Shell Key Preserve Maps & Camping Info
Shell Key is an uninhabited barrier island that is located between Fort Desoto Park and Pass-A-Grille Beach in South St. Petersburg Beach. The only way to get to Shell Key is by boat, with the nearest notrthern boat ramp at Pass-A-Grille near the Don Cesar Hotel, and Fort Desoto Park Boat Rampa is right across Bunces Pass to the south. Tierra Verde (a developed island of luxury homes and condos) is a short distance east of Shell Key but there are no access points to Shell Key from land.
This area can be kited on all wind directions. It is often be very gusty.
Precautions: On weekends this area can become extermely crowded with boaters on the "inside" of the island. The "outside" or Gulf facing portion of the island is off limits due to a bird sanctuary so stay away.
Skill level: Beginner to Advanced riders
Accesible by boat or ski
Best wind directions: SW, WSW, W, WNW, NW