Can you kayak at Fort Desoto?

Fort DeSoto Park is a Pinellas County park, covering over 1,100 acres on 5 keys south of St. Petersburg between Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Excellent paddling is available at this popular park. Canoe and kayak rentals are available within the Park.

Can you kayak from Fort Desoto to Shell Key?

What is this? As part of the Shell Key Preserve, Shell Island (or Key) can only be reached by boat. Located in Pinellas County, between Fort Desoto Park and Pass-A-Grille Beach, you can load your kayak or boat off State Road 679 by taking the Pinellas Byway South through Terra Verde.

How long does it take to kayak from Fort Desoto to Shell Key?

about 2 hours
A quick paddle across the light chop waters and I was on Shell Key, an undeveloped barrier island and Bird Sanctuary. Walked around, picked up a few bottles, then back in the kayak. The trip to Shell Key took about 2 hours. I next paddled into the Gulf, to the south, a 1000′ fishing pier.

Can you kayak Desoto State Park?

Alabama’s DeSoto State Park Offers A Scenic Kayak Trip You Don’t Want To Miss. Alabama offers such a variety of activities that let us enjoy the outdoors, one of which is kayaking.

Are there Manatees at Fort Desoto?

– Two women canoeing at Fort DeSoto Park made a new friend Wednesday morning. In video taken by See Through Adventures, a manatee can be seen approaching the women who were paddling in two separate see-through vessels.

Are there dolphins at Fort Desoto?

Swimming with Dolphins at Fort De Soto. My kids got their first close encounter with wild dolphins and it was far better than any ring side seat a marine park could offer. It was just us and the dolphins- and boy did they put on a show! We took a day trip to Fort De Soto (Florida).

How far is it to kayak to Shell Key?

Get to know this 5.2-mile out-and-back trail near Anna Maria, Florida. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 2 h 6 min to complete. This trail is great for paddle sports.

Can you kayak from Fort Desoto to Egmont Key?

Launching from Fort Desoto The ideal place to launch from if you are paddling to Egmont Key is Fort Desoto Park. Not only is the paddle a bit easier than launching from Anna Maria (see below), but there is plenty to do and see at Fort Desoto, including, you guessed it, another fort!

Is Shell Island worth the trip?

Once you get there it is all worth it, as it is the most beautiful water I’ve ever seen. It is like you are swimming in a pool it is so crystal clear. We didn’t know what to expect with this so we went planning to spend a few hours on the island. Come expecting to spend all day!

Can you kayak to Shell Key island?

Kayaks, paddleboards and canoes are the best way to explore Shell Key because human powered vessels are allowed throughout the entire aquatic preserve.

Can you kayak at Little River Canyon?

Little River Canyon National Preserve offers a variety of Winter and Spring river kayaking, from stretches of relatively gentle paddling (Class III rapids) in the miles of river above Little RIver Falls, to Class IV, V, and VI rapids from the falls and most of the river to Canyon Mouth Park.

Are there sharks at Fort Desoto?

They spotted a whale shark about 30 miles off the coast of Fort De Soto. “We cut the engine and made sure he got a good distance away before we jumped in the water,” said Ryan Winters.

How much does it cost to get into Fort Desoto Park?

a $5 per car
Entrance Fee: There is a $5 per car entrance fee. An annual parking pass is available. Cars with a valid disabled perking permit or tag do not have to pay the entrance fee. Pedestrians and bicycles entering the park do not have to pay the entrance fee.

Are there alligators in Fort De Soto Park?

There are lots of birds and marine life to spot as you kayak: turtles, alligators and manatees are often found along the trail. The rich ecosystem is also perfect for fishing, and you’ll see plenty of keen anglers out on the water.

How Much Does Fort De Soto cost?

Fort De Soto is open seven days per week from 7 am to dusk. Entrance to the park is free; however, there is a $5.00 fee for a parking permit. You pay at the entrance booth, and they do accept credit cards. Persons entering the park on foot or bike are free.

Can you walk to Shell Key?

Where: Shell Key is an uninhabited barrier island that is located between Fort Desoto Park and Pass-A-Grille. The only way to get to Shell Key is by boat.

Are there bathrooms on Shell Key?

Shell Key is a pristine island, so there isn’t a bathroom or any type of shop on the island so make sure to come prepared with a cooler full of water, food and drinks.

Can you kayak to passage key?

There’s public access there (parking on side streets), and you can carry your kayak to the beautiful beach you can launch from. Passage Key is visible two miles or so to the north, looking like little more than a sand bar.

Can you kayak to Anclote Key?

My wife and have kayaked out to Anclote Key on multiple occasions. From Fred Howard Park in Tarpon Springs on a calm day (winds under 10-12 mph) it usually takes us about an hour and 15 minutes to paddle out and about 40 minutes to paddle back.

Is there bathrooms on Shell Island?

Shell Island is a nature preserve with no restrooms or any other visitor facilities such as trash receptacles, picnic tables, or shade pavilions. There is no trash removal service. Island visitors are asked to be responsible and take everything they bring to the Island with them when they leave.