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DOLPHIN CRUISE TO SHELL KEY
DOLPHINS AND SNORKELING AT SHELL KEY ISLAND
⭐ Top-rated Shell Key dolphin cruise with small-group tours led by experienced local captains. Snorkel gear included.
See wild dolphins up close on a dolphin cruise to Shell Key, then snorkel and explore one of St. Pete’s most pristine barrier islands. Island Ferry’s small-group Shell Key dolphin cruise offers year-round dolphin sightings, snorkeling gear included, and a relaxed, family-friendly experience in St Petersburg, FL.
See Wild Dolphins on a Shell Key Dolphin Cruise
An Island Ferry dolphin cruise to Shell Key preserve offers one of the best opportunities to see wild bottlenose dolphins in their natural environment. The calm, protected waters of St Pete Beach create ideal conditions for dolphin activity, and it’s common to see dolphins swimming, playing, and riding alongside the boat. Because these waters are home to resident dolphin pods, dolphins are seen year-round on our Shell Key dolphin cruise, making every tour a rewarding wildlife experience.
Snorkeling and Exploring Shell Key Preserve
Every dolphin cruise to Shell Key includes time to snorkel and explore Shell Key Preserve, a protected barrier island known for its clear, shallow waters and unspoiled beaches. This natural preserve is accessible only by boat, helping maintain its pristine ecosystem. While snorkeling and beachcombing, guests often encounter hermit crabs, conchs, sand dollars, horseshoe crabs, and a variety of fish, making Shell Key one of the best snorkeling destinations near St. Pete Beach.
A Small-Group Dolphin Cruise Designed for Comfort and Safety
Island Ferry specializes in small-group dolphin cruises to Shell Key, providing a more personal and relaxed experience than large commercial tour boats. Unlike drop-off services, our boat stays with you at Shell Key for the entire tour, allowing you to snorkel, explore, or relax at your own pace. Our shaded pontoon boats offer a comfortable place to rest, enjoy refreshments, and take in the scenery while our experienced crew remains on board providing constant supervision to keep everyone safe.
What You’ll See on a Dolphin Cruise to Shell Key
In addition to dolphins, guests on our Shell Key dolphin cruise frequently spot a variety of Florida marine wildlife, including manatees, stingrays, pelicans, ospreys, and other coastal bird species. The surrounding seagrass beds and shallow waters support a thriving ecosystem, offering excellent wildlife viewing throughout the tour. Manatees are most commonly seen during the warmer months, while dolphins remain a consistent highlight all year long.
Why Island Ferry of St Pete Offers the Best Dolphin Cruise to Shell Key
Island Ferry is proud to offer one of the best dolphin cruises to Shell Key in St. Petersburg, Florida, combining wildlife encounters, snorkeling, and personalized service in a single unforgettable experience. Our knowledgeable local captains, small-group format, and commitment to safety set us apart from other Shell Key tours. Whether you’re visiting with family, traveling as a couple, or simply looking to experience Florida’s natural beauty, our Shell Key dolphin cruise delivers lasting memories on the water.
We also offer Kayaking Tours to Shell Key.
PLEASE NOTE: We have 4 vessels. If you are travelling with another group, please be sure to book your reservation under the same name if you expect to travel on the same boat with another group who as also booked this tour. Otherwise we cannot guarantee that you will travel together on the same boat.
What's Included
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Snorkeling gear, and floating noodles.
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FREE bottled water.
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FREE parking at the Tierra Verde Marina Resort.
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Cooler with ice on board.
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BYOB welcome.
Know Before You Go
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CDC COMPLIANT Semi-Private Tour
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$64 per person
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Leaves 7 days a week, departures vary by season. Call ahead for exact departure times.
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Bring your swimsuit and towel.
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Trip duration is 2 hours.
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Large groups of 7 or more (on multiple boats) will be charged an 18% gratuity.
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You can purchase tickets online or by phone!
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Cancellations: No refunds for cancellations less than 48 hours before your scheduled departure. No refunds for "no shows". We give FULL refunds if Island Ferry cancels for inclement weather.
TOUR CALENDAR
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.