Shell Key Preserve is a special rarity that few people take the time to experience. At the mouth of Tampa Bay off Florida’s Gulf Coast, Shell Key, at 195 acres, is one of the largest undeveloped barrier islands in St. Pete and is home to wildlife as well as birds seen year-round including wading species such as the reddish egret, great blue heron, great egret and snowy egret, as well as gulls, terns, black skimmers and Wilson’s plovers. The lack of vehicle access and other protections grants those who visit Shell Key the opportunity to experience unspoiled Florida. Discover nature at its purest, from shells that haven’t been picked over and trampled by countless other visitors to birds more likely to tolerate people being close enough to watch them and take good photos.