'“Come on out for a paddle! I Promise, it won’t hurt!”Welcome aboard, mate.
Greg “Capt Yak” Stoppelmoor - Owner & Operator of Capt Yak
Capt Yak is one of the most affordable tour companies in the area and will never charge you a booking fee.
Capt Yak offers year-round guided Kayak Tours just ten minutes from St. Pete Beach. Tour departure times are based on the tide and weather to ensure the easiest and most enjoyable paddle. The sit-on-top kayaks are manufactured for the tour industry and kayak fishing; this means they are very stable and provide easy paddling. All our kayaks are equipped with seats that have excellent back support.
Scroll to the bottom of this page to learn more about our equipment. Do not hesitate to contact me for the best kayaing equipment options
For self guided rentals go to the Rental Page.
Our Excursions
The Capt Yak Shell Key Tour
You will be taken on an Amazing Adventure in a one-of-a-kind Mangrove Preserve.
Capt. Yak (Greg) has been exploring Shell Key Preserve for many years and knows it like that back of his hand. You will be lead through the preserve to areas that will be sure to find unique creatures that live below and above the water.
You will paddle with ease on the some of the newest, most comfortable and best paddling Sit-On-Top Single or Tandem Kayaks.
We will venture through mangrove tunnels, over beds of seagrasses and sandbars while encountering wildlife. Midway we will stop on Shell Key. You can take a stroll, swim, find that perfect shell or just relax and take in the surroundings.
On the return trip Capt. Yak will continue to share his knowledge and mesmerize you by the stories he shares with you.
Departure times vary between 9:00am-3:00pm and are based on tide levels to ensure the Most Memorable Experience!
This tour is especially popular for Couples and Family Groups of all ages!
Rates begin at $45.00
Snorkel Tour at Shell Key with Capt Yak
This Tour is offered March - August
Capt Yak will guide you through the Preserve and immerse you with his knowledge of the flora, fauna & history of this vital eco-system!
You will be taken to one of the Sandbars to where you will be able to Snorkel and search for the Amazing Creatures that live below the waterline.
In the water time varies between 1-1 1/2 hours.
Various sized regular and full faced masks available with snorkel. (No Fins provided)
All equipment is disinfected with a marine grade product after every use.
Rates $54.00 per person
Small Group Tour at Shell Key with Capt Yak
2 - 6 Guests
Tour duration: 1 1/2 - 2 1/2 Hrs
Want one of the most relaxing Kayak Experiences around? Capt Yak will take 2-6 people on a guided eco-tour while we venture through the preserve at your own pace.
This is the perfect tour if you are first time kayakers or just want to have A Small Tour Experience to yourselves!
Always plenty of wildlife to see and enjoy!
Rates: $65.oo Per Person
PRIVATE GROUP TOUR
Whether it is for your company, your family, or your school; our private tour is an unforgettable team-building exercise. Our Shell Key Private Tour can accommodate 2-24 paddlers. This tour can be from 3 - 6 hours long depending on how long your group wants to spend on Shell Key to swim and relax. Did you rent a pavilion at another location, live on a lake or river and want to have kayaks available for guests to go out and explore? We are fully customizable and can bring the kayaks and equipment to you. Contact us with the details and we can provide a special quote for an experience that your guests will cherish for years. Rates begin at $225.00
Capt Yak's Fleet Transport at Shell Key Launch
Argh! SHELL KEY TOURS LAUNCH FROM THE FOLLOWING LOCATION. Savvy?
Pinellas Bayway Kayak and SUP Launch 2828 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, Fl 33715
** We are located 2-1/2 miles on the right once you cross over the New Tierra Verde Bridge and go through the round-a-bout.
Our Fleet consists of some of the newest, most comfortable and best paddling equipment in the St. Petersburg / Tampa Tour & Rental Industry.
Tandem Kayaks
Our 13’ Crescent Crew Tandem Kayaks have a mesh seat that adds comfort and helps keep you cool. The back support is adjustable and aides in your paddling ease. There is plenty of storage to bring along a towel, snacks and multiple cup holders for your water to keep hydrated. This is a great kayak for a pair of beginners or an adult and child or two teens. This kayak paddles easily for one person so the other occupant can take photos or an occasional break from paddling. This kayak can also be rigged as a single kayak for quests on the larger size.
Weight capacity is 500 lbs. combined
Single Kayaks
Our 10’, 10.5’ & 12’ single kayaks also have a seat with comfort in mind similar to our tandem kayaks. The seats allow for ventilation to help keep you cool on the water and have an adjustable back support that assists with your paddling ease. The kayaks are equipped with adjustable foot pegs that also add to your comfort. You will be amazed how well these kayaks track.
Models in our fleet: Perception Pescador Pro 100 & 120, Wilderness Tarpon 105 & 120.
Weight capacity 275 lbs.
