Snorkeling Cruises in St. Petersburg, Florida: Discover the Gulf Coast Beneath the Surface
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- Dec 30, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: Dec 31, 2025
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 shallow, creating excellent snorkeling conditions for beginners and experienced snorkelers alike. Warm Gulf waters, sandy bottoms, and protected island preserves make this area a favorite for visitors looking to snorkel comfortably and safely.
Explore Top Snorkeling Spots Near St. Petersburg
Island Ferry’s Snorkeling cruises in St. Pete visit some of the area’s most beautiful and unspoiled locations, particularly:
Shell Key Preserve, known for clear water and abundant marine life
Egmont Key, home to the historic sunken ruins and artificial reefs
Outback Key, which is a little further away, but worth it under certain sea conditions
Shallow sandbars and island shorelines accessible only by boat
These are our favorite locations, providing diverse underwater scenery and exciting opportunities to spot fish and other marine species.
Marine Life You May See While Snorkeling
One of the biggest highlights of our snorkeling cruises in St. Petersburg is the variety of marine life visible just below the surface. Depending on the season, and the location, snorkelers may encounter:
Schools of colorful fish, especially at Egmont Key
Rays gliding along the sandy bottom
Sand dollars and crabs
Occasionally dolphins or manatees nearby
Each snorkeling stop offers a new underwater adventure.
Family-Friendly Snorkeling Adventures
Island Ferry’s snorkeling cruises are an excellent choice for families. Our snorkeling tours offer:
Small group sizes for personal attention
Calm, shallow snorkeling areas suitable for kids
Helpful crew members to assist first-time snorkelers
Plenty of time to swim, explore, and relax
Parents appreciate the safety and flexibility, while kids love the excitement of discovering marine life up close.
A Relaxing Cruise with a Sense of Adventure
A snorkeling cruise isn’t just about being in the water — it’s also about enjoying the journey. Guests often enjoy scenic boat rides past mangroves, islands, and coastal wildlife before anchoring at snorkeling locations. This includes dolphins, rays, and manatees (we see manatees April to November). The mix of exploration and relaxation makes snorkeling one of the most popular water activities in St. Petersburg.
Plan Your Snorkeling Cruise in St. Petersburg
If you’re visiting St. Petersburg, St. Pete Beach, Clearwater, or Tampa Bay, a snorkeling cruise with Island Ferry is a must-do activity. It’s a perfect way to experience Florida’s coastal environment from both above and below the water.
A snorkeling cruise in St. Petersburg lets you experience Florida’s Gulf Coast in a whole new way — one splash at a time.
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