727-742-2277
2900+
TRIPADVISOR 5-STAR REVIEWS
1000+
GOOGLE 5-STAR REVIEWS
6
GUESTS MAX PER BOAT
2013
FAMILY OWNED SINCE
Island Ferry has been running small-group tours on the Gulf Coast since 2013. We keep our groups small — maximum six guests — so every tour feels personal rather than ticketed. Our licensed captains are locals who've spent years learning these waters. You bring the drinks. We'll handle everything else.
CHOOSE YOUR EXPERIENCE
St. Pete boat tours and kayak experiences —
small groups, local captains
BEGINNER FRIENDLY
Guided Kayak Tours
to Shell Key
Paddle through hidden mangrove tunnels and out to Shell Key's open beach — a route only accessible by small watercraft. Choose a clear transparent kayak to watch marine life beneath you, or a traditional coastal kayak for a classic paddle. No experience needed.
$54
PER PERSON
PRIVATE CHARTER
Private sandbar party charter
On the Gulf
Your own private boat. A Gulf sandbar most tourists never find. 4.5 hours of sun, music, floating, and cold drinks. BYOB, floats, games, and Bluetooth speakers all included. This is how St. Pete locals spend a perfect day on the water.
For a bohemian experience visit our Passage Key Charter page.
$499
FOR UP TO 6PPL
PRIVATE · THREE ISLANDS
Private Egmont Key
snorkeling charter
A half-day private charter visiting three islands — Egmont Key, Shell Key, and Outback Key. Snorkel the Sunken Ruins of Fort Dade in nine feet of clear Gulf water, explore a working 1858 lighthouse, and spend time at Shell Key's pristine beaches. Snorkel gear included.
FOR UP TO 6PPL
$549
VISITOR GUIDES
Explore the barrier islands
of St Pete
Some of the best places in Florida are only accessible by boat. We take you to them.
Egmont Key
Historic lighthouse, Fort Dade ruins, and the best snorkeling near St. Pete. Remote, wild, and only accessible by boat.
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Shell Key Preserve
1,800 acres of protected barrier island. Dolphins, mangrove tunnels, clear water, and the best shelling in Pinellas County.
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Passage Key
Florida's most secluded barrier island. Clothing-optional, only accessible by boat, and genuinely unlike anywhere else on the Gulf Coast.
The Sandbars
Shallow Gulf sandbars where the water is ankle-deep, the sky is wide open, and there's nothing to do but float.
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Why people choose Island Ferry
Family owned since 2013. Licensed captains. Small groups. The Gulf Coast experience St. Pete locals recommend to visitors.
Never more than 6 guests
Small groups mean personal service, better wildlife viewing, and an experience that feels like yours — not a ticketed tour.
Safety first, always
Every captain is Coast Guard licensed. Every vessel is highly maintained. We never cut corners on credentials or equipment.
Local captains
Our licensed captains know these waters. They know where the dolphins are, when the tides turn, and which sandbar is worth finding.
Family owned since 2013
Not a franchise. Not a large commercial operation. Just a St. Pete family that loves these waters and wants to share them.
BYOB on every tour
Bring whatever you like. We provide coolers with ice. No bar menu, no minimum spend — your drinks, your pace.
Year-round, 7 days a week
Florida's Gulf Coast doesn't stop for winter. Neither do we. Dolphins are out there in every season.
WHAT GUESTS SAY
3,900+ five-star reviews
across Google and TripAdvisor
We had a great time on the water with Island Ferry! Captain Noel was a great guide and took us around to see dolphins, tarpon and even shark! We got to walk around on sandbars in the middle of the Gulf and get the local history. They keep the tours small so they feel personal. Highly recommend!!
Katie Hilton-Lerro
This experience was beautiful! Our captain Dave was fabulous at narrating during our time on the water. He was very knowledgeable, funny, and personable. The captains split us in to two groups within our families, four on each boat which made the experience that much more memorable and individualized. We got to see multiple dolphins, fish, and a stingray, went shelling, and had a beautiful time on the water! I would totally recommend doing this if you are with family and/or friends. It was the perfect way to spend the morning!
Emily Haight
We had an absolutely incredible experience with Troy on our dolphin tour! From the moment we stepped onto the boat, everything felt relaxed, welcoming, and personal—it was such an intimate experience compared to larger, crowded tours.
Troy was knowledgeable, friendly, and clearly passionate about what he does. We were lucky enough to see dolphins up close, along with other amazing wildlife that made the whole trip feel magical.
Kandace
2,900+ five-star reviews on TripAdvisor · 1,000+ five-star reviews on Google
