Paddling Ft Desoto / Shell Key: Mangrove Tunnels, Clever Wildlife & Changing Passes
There’s a reason paddlers return to Shell Key Preserve time and again: no two trips are ever quite the same. Located right in the Fort De Soto area, this protected expanse of shallow coastal waters, shifting sandbars, and dense mangrove keys offers some of the finest paddling in Pinellas County. Our recent group paddle took full advantage of a quiet, overcast day, delivering a relaxed journey filled with winding mangrove tunnels, curious wildlife, and clear paths across low-tide flats.
Navigating the Mangrove Mazes of Sawyer Key
Launching along the causeway, our fleet made a straight shot into the serene waters of Shell Key Preserve. The overcast sky brought comfortable temperatures and a calm atmosphere across the water, setting an easygoing tone for the day.
Our first major objective was exploring the intricate mangrove systems of Sawyer Key. We ducked into the dark, sheltered canopy of the mangrove tunnels, where navigation becomes a fun team exercise. The first tunnel we explored offered plenty of scenic twists before delivering us to a complete dead end—requiring a coordinated 180-degree turnaround for the entire fleet! Retracing our steps, we quickly located the main passage that cuts all the way through the island, delivering us back out into the open waters of the preserve.
The "Gulp" of Cormorants
As we emerged from the mangroves, we were joined by an extraordinary group of feathered companions. A large flock—officially known as a "gulp"—of cormorants took a keen interest in our kayaks.
Over time, these clever birds have developed a learned behavior: they follow closely behind paddling kayaks, using the movement of the boats and paddles to spot fish hiding in the shallows. Throughout much of our journey north through the preserve, these cormorants darted back and forth right underneath our hulls, diving gracefully and gulping down fish just inches from our kayaks. Watching them hunt up close was easily one of the highlights of the day.
Exploring the North Pass & Beach Lunch
Continuing our trek north, we took a short detour into a quiet, secluded dead-end cove before pushing all the way to the pass at the northern tip of the preserve.
The pass itself is a living testament to how quickly Florida's barrier islands reshape themselves. Every year we visit, the landscape evolves—the pass has widened significantly, with fewer trees remaining, replaced by expansive stretches of pristine, powdery white sand. With overcast skies and Sunday football keeping the crowds at bay, we pulled our kayaks onto the beach and enjoyed a peaceful, unhurried picnic lunch with the whole group.
Riding the Low Tide Home
After lunch, we launched back into the water to trace the beach side of the preserve for our return leg. With the tide pulling out, expansive sandbars began emerging across the shallows, providing prime resting spots for local shorebirds. We glided past large congregations of gulls, black skimmers, and brown pelicans, alongside a few wintering white pelicans resting on the exposed sand.
While low tide at Shell Key can sometimes force paddlers to step out and tow their kayaks across shallow shoals, the water stayed just high enough in the flats between the islands for an easy, uninterrupted paddle back to the causeway takeout.
It was a fantastic day filled with great camaraderie, smooth paddling, and wonderful wildlife encounters. A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for this adventure!
Join Us On Our Next Group Paddle!
Ready for the next adventure? Mark your calendar and come paddle with us!
Next Destination: Braden River
Date: Saturday, November 8th
How to Sign Up: Call Osprey Bay Outdoors or stop by the shop to reserve your spot on the list!
