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
(74 Ratings)
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Meander325582
Apr 7, 2026
Family Kayka trip St Petes - Very friendly, very informative, very good value for money
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Juliet
Apr 4, 2026
Nice guides, beautiful scenery; perfect outing away from the crowds - Everything came together nicely: good guides, good kayaks, waterproof bags for valuables, nice tour in and among the mangroves, and even a dolphin sighting. Very happy to get out on the water.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sherrie
Apr 3, 2026
Dolphins, Eagles & Hermit Crabs—Oh My! - We had an absolutely outstanding experience on the kayak tour to Shell Key with Captain Yak! From start to finish, it was the perfect day on the water. We were lucky enough to see so much wildlife—dolphins, a bald eagle, a juvenile cormorant, a shark and even stingrays gliding beneath us. One of the highlights was when Captain Yak’s keen assistant found a beautiful queen conch shell with an adorable hermit crab inside! Both Captain Yak and the assistant were incredibly helpful, knowledgeable, and engaging. They did a fantastic job explaining the local ecology and habitat, which made the experience even more meaningful. We also stopped at Shell Key for a refreshing and inviting swim, which was the perfect way to round out the tour. Truly, we couldn’t have asked for a better day. Highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for a memorable and nature-filled adventure!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Pattym705
Apr 2, 2026
Great experience! One of our favorite tours on the water! - We had a beautiful morning on the water. We have occasional kayak experience but that didn’t matter. With a good tour guide, we have learned that you can do just fine. It was truly a relaxing day. We did not feel rushed and enjoyed paddling in open water and in the mangrove “tunnels.” Stopping on Shell Key island was cool -perfect coastal water and bigger shells. Throughout the tour Captain Yak shared information of the plant and animal life and the history of the area. Our outing included couples and a family with children. It was nice to see everyone enjoy their time. We have done several vacation water tours over the years and this one did not disappoint!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Vitaa396
Apr 1, 2026
Great afternoon on the water - Captain Yak was awesome! We had a great day paddling through the mangrove tunnels and shallow waters in the preserve, with a new best friend, a cormorant that kept popping up next to and under all the kayaks, on the tour! (Or maybe it's multiple cormorants showing up one at a time? We all got a really good close up view of our new cormorant best friend! =D) We had two dolphin sightings and one set, a mom and baby, even put on a show! Mama dolphin is showing the ropes to baby dolphin, and mama dolphin even threw a fish in the air for her baby to catch! (I think that's what was going on... I could be wrong! Haha!) There are lots of critters/animals/birds to see on the tour and Captain Yak is a fountain of knowledge! The kayaks provided were comfortable with seat backs and dry bags are available to keep your stuff dry.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kathy_d
Mar 31, 2026
Fantastic, Capt Yak is great! - We had a great time on this experience! Captain Yak is so knowledgeable of the wildlife and environment. We learned so much. Went at an easy pace, no rushing, and let the kids (12 and 11) go together in their own kayak. The mangroves were enjoyable to be immersed in. Highly recommend’
Review provided by Viator
Michael
Mar 27, 2026
Awesome!! - What a great experience!! Captain Y was awesome!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Melissaq578
Mar 25, 2026
Great value and time out on the water! - We had the best time with Captain Yak! What a nice guy. We paddled out to Shell Key, stopped to find some sea critters along the way, sailed through mangroves and then had some time to hunt for seashells on Shell Key. Captain Yak was very knowledgeable, talkative and funny. I would rent from him in the future or join a guided tour again. He was great with kids as well; very family friendly and kind.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nancy_r
Mar 17, 2026
Unique mangrove kayak experience with awesome gui - Fun and relaxing kayaking with a super knowledgable, friendly guide, he is a true expert on all kinds of marine life! Loved the mangrove trails and learned so much! Kayak seats were more comfortable than expected! Shell island was a little crowded and not really worth the stop except for a quick break from the kayaks. Also good idea to stop at the nearest restroom before you arrive at meet point!
Review provided by Viator
Waynerf1501bv
Mar 14, 2026
Captain Yak kayak excursion. - Captain Yak was awesome!! Full of knowledge about the water and its inhabitants! Great trip, highly recommend!!
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).