The Island Ferry Blog

We are thrilled to have you here! Island Ferry's new blog is a collection of insightful articles, tips, and updates from our captains and staff. Whether you've taken our boat tours to Shell Key, or have been following us for a while, there's always something new to learn and explore. We'll bring you fascinating facts and information about the history and wildlife of Shell Key preserve , and the surrounding eco-systems. All media is directly from our boat tours and our kayak

Dolphins are captivating creatures that are adored by nearly everyone. They are charming, playful, and consistently attract an audience whenever they come up to the surface. There are over 40 different species of dolphins all over the world, but the Atlantic bottlenose Dolphin is the species that makes Florida their home. Here are quick facts about dolphins. Dolphins Are Meat Eaters (Carnivores) Dolphins consume a diverse range of foods, such as fish, squid, octopus, crustace

St. Petersburg, Florida is known for its sunshine, calm waters, and vibrant marine life — making it an ideal destination for snorkeling cruises . From crystal-clear shallows to thriving seagrass beds, a snorkeling cruise in St. Pete offers a fun, relaxing, and family-friendly way to explore the natural beauty of Florida’s Gulf Coast. Why St. Pete Is Perfect for Snorkeling Unlike rougher ocean environments, the waters around St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay  are mostly calm and sh

Few experiences capture the beauty of Florida’s Gulf Coast quite like a sunset cruise in St. Petersburg, Florida . As the sun slowly dips toward the horizon, the sky comes alive with brilliant shades of orange, pink, and gold — all reflected across calm coastal waters. A St. Pete sunset cruise is the perfect way to unwind, explore, and create unforgettable memories on the water. Why St. Pete Is Famous for Sunsets St. Petersburg’s west-facing coastline offers a clear line of s

Seeing a manatee in the wild is one of the most memorable sightings you can experience in St. Petersburg, Florida . Often called “sea cows,”  manatees are actually more closely related to elephants. They are gentle, slow-moving marine mammals that thrive in the warm, shallow waters of Tampa Bay. In fact, they are probably the most gentle and harmless creatures on the planet. For visitors and locals alike, spotting a manatee is a true highlight of any day on the water. Why Man

Few experiences capture the magic of Florida’s Gulf Coast quite like seeing wild dolphins in St. Petersburg, Florida . Known for its warm waters, abundant marine life, and beautiful coastal scenery, St. Pete is one of the best places in the state to see dolphins year-round . Whether you’re visiting for a family vacation or a weekend getaway, dolphin encounters are often a highlight of any trip. Why Dolphins Love St. Pete’s Waters The waters surrounding St. Petersburg and Tamp

If you’re planning a family vacation to Florida’s Gulf Coast, Shell Key Preserve in Pinellas County  is a must-visit destination. Located just off the shores of St. Pete Beach and Tierra Verde , Shell Key offers families a rare opportunity to explore an unspoiled island filled with wildlife, shallow waters, and wide-open beaches — all without the crowds of traditional tourist beaches. Dolphin Watching the Whole Family Will Love One of the biggest highlights of visiting Shell

There are many types of boats on the market… center consoles, skiffs, cabin cruisers, etc.  Many of them are suited for specific purposes, such as in-shore fishing, off-shore fishing, overnight cruising, transport, etc. For leisurely day cruising, it’s hard to beat pontoon boats. An even better choice are the tri-toon boats, which Island Ferry uses exclusively for our all of our boat tours. Boat Tours with More Space For Relaxation Because pontoon boats offer more ample space