Shell Key
Quick Details:
Pros - Easy to park, launch & load, Mostly Shallow area, always seems to be lots of wildlife, very little boat traffic to compete with within the preserve area.
Cons - Launch area can be muddy where you drop in, no restroom or wash facilities, not much shade
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One of the best spots in the Tampa/St. Pete area !
Launching from Butler hole is relatively easy, even when it gets pretty crowded. Be fore warned though, a couple of the breaks in the mangroves it is very muddy (can be shin to knee deep in some spots)and stinky. If you get there early the southern most big break in the mangroves before the end of the parking area is where you want to be !
You can paddle around the mangrove islands for literally hours and not have to worry about almost any boat traffic as most of the area is too shallow and also closed to motorized vessels. It's also still close and easily accessible to deeper waters in the gulf so all kinds of wildlife comes in and out of the area.
The water is relatively clear, so the sights below you while paddling are usually plenty. Everything from schools of fish, sharks, sting rays, dolphins jelly fish and even the occasional sea turtle. You’ll also more than likely get a random paddling buddy in the form of one of the many cormorants in the area (or 2 or 3 or more !). They seem to love swimming along catching the baitfish that riled up by the kayaks and paddle boards. I definitely enjoy the paddle board more in this area since the water is on the clearer side and the vantage point from standing up gives you the ability to see a lot more. I would say this is also a great spot for beginners to learn as there is minimal boat traffic, it stays very calm for the most part and it is either shallow or you are very near shallow water in most of the area which makes it easier to get back on your board if you do happen to fall off.
Downsides are launching and loading area can be kind of gross depending on where you come back through the trees, there are no restrooms or wash facilities for you or any of your gear and it can be very crowded at times, although I’ve never had any issue finding parking and getting on the water even on the busiest of days. Also, if you want some shade, the only places you are going to get it is hugging the islands and through the minimal mangrove tunnels. These are not the easiest to find unless you get to know the area fairly well or take one of the many tours that are available to learn it.
All in all though it is an absolutely awesome all around stop and I highly recommend it !
Pro Tip - I always stay to the north of the channel when out there. It minimizes having to deal with boat traffic, but you still have miles to paddle around and can explore for hours if you want !
