Top St Petersburg Nature and Wildlife Tours

Get out on the water and look for dolphins and other wildlife with this nature boat cruise. Make your way to Madeira Beach to board “The Big Blue Boat,” the largest and most stable dolphin watching boat in the Tampa Bay area, then cruise out in search of dolphins, manatees, sea birds, and more, with full narration along the way.

Look for dolphins around Boca Ciega Bay in St. Pete Beach on a cruise in the Tampa Bay Area. Continue into the Gulf of Mexico to visit Shell Key island, a wildlife preserve where you can snorkel, swim, or collect shells on the beach. Depending on the season, you might spot dolphins, manatees, rays, and a variety of seabirds. This family-friendly tour offers both a late morning and afternoon departure, making it easy to suit your schedule.

Explore the serene waters of Clam Bayou on our clear kayak tours, perfect for adventurers of all skill levels. Paddle beneath a stunning canopy of mangroves with a knowledgeable guide and enjoy the possibility of spotting manatees, dolphins, and birds such as herons and egrets in their natural habitat. Take in the scenic beauty just minutes from downtown St. Pete while learning about the local ecosystem. All gear is provided, including transparent kayaks, life jackets, and paddles. The calm waters are ideal for both beginners and experienced paddlers, offering a unique opportunity to see marine life through the transparent kayak hull. Kayak Info: Our clear tandem (2-seat) kayaks have a 385 lb combined weight limit to ensure proper weight distribution and safety. Solo use is available for guests over the limit or for odd-numbered groups—please contact the supplier after booking. Solo riders must not exceed 325 lb for safety and balance.

Cruise to the protected shores of Shell Key Preserve on a guided boat tour focused on wildlife viewing and coastal exploration. Travel with a captain aboard a USCG-inspected vessel as you navigate through mangroves and open waters known for frequent dolphin sightings. Enjoy time ashore to explore one of the area’s most pristine barrier islands, great for all ages, with BYOB permitted before returning comfortably by boat.

Get out on the water and see Tampa Bay from a new perspective with this kayaking tour. Ride in a clear kayak—which has the advantage of greater visibility of the underwater world. Along the way look out for coastal birds, marine life, and the beautiful mangroves. No need to worry about missing out on photo opportunities—the trip includes photo stops and a break at Shell Key to enjoy its beach and sandbars.

See dolphins in the wild with this Dolphin Racer Adventure from St. Pete. Take in the views and keep an eye out for bottlenose dolphins that are known to reside in the area. Listen to informative commentary from your guide throughout the ride and enjoy the scenery as you cruise. Note: dolphin sightings are guaranteed, or your next trip is free.

This kayak tour offers a balanced way to explore coastal ecosystems while remaining accessible for a range of experience levels. Guests benefit from guided navigation through mangrove tunnels, with opportunities to spot local wildlife along the route. With beach time at Shell Key, complimentary photos, and a private setting, it provides a personalized, well-paced outdoor experience with lasting takeaways.

Explore the stunning Shell Key Preserve on this 3-hour adventure with Salty Pelican Boat Tours. Enjoy a scenic boat ride across the Gulf Waters, where you can spot dolphins swimming in their natural habitat. Experience incredible shelling opportunities and try snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of this untouched paradise. This small group tour ensures a relaxed and personalized experience, perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. - Discover the beauty of Shell Key Preserve on a scenic boat ride - Spot dolphins in their natural habitat during your cruise - Enjoy shelling and snorkeling in pristine waters - Small group experience for a more intimate adventure

Get a fun introduction to St. Petersburg without wearing yourself out on this small-group Segway nature tour, which makes zipping around town easier than it would be on a walking tour. