Get everything you need to visit Shell Key and learn more about this wonderful local destination. We have information on boat navigation, wilderness camping, visitor rules, science and history of the island and the surrounding waters. Shell Key Preserve is located at the mouth of Tampa Bay & requires a boat to visit.
Hello Jack, we are Visiting Treasure Island next month, thinking about bringing my own boat. A 17 foot motorboat where’s the best place to Launch to visit Shell key
And do some snorkeling?
Hi Robert,
The best place to launch a small boat to Shell Key would be Ft. Desoto Boat ramp. It’s less than a mile from the island and centrally located for exploring the entire preserve and Ft. Desoto park area. Have fun!
Can you use a blow up boat?
You can certainly use an inflatable boat to get to the island, but I would suggest avoiding busy channels. You can launch from the side of the road on the Tierra Verde Bayway and make it all the way to the island in safe shallow waters.
Is kayaking to the key plausible? It sounds like it is from the article. Where would one launch with their own boat? Thanks for the info!
Hi Katie,
Kayaking is a very popular activity on Shell Key. Depending on your skill level, you can launch from a number of locations. In order to avoid the boat traffic in the Bunces Pass or Pass-a-Grille channels, a lot of people launch from the side of the road on the Tierra Verde Bayway. From there, the waters will be relatively calm, shallow and free of motorized traffic all the way to the island. Hope this helps 🙂
What is the good choice for parking when boating from the side of the road on the Tierra Verde Bayway. Planning to use own kayak, camp on Shell key for day or two then come back.
Hi Leo,
A lot of people launch from Butler Hole on the side of the Bayway . (Your vehicle is probably more secure at the boat docks.)
Have fun!
How have the recent algae blooms affected the waters surrounding the island? Thanks!
Hi Sarah,
Thankfully, the algae blooms caused by the runoff from Lake Okeechobee have not reached as far north as Shell Key. I have heard reports of murky water from people sailing south of Sarasota. However, we can expect an increase in algae just from the increased sunlight during summer. Most of this algae is harmless – although there may be occasional red-tide algae blooms. There is also a concern about the water quality on the inside of Shell Key due to the recent closure of the north pass. Hope this helps.
How clear is the water at shell key? We are renting a boat and would like to do some snorkeling at shell key and egmont key.
Tanya,
The water clarity really depends on a variety of conditions. As a general rule, the water is more clear on the gulf side – and murky on the interior side. However, storms and algae blooms can reduce the visibility at any time. The water on this entire coast is generally not as clear and on the east coast of Florida.
Hi Jack, Are there Coral Reefs at Shell Key island?
Hi Alex,
There are no natural coral reefs in the vicinity of Shell Key. We don’t really have any significant natural reefs in this part of the gulf. There are artificial reefs (made from a base of concrete debris) a few miles offshore – good for both diving and fishing. And there are some areas with coral “hard bottom” – also a few miles offshore. In general, you need to go south toward the keys to see any significant natural coral reefs.
Hope this helps 🙂
Are there seasonal camping times? Or can you always camp on the island?
Hi Daniel,
You can camp all year round. I don’t personally do a lot of island camping in the middle of summer, but you can enjoy the island 365 days a year.
How can I visit Shell Key? Cost to get there? I would like to look for sand dollars. Any information would be appreciated. I’m in Largo. Thank you.
Caprice, There are two shuttle services that go to Shell Key: http://www.shellkeyshuttle.com & http://www.dolphinlandings.com. You could also rent a boat or kayak at someplace like http://www.blindpassboatandjetski.com. Good Luck and Clear Skies.
Does it cost anything to go on the island if we use our own boat?
Hi Kendra – There is no cost to go to the island. Enjoy 🙂