphins included we were lucky, great day.
Review provided by Viator
Kathy_i
Oct 15, 2025
amazing kayaking - Absolutely fabulous. Captain Yak was so informative and knowledgeable! We can’t wait to do it again.
Review provided by Viator
Queenchristine66
Aug 5, 2025
Fun Mr Yak - Great guide and we had an amazing time! Do this trip! You will love it! Nature at its finest but also note there is some work involved…this is not a lazy river ride!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Makingtime2play
Jun 28, 2025
Fun AND informative - Excellent tour! Capt Yak was informative and attentive. We had a full tour of varying athletic ability and he kept a good pace and took paddling breaks and give eco-Info. Educational and fun tour. Highly recommended.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jcerra13
May 23, 2025
Great family experience! - The whole family had a great time! This is our second time kayaking with Greg and I’m sure there will be a third. He’s very knowledgeable and friendly.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Maps541386
Mar 13, 2025
Mangroves and Shells - We enjoyed our afternoon on the water in Shell Key Preserve The trip was well organized to include a variety of ecosystems None of the paddling was too strenuous and the break on Shell Key was lovely
Review provided by Tripadvisor
563dianee
Feb 28, 2025
Kayak with Yak - We had a great excursion to Shell Key which is beautiful. It was a workout for me given the winds picking up on return but would not change anything. He was very knowledgeable about the natural environment.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cherylgf6159vh
Feb 19, 2025
Discovery and fun - What an amazing kayak paddle experience. Capt. Yak is laidback, very knowledgeable about birds and sea life, and changing health status of the key. He spots creatures with a trained eye while standing on his kayak. Friendly and allows time for folks to stop, look and enjoy the birds, mangroves and sea creatures. He loves what he does and shares his breadth of knowledge.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $58
up to 8 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).