Afternoon Dolphin-Snorkeling Cruise to Shell Key

Guided

Duration: 2 hours

St. Petersburg • Shell Key • Tierra Verde

Features

Free Cancellation

On the Water

Kid Friendly

Wildlife

Locally Owned

Instant Book

$64 Person ($64)

Description

Afternoon Shell Key Dolphin and Snorkeling Tour!

Enjoy an afternoon in the sun with our experienced Captain and crew cruising the Tampa Bay to the Shell Key Preserve! Along the way we keep a keen eye out for dolphins, manatees, rays, and wild birds thriving in their natural habitats!

Once at Shell Key we'll provide you with snorkel equipment and floating noodles to explore one of the largest undeveloped barrier islands in the county! While in the water searching for hermit crabs, conchs, rays, and horseshoe crabs, the Island Ferry crew stands watch on lifeguard duty.

You can always take a break from the snorkeling and rest on the shaded boat with a cold drink. Different from other tours, our boats stay at Shell Key the entire time with you! This preserve functions as a safe area for shorebird and sea turtle nesting and hatching, so you may get lucky scanning the shores!

Duration of Adventure

2 hours
You'll have 45 minutes to 1 hour on the island to swim, snorkel, or explore.

Location / Where to Meet

Address: 200 Madonna Blvd, Tierra Verde, FL 33715

You depart from the Tierra Verde Marina Resort where there is also free parking!

Ages

There is no age restriction, all ages are welcome, but children and adults are at the same cost!

What's Included

Snorkeling Gear (masks, snorkel, fins)
Floating Noodles
Boat ride to location
Experienced Captain and Crew
FREE bottled water
FREE parking at the Tierra Verde Marina Resort
Cooler with ice on board
BYOB welcome

Not Included

Gratuity - Never expected but if you have a great experience, please consider gifting 10-25% to your guides and captain!
BYOB and other refreshments
Snacks and other food

What to Bring / Wear

Swimsuit
Towel
Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Extra layers of clothing - sweatshirts and warm hats
Dry bag
Snacks and other food
BYOB and other drinks
Required paperwork - Signed medical form if required, waivers, etc.
Waterproof Camera - The company is not responsible for any damaged or lost items.
Seasickness medications - If you are prone to seasickness, it is recommended to take sea sickness medication at least 30 minutes to 1 hour before the scheduled boat time. It is too late to take the medication if you are already seasick on the boat.
Please remove any jewelry, watches, or anything that can get damaged by water or you don’t want to lose.

Wildlife Guidelines

This is not a "swimming with dolphins" experience! You can watch them peacefully from the boat! Contact with dolphins and manatees is strictly prohibited! Manatees are protected under the Endangered Species Act that states it is illegal to touch or harass the manatees. You are allowed to keep any shells you collect as long as there is no living thing inside them.

ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY Island Ferry of St. Pete

FAQs

Can I bring a camera?

You are welcome to bring a camera but it is your responsibility to ensure it is in a waterproof case. The company is not responsible for any damaged or lost items!

Are we guaranteed to see dolphins or manatees?

These are wild animals in their natural habitat and therefore never guaranteed to be spotted! We will do our best to keep an eye out as we cruise to Shell Key and point them out when spotted!

What if there is bad weather?

If there must be a cancellation due to weather, you will be offered the choice of a full refund or to reschedule your tour date.

What about sharks?

Sharks hunt at dusk and dawn and therefore rarely, if ever, seen on tours. They are simply wild animals that also share the ocean but most often people rarely see them. The most common sharks to spot are small reef sharks that prefer to immediately leave the presence of people and boats and tend to be harmless towards people.

Cancellation Policy

We have a 48-hour cancellation policy. If you cancel less than 48 hours prior to your departure, you risk forfeiting your entire charter fee. If you are a no-show, your charter fee is automatically forfeited.

We gladly provide FULL refunds if Island Ferry cancels the trip for inclement weather.

Availability

April 2025

Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa

Reviews

Location

Address

198 Madonna Blvd

Tierra Verde, FL, 33715

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