727-742-2277
2900+
TRIPADVISOR 5-STAR REVIEWS
1000+
GOOGLE 5-STAR REVIEWS
6
GUESTS MAX PER BOAT
365
DAYS DOLPHINS ARE HERE
2013
FAMILY OWNED SINCE
THE EXPERIENCE
St. Pete dolphin cruise —
wild, personal, unhurried
Most dolphin tours near St. Pete Beach run on large commercial boats carrying dozens of passengers. Island Ferry dolphin cruises carry a maximum of six guests — which changes everything about the experience.
Our smaller boats can navigate the shallow bays, mangrove channels, and protected coves around Pass-a-Grille and Shell Key Preserve where larger boats simply can't go. These are exactly the areas where dolphins feed, travel, and raise their calves. You get closer — respectfully — because we can.
After the cruise we anchor at Shell Key Preserve, a pristine barrier island only accessible by boat. Snorkel in clear shallow Gulf water, walk the beach, collect shells, or simply sit on the sand. We stay with you the entire time — unlike ferry drop-off services.
EVERYTHING INCLUDED
St. Pete dolphin cruise —
what's in your $64
One price covers everything. No add-ons, no gear rental, no hidden costs.
Snorkel gear
Masks, snorkels, and fins for all guests. No experience required.
Crew supervision
Our crew stays onboard throughout your Shell Key visit — always watching.
Floating noodles
For comfort in the water at Shell Key — perfect for non-swimmers too.
Shaded seating
Comfortable pontoon boat with shaded areas and plenty of room to relax.
Coolers with ice
BYOB welcome — bring your favorite drinks and snacks.
Captain's narration
Local knowledge on dolphins, wildlife, tides, and Tampa Bay's ecology.
WILDLIFE YOU MAY SEE
Dolphins and wildlife on our
St. Petersburg dolphin cruise
These waters are one of the most active dolphin habitats on Florida's Gulf Coast. Here's what guests commonly encounter.
Bottlenose dolphins
Resident pods live in these waters year-round. They're often seen surfing our wake, chasing fish along the shoreline, and traveling with calves. Newborns are spotted in every season.
Marine life at Shell Key
While snorkeling, guests commonly find hermit crabs, conchs, sand dollars, horseshoe crabs, and a variety of fish in the clear shallow seagrass beds around Shell Key.
Manatees
Once Gulf water temperatures reach 73°F, manatees emerge from warm-water springs and appear in the shallow grass flats and canal entrances near Shell Key. Seasonally common.
Sea turtles
Loggerhead and green sea turtles are occasionally spotted in the Gulf waters around Shell Key Preserve, particularly in warmer months when nesting activity increases on the barrier islands.
Rays
Eagle rays, cownose rays, and devil rays glide across the sandy shallow bottoms near Shell Key Preserve — often visible directly beneath the boat in clear water.
Shorebirds
Eastern brown pelicans, great blue herons, egrets, oystercatchers, and terns gather along Shell Key's beaches. During migration seasons, white pelicans from the Great Lakes region are also spotted.
THE ROUTE
Where our St. Pete dolphin cruise goes —
routes and departure
Your cruise departs from Tierra Verde Marina Resort, just minutes from St. Pete Beach, and follows routes chosen daily by your captain for the best wildlife activity and conditions.
Tierra Verde Marina Resort
Departure point. Free parking. Exact directions provided after booking.
Grand Canal of Tierra Verde
Dolphins and manatees are frequently encountered right in the canals — directly connected to the Gulf.
Tampa Bay aquatic preserve
Protected bay waters teeming with dolphins, rays, and sea turtles. Shallow seagrass beds are prime dolphin feeding habitat.
Pass-A-Grille Channel
Historic coastal village shoreline — dolphins are frequently seen hunting baitfish along the seawall.
Gulf of Mexico
Calm waters of the Gulf close to shore to the south end of Shell Key Preserve.
Shell Key Preserve
Protected barrier island. Snorkeling, shelling, swimming, and beach time. We anchor here and stay with you. Learn more in our Shell Key visitor's guide.
READY TO BOOK
Dolphin cruise pricing —
St. Petersburg, FL
Availability is limited due to our small-group format. Advance booking is strongly recommended, especially for weekends.
