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Are fire works visible around the area(new years eve/july 4th)? I know the are prohibited on the park grounds and fort desoto does not have a display. Also, has anyone kayaked from fort desoto/shell key to saint pete beach? How far/timely is it at a decent speed?
I understand you need to list the names of all people camping on the reservation. Is it possible to add/remove names if after submitting the paperwork?
Hi Adam,
I have never heard of law enforcement asking to see the list of people on your permit and checking ID’s to verify. I’m relatively sure you can have anyone in your group as long as you do not exceed the number of people permitted (6 people per permit). In fact, the likelihood of anyone asking to see your permit is very low – and usually only happens if you have a large group of people partying in such a way that might attract law enforcement. It is also more likely on busy holiday weekends. The island is not regularly patrolled by the police because there simply are not the resources to do so. I would describe it as the ‘honor system’ with occasional spot checks by law enforcement.
Hope this helps!
Is this tent camping or can you boondock with a travel trailer?
Hi Robin
The island is accessible by boat only. So it’s either tent camping or sleep in your boat.
Hope this helps!
Currently are dogs allowed on Shell Island?
Hi Michele,
Sorry, dogs were banned on Shell Key by the county back in 2007. We tried to argue for limited access for dogs, but were overruled.
We’re interested in looking for shells at shell key and wanted to know how long the ferry stays or how often it runs.
Hi Missy,
The shuttle schedules are subject to change, so it’s best to go the their websites or give them a call to confirm their current schedules. You can start at our page that lists the 3 main ferries going to Shell Key. There are links to each of the shuttles’ websites where you can find their schedules listed. I would definitely call to confirm.
Hope this helps!
Hello. Does anyone know if vehicle camping and over night camp is allowed on the Pinellas bay way on the side road for “fishing” prior to getting to Fort Desoto? Also is fire pits permitted in these areas
Hi Barry,
Here is a picture of the sign posted on the west side of the road near the the Pinellas Bayway Kayak & SUP Launch area. I have not heard of people getting a ticket for parking overnight, but it sure seems like a possibility. If you take the chance, I would imagine that a campfire could attract the interest of law enforcement passing by.
Hope this helps!
Please share the location of the “backside flats”. I couldn’t find it on any map. Thank you!
Hey Ken,
I don’t know of a specific location with that name, but “flats” generally refer to shallow areas with an even bottom – which pretty well describes all the waters between Shell Key and the Pinellas Bayway – aka the “Seagrass Caution” areas.
Hope this helps!
Hi, my son’s birthday is coming up and of course wants to go shark tooth exploring. Instead of driving down to Venice from Oldsmar, how does Shell Key compare to Venice when Looking for shark’s teeth?
Hi Jay,
I have found a number of shark’s teeth on Shell Key over the years, but I couldn’t say how plentiful they will be if you visit. I do know that waters off Egmont Key (just a stone’s throw from Shell Key) are one of the largest shark breeding grounds in the southeast US. And I hear about bountiful shark’s teeth being found there quite often. I imagine that Shell Key should be similarly plentiful. This time of year, we have regular storms blowing through – which usually kick up more shells and such from the sea bottom. If I were to guess, I’d say that Egmont key would be your best bet for shark’s teeth. But Shell Key should be great too. There are ferries going out to both islands on a regular basis.
Have fun!
I’ve been to shell key once before and am wondering how to get to the mangrove tunnels! I kayaked from Arrowhead picnic area straight across.
Hi Chelsea,
I am not familiar with any extensive mangrove tunnels at Shell Key, but Google Maps satellite view shows several mangrove islands in the preserve. I have seen some mangrove tunnels across Bunces Pass channel at Ft. Desoto Park. To my knowledge, the best mangrove tunnels in the area are located at Weedon Island Preserve in north Pinellas.
Hope this helps!
Is a bonfire at the campsite/beach permitted? If so, how much does it cost to get a permit or reserve a space?
Hi KJ,
Sorry – Bonfires are currently prohibited due to turtle nesting season.
Hi, we are planning to kayak (two single kayaks) from the Pinellas Bayway Kayak Launch. We would like to kayak to a spot where we can leave the kayaks for a couple of hours and go swimming and snorkeling where there colorful creatures to see. Then we plan to kayak back in the afternoon. Please kindly suggest how we can accomplish that.
Hi Ben,
Although there are no appreciable underwater structures or corals in the area, your best bet for clear snorkeling visibility would be on the Gulf (west) side of the island. You could beach your kayaks on the inside of the island at this location and walk west to the gulf side for swimming and snorkeling. It just takes a few minutes to walk across. The south end of the island (along Bunces Pass) also has relatively clear water and may be calmer than the gulf side. You could kayak directly to the south shore if you decide on that location.
Hope this helps!
Hey do you know how far and long of a kayak trip it is to the camping spots on shell key?
Hi Timothy,
It’s about a mile and a half from the kayak launch on Tierra Verde.
Hope this helps!
Hi
Where is the best spot to launch our own paddle boards to get to shell key?
Hi Carol,
The Pinellas Bayway Kayak Launch is a great choice for launching paddleboards. It’s a straight shot to Shell Key through the shallow, protected preserve waters.
Hope this helps!
Where could we rent kayaks for shell key island
Hi Pat,
The are several kayak rental places on the way out to Ft. Desoto including the Canoe and Kayak Outpost and Island Kayak Adventures.
Have fun!
Can we bring flashlights and charcoal for a portable grill during this Month of May?
Hi Andreina,
Absolutely – Flashlights and charcoal won’t cause any problems for turtle hatchlings.
Have fun!
Hello Jack!
We are planning to camp in Fort De Soto next week. Can you recommend a place to launch our inflatable kayak to visit Shell Key and the best route to get there? thank you!
Analía
Hi Analia,
Your best bet is to launch from the Pinellas Bayway Kayak Launch. From there its a straight shot to the south end of Shell Key – traveling through the shallow preserve waters.
Hope this helps!
Are the campsite allocations signposted? Or how do you find your campsite number?
Hi Alan,
There are no marked campsites on the island. You can set up camp anywhere within the South Public Use Area.
Hope this helps!
Where do we park our car overnight and what is the best place to launch our kayaks if we want to get a permit and camp?
Hi Cayla,
The only legal place that I know of to park overnight is the Ft. Desoto boat ramp. There is a $6 per day charge. You can buy multiple days.
Hope this helps!
Hi is there a way to get a beach wheelchair on Shell Key?
Hi Robin,
There are no facilities whatsoever on Shell Key, so you would need to bring your own wheelchair. I’m sure that the Ferries would have no problem with you bringing the wheelchair if you have one. I don’t know of anyone that rents all terrain wheelchairs. If you have a chair, just consider carefully how your passenger will get from the boat onto the beach. There are no docks on the island, so anyone wanting to go ashore will need to climb off the boat and wade to the shore (or be carried). Ideally, you would find a spot on the inside of the island where there are fewer waves on the beach. I have seen people get into precarious situations trying to get special needs people off of a bouncing boat and onto the shore. That being said, if you find the right spot, it’s totally doable.
Hope this helps!
Hello
Can you recommend a place to rent snorkeling gear for a visit to the island?
Thank you
Hi Tracy,
The only place I know of to rent snorkeling gear is a scuba shop – but that could get pricey. You might start by googling some local dive shops to get some prices – and then compare that to buying some inexpensive gear at a local mega store. (I bet you could get fins, mask and snorkel at walmart for a song and a dance). Some of the shuttles that go to Shell Key also offer snorkeling tours with gear provided.
Hope this helps!