Got a ride over on the Shell Key Shuttle ($25 per adult and they give you a bag for shells). The preserve is just an island with nothing on it. Bring snacks and drinks and any gear you may want. We found the surge, current, swells to be better towards the gulf side, away from the harbor. We saw plenty of fish, all varieties of shells, turtle nests, and more. The boats don’t really mind the no wake zone so be ready for their wake to move you.
This was a great time and we will go back.