Kayak rentals in Tierra Verde, Shell Key

Hi everyone,

Just arrived in Tierra Verde, where we%26#39;ll be staying for a few months, and we%26#39;re really excited to have time to really get the know the area -- there%26#39;s certainly a lot to do! Among the first things we want to do, though, are go kayaking (probably pretty regularly) and get out to Shell Key, so I have a couple questions.

First, are there any kayak rental companies in Tierra Verde? I know you can rent kayaks out at Fort DeSoto, but if we could find a place in Tierra Verde itself, that would be awesome.

Second -- and I apologize in advance if this is a really stupid question -- can one swim to Shell Key? Looking at Google Earth it appears the channel between Tierra Verde and the north end of the key is only about 100 feet wide. That said, the satellite image also appears to show what looks like a fairly strong current in the channel. I%26#39;m not sure if this slackens at low tide or if the satellite photo was taken when the seas were rough... but anyway, I%26#39;m a very strong swimmer, but I know I%26#39;m not invincible :-) Has anyone here swam this channel or do you know if it%26#39;s safe to do so?

Many thanks,

Hank

Kayak rentals in Tierra Verde, Shell Key

Hi, Hank,

I don%26#39;t know of any kayak rental companies in Tierra Verde, but I can address your other not-at-all stupid question. That channel does indeed have a Very strong current, basically at all times, all tides. There is also a lot of boat traffic through there. I%26#39;ve never seen anyone swimming across, and I really wouldn%26#39;t recommend it. I think it may even be posted ';No Swimming';, if I recall correctly.

There is a shuttle to Shell Key from Merry Pier in Pass-a-grille. It%26#39;s only about a 10 minute ride and you can stay as long as you like (well, til the shuttles last daily run). I%26#39;d strongly recommend that over doing the swim!

I hope you find the kayak rental you are looking for, but if not, another idea, besides Fort De Soto, for an interesting place to rent is at the Outpost in Gulfport. The paddle through Clam Bayou is beautiful - tons of birds, very quiet and peaceful.

Have a fun vacation! You have arrived just in time for a great stretch of weather!

Kayak rentals in Tierra Verde, Shell Key

Hi Maya,

Thanks so much for your help. I guess the shuttle it is; I had a feeling that would be the case. Thanks also for your suggestion of Clam Bayou. I was just reading something about that yesterday, and it really does sound beautiful.

Hank

do you have an address or website for the Outpost?

Hi Annecy,

I%26#39;m not sure, but I did a little searching after Maya recommended it, and I think Maya was referring to http://kayaknature.com/kayak-rentals/. Maya, please correct me if I%26#39;m wrong :)

Thanks,

Hank

That is, indeed, the website of the place I was refering to. It is located right on Beach Blvd. in the center of Gulfport village.

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