$64
per person · not including tax or gratuity
TOUR TYPE
Dolphin watching & Shell Key snorkeling
GROUP SIZE
Up to 6 guests per boat
SNORKEL GEAR
Included (mask and dry snorkel)
SCHEDULE
7 days a week, year round
DURATION
Approximately 2 hours
DEPARTS FROM
Tierra Verde Marina Resort, St Pete
PARKING
Free at the marina
FOOD & DRINKS
BYOB - coolers with ice provided
Groups travelling together should book under the same name to ensure they're on the same boat. Island Ferry operates four vessels — same-boat placement cannot be guaranteed across separate bookings.
OTHER EXPERIENCES
More ways to explore
St. Pete's coastal waters
$54pp
Guided kayak tours to Shell Key
Paddle through mangrove tunnels to Shell Key's open beach. Beginner-friendly. From $54pp.
$549 / 6ppl
Private Egmont Snorkeling Charter
A half-day private charter visiting three islands — Egmont Key, Outback Key & Shell Key. $549 per 6 people. See details
$69pp
Romantic Sunset Cruise
Adults-only. Max 6 guests. BYOB. The Gulf at golden hour — from $69pp.
$549 / 6ppl
Passage Key Charter
A private charter to Passage Key — one of Florida's most secluded barrier islands. Clothing-optional. $549 See details
$499 / 6ppl
Sandbar Party Charter
A private 4.5-hour charter to the Gulf's most beautiful sandbars — where the locals go to party. $499
COMMON QUESTIONS
Do dolphin cruises see dolphins year-round in St Petersburg, Florida?
Yes. Bottlenose dolphins live in the waters of Tampa Bay year-round, and though we cannot guarantee sightings, we do see them on almost every dolphin cruises in St Petersburg and St Pete Beach.
Are dolphin tours safe for children?
Yes. Dolphin tours are family-friendly and include required safety equipment such as life jackets for children. We even provide life jackets for infants. Calm bay waters make these tours suitable for all ages.
How long is a dolphin cruise to Shell Key?
Our dolphin cruises to Shell Key last approximately two hours and include time for wildlife viewing and exploring Shell Key Preserve. You'll get upwards of an hour to explore and snorkel Shell Key, depending on how much time is spent seeing dolphins.
What other wildlife might we see besides dolphins?
In addition to dolphins, guests may see manatees, rays, sea turtles, pelicans, and a variety of shorebirds depending on the season.
Where do dolphin cruises depart from?
Dolphin cruises depart from the Tierra Verde Marina Resort near St Pete Beach, offering quick access to Shell Key and Tampa Bay waters.
Are dolphin cruises eco-friendly?
Yes. Dolphin tours follow responsible wildlife viewing guidelines and are designed to minimize environmental impact while educating guests about local marine life.
What makes Island Ferry of St Pete different from other boat tours in Florida?
We focus on smaller groups, in spacious 25ft pontoon boats. Besides providing a more personal and upscale experience, we create a more intimate, comfortable, and wildlife-focused experience compared to many other boat tours in Florida.
What is the refund policy if I need to cancel my boat reservation?
We require 48 hours notice for a full refund of your cancellation. But we know that things happen, and we can make exceptions for certain extenuating circumstances.
What is the policy for weather cancellations?
Decisions on cancelling for weather is the sole discretion of Island Ferry. If we do cancel for weather, you are entitled to a full refund, or an option to rebook for a later date or time.
What time should I arrive for my boat tour?
It is *imperative* that you arrive 30 minutes before departure time for check-in, just as you would for air travel.
What if I am running late for my boat tour?
Please understand that our scheduled tours run back to back, and so we are unable to delay our boat departures. Please make every effort to arrive for the check-in 30min prior to departure.
Is there a bathroom on the boat?
We have full facilities at our marina, but there are none on the vessels themselves.
Will I see dolphins on my boat tour?
Although dolphins are in our waters all year round, we can never make guarantees. Like the weather, dolphins can be unpredictable. Rest assured our captains will make every effort to find them.
Will I see manatees on my boat tour?
Manatees are warm water creatures, so we will see them from April to November in general.
Will I be required to wear a life jacket on the boat?
Only children ages 7 and under are required to wear a USCG Type II life jacket while the vessel is underway. We provide those at no charge.
Can I bring food and drinks?
Yes. The more the merrier. Adult beverages are also welcome.
Can I bring a cooler?
We have a cooler with ice on all our boats, and those are at your disposal. Still, if you would like to bring your own modest sized cooler that is just fine.
Is there a possibility I will get sea sick?
The possibility is very remote, as we are not a high-seas experience.
Can I smoke on the boat?
Please don't ask.