Comments on: Where to Launch a Kayak to Shell Key https://shellkey.org A visitors guide to Shell Key Preserve. Mon, 15 Jun 2026 20:23:11 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 By: Jack Coletti https://shellkey.org/where-to-launch-a-kayak-to-shell-key/comment-page-1/#comment-48448 Mon, 15 Jun 2026 20:23:11 +0000 http://shellkey.org/?page_id=1453#comment-48448 In reply to Kelly.

Seems like renting a kayak would be the cheapest option. They have kayak rentals at Fort DeSoto Park and also on the Bay way.

]]> By: Kelly https://shellkey.org/where-to-launch-a-kayak-to-shell-key/comment-page-1/#comment-48447 Mon, 15 Jun 2026 18:09:35 +0000 http://shellkey.org/?page_id=1453#comment-48447 What is the cheapest boat rental for two adults and two children to get to shell key?

]]> By: Mike https://shellkey.org/where-to-launch-a-kayak-to-shell-key/comment-page-1/#comment-46756 Wed, 29 Oct 2025 04:24:23 +0000 http://shellkey.org/?page_id=1453#comment-46756 In reply to Jack Coletti.

Hey jack planning on visiting shell key for the first time and wondering which side you would recommend to first time visitors ? North or south side? Which has better areas for being on the beach, clearer waters ? Thank you !

]]> By: Jack Coletti https://shellkey.org/where-to-launch-a-kayak-to-shell-key/comment-page-1/#comment-38313 Mon, 30 Oct 2023 19:26:42 +0000 http://shellkey.org/?page_id=1453#comment-38313 In reply to Jason.

Hi Jason,

The best place to launch for a day trip is the Kayak Launch on the Pinellas Bayway. You can make the trip in under 30 minutes. I’ve never taken a paddleboard to the island, but I’ve seen plenty of them out there.

Hope this helps!

]]> By: Jason https://shellkey.org/where-to-launch-a-kayak-to-shell-key/comment-page-1/#comment-38312 Mon, 30 Oct 2023 18:48:19 +0000 http://shellkey.org/?page_id=1453#comment-38312 Hey how is the trip via paddle board vs kayak? And your recommendation on a launching point and estimated trip time. Was wanting to have a day trip there in middle of week. Thoughts and or recommendations? Thank you so much!!

]]> By: Jack Coletti https://shellkey.org/where-to-launch-a-kayak-to-shell-key/comment-page-1/#comment-37747 Thu, 21 Sep 2023 20:44:52 +0000 http://shellkey.org/?page_id=1453#comment-37747 In reply to Hannah.

Hi Hanna,

You might consider launching from the ‘Kayak Launch’ on the Pinellas Bayway. That way you avoid crossing the channel. Basically if you head west from the launch, you will pass several small islands before reaching Shell Key – which is distinguished by having a sandy beach shoreline. You can’t really go too far because then you would be in the gulf. There are some large rules signs on the island. Best bet is to study the google earth view thoroughly before heading out.

Hope this helps!

]]> By: Hannah https://shellkey.org/where-to-launch-a-kayak-to-shell-key/comment-page-1/#comment-37203 Sun, 13 Aug 2023 17:44:58 +0000 http://shellkey.org/?page_id=1453#comment-37203 Hi Jack. We’re camping at fort de Soto this fall and want to paddle to shell key from there. Going from the boat ramp you listed, how would I know how to get to shell key, never having been there/knowing what it looks like? Are there signs, or will people at the campground be able to explain to me which way to go? Also, should I be nervous about crossing bunces channel?

]]> By: Jack Coletti https://shellkey.org/where-to-launch-a-kayak-to-shell-key/comment-page-1/#comment-36670 Mon, 08 May 2023 16:52:18 +0000 http://shellkey.org/?page_id=1453#comment-36670 In reply to Leah.

Hi Leah,

It really depends on the day, but generally, it’s perfectly safe to cross the Pass-a-grille channel in a kayak. Weekends will see more boat traffic and will call for a bit more caution. This area is not a no-wake zone, so some boats do come through at high speed. If you are concerned, you might mount a flag on your boat to be seen better. The current should not be an issue in a Kayak.

Hope this helps!

]]> By: Leah https://shellkey.org/where-to-launch-a-kayak-to-shell-key/comment-page-1/#comment-36592 Sun, 23 Apr 2023 18:22:07 +0000 http://shellkey.org/?page_id=1453#comment-36592 Hi,
I’m wondering how “safe” it is kayaking across the Pass-a-Grille North Channel. Is the boat traffic concerning? Are there speed limits in that area? Can the current in the channel be rather strong during certain tides?
Thanks for all the information!

]]> By: JB https://shellkey.org/where-to-launch-a-kayak-to-shell-key/comment-page-1/#comment-36170 Fri, 27 Jan 2023 12:14:20 +0000 http://shellkey.org/?page_id=1453#comment-36170 In reply to Jack Coletti.

Awesome! Thank you so much. The site and information is most appreciated!

]]>