Get Up and Go Kayaking - Shell Key Preserve

Lauren Yancey

I can’t recommend Get Up Go Kayaking - Tampa Bay more highly! As an animal lover, I was torn between this clear kayak tour or visiting the Tampa aquarium during our vacation. I am so glad that we decided to go with the kayak tour, because we got to interact with and learn about native plants and wildlife up close in their natural habitat! You can’t get this kind of experience in captivity folks. Our guide, Chris, was top notch! He was extremely knowledgeable about the area and wildlife. We learned so much! Chris was quick to point out anything of interest and his bird identification skills were excellent. He kept us going at a comfortable pace for the whole group, and I’m pleasantly surprised with all we managed to see in just over two hours of kayaking. Neither of us were super experienced with kayaking, but Chris went over the basics and we were pros before it was over, so don’t let lack of experience hold you back from trying out something new. You won’t be disappointed with this tour!

Chris Benford

We went out on the early morning tour. I recommend it for the Florida summer. There was some really great wildlife viewing on our tour. We had some close encounters with several dolphins. Saw some rays, sea slugs, jellies and more. Wonderful tour! Raven was a fun guide! Hope to come back and take a night tour.

Anne Mansilungan

Just finished the 6pm tour with Jenna. She's an amazing guide and is well informed! Coming from a big city like Chicago, my husband and I always partake in water activities when we go on vacation. We highly recommend this to anyone visiting the Tampa area. Kudos to Jenna who ensured our safety by checking on the weather prior to our departure. A cloud was forming over the horizon and she took her time to ensure we didn't get caught on a passing by thunderstorm. From then on, the activity was great! We learned a lot about the surrounding ecosystems, mangroves, and local wildlife. Recommendations: -a towel to leave in your car -travel light but they do accommodate your belongings by locking them up for you. -6pm tour so that the Florida heat and sun doesn't beam down on you. This tour was so much more enjoyable at this time and you get to kayak with sunset views -tip your guide!

Mike “Harristotle” H

I was excited to try this trip because of the clear kayaks and the great reviews on the scenery and quality guides. In short I wasn't disappointed! We had probably 20-30 minutes of our time paddling surrounded by a pair of dolphins. We also had great views of the hunting Ospreys and migratory White Pelicans. The views were just beautiful. Even happened upon a horse conch eating a horseshoe crab in the shallows. I'm already booked for the night trip and expect I'll be doing more trips at their various Westside locations. Thank you!