Let's Paddle to Shell Key/ Beach Time

Had a request to post this event again. :-) So, join us for a relaxed paddle on the crystal-clear waters, along mangrove islands, through mangrove tunnels and enjoy some beach time at Shell Key/Sandbar. This is also an excellent opportunity to encounter wildlife. Frequently, you'll see dolphins, sea turtles, manatees, game fish and lots of wading birds. We will paddle around 6 miles (MOL). Ending time is an approximate so, if you're in a hurry or on a time constraint this paddle is not for you. Please read full description before signing up.

BYOK & Rentals: Kayak rentals are available through Greg, the owner of, "Capt. Yak". He has quality clean rental equipment, and he'll have your kayak ready to go right at the launch. You'll need to reserve directly with him here: CAPT YAK Kayak & E-Bike Tours/Rentals -Veteran Owned - St Pete Please book the 9am spot, mention if you need a single or tandem and that you're with Suncoast Outdoors. I'd highly recommend that you reserve asap as he can quickly get booked on the weekends.

Float Plan: We will wet our paddles right at 9:00a so, please be there in enough time to prepare your gear. We will mostly be paddling in shallow open grass flats and no motor zones; we should see minimal boat traffic. We will weave our way through a few beautiful mangrove tunnels with our ultimate destination being BEAUTIFUL Shell Key Preserve (north end). Here we will BEACH it, hang out, chill, take in this scenic location. We'll plan to be here for at least an hour. For our return trip, I will take a different route than previous paddles. Instead of paddling by God's Island and the waterfront homes. We will paddle south along the backside of Shell Key to the southern end. From that point we'll paddle east to the launch and end our journey. The hurricanes have changed this area a bit and there are a few cool new areas to see.

Afterwards: join us at The Island Grille to replenish those calories, re-hydrate with cold drinks or even take a dip in their pool. It's 5 minutes down the road. www.islandrawbar.com

Meeting Spot: The kayak launch is in Tierra Verde on the right side of the Pinnellas Bay Way and before Tampa Bay Watch. If you reach the toll booth you've gone too far. Depending on where you are able to park. You may or may not need a kayak cart so, be prepared. Or just find us if you need any help. There are no restroom facilities at the launch or on Shell Key. Look for the orange & green Suncoast Outdoors sign and black Jeep Gladiator.

Please monitor this event as this is where I will communicate any information, changes or cancellations. On day of event, feel free to text or call: 813-442-1615.

Items that you may want to bring; plenty of water, snacks, lunch, a good hat, sunglasses, closed toe water shoes, sunscreen, bug repellant, water shoes, towel, snorkel gear, umbrella and a chair for the sandbar. Remember, it's your responsibility to be USCG compliant.
I am not a professional guide. I'm a volunteer for the group.

YOUR RSVP TO ATTEND A "SUNCOAST OUTDOORS " SPONSORED EVENT IS YOUR EXPRESS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING AND UNCONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE OF FULL PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY AND LIABILITY FOR ALL ASSOCIATED RISKS.
If you bring a guest who is not currently a member of Suncoast Outdoors, you have assumed such liability for that guest. Your guest is free to join our group and register individually, thereby releasing you from any such liability.
Possible risks from participation include, but are not limited to:
Injury from a trip & fall, drowning, venomous snakes, stinging insects, venomous spiders, wildlife encounters, heat stroke, hypothermia, noxious vegetation, weather related injury, insect or airborne transmissible virus and disease, smoke inhalation, wildfire, falling trees.