Fort De Soto Kayaking Trip – Wildlife, Mangrove Tunnels, and Shell Key Adventure
If you’re looking for an unforgettable Fort De Soto kayaking trip, our recent group paddle through the waters around Fort De Soto Park and Shell Key Preserve was the perfect example of why this area is one of the best paddling destinations in Florida. With calm waters, abundant wildlife, and beautiful island scenery, this trip had it all — and it’s just a short drive from St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay.
A Scenic Start to Our Fort De Soto Kayaking Trip
Our group of 19 paddlers launched early in the day, ready for an adventure. The forecast had predicted windy conditions, but thanks to the protection of the islands around Fort De Soto and Shell Key, the water stayed calm and perfect for paddling. Almost immediately, we were greeted by local wildlife — a manatee surfaced near our kayaksas soon as we hit the water, giving us a magical start to the trip.
Not long after, cormorants appeared and began following our group. These playful diving birds swam under our kayaks and surfaced with fish, often just a few feet away. At one point, paddler Kenny was surrounded by about ten cormorants — a scene that perfectly captures the close-up wildlife encounters you can expect on a Fort De Soto kayaking adventure.
Exploring the Mangrove Tunnels of Shell Key Preserve
Because we paddled at high tide, we were able to glide easily through the famous mangrove tunnels near Shell Key. These shaded, winding waterways feel like a hidden world and are always a highlight of any kayaking trip at Fort De Soto. The mangroves are home to countless fish, birds, and marine life, and paddling through them is both peaceful and awe-inspiring.
After exploring the tunnels, we continued north toward the old pass, which has since closed in, and then paddled to the new pass for a relaxing lunch break. Fish tacos and sea breezes made the stop especially enjoyable — and we even spotted another manatee swimming just offshore during our meal.
Wildlife Sightings: Pelicans, Dolphins, and More
The new pass has changed over the years — it’s now wider and has fewer trees — but it remains a beautiful and dynamic paddling destination. As we continued our journey, we spotted a small flock of brown pelicans and, to our delight, a large group of rare white pelicans. White pelicans are much larger than the more common browns, and seeing them glide gracefully across the water was a memorable highlight.
On the return paddle, we were treated to one last bit of excitement: a pair of dolphins appeared near our kayaks, surfacing and swimming alongside us as we made our way back to the take-out point.
Why Fort De Soto Kayaking Trips Are So Special
Every kayaking trip to Fort De Soto and Shell Key offers something different — but this one reminded us just how much natural beauty and wildlife can be found right here on Florida’s Gulf Coast. From manatees and dolphins to pelicans and cormorants, the abundance of wildlife is truly incredible. Add in the calm, protected waters, mangrove tunnels, and pristine island beaches, and you have one of the best paddling experiences in the state.
We’re grateful to everyone who joined us for this adventure and can’t wait to get back on the water again soon.
📅 Next Paddle Trip: Join us on November 9th for our Braden River Paddle Trip — another great opportunity to explore Florida by kayak and connect with nature.
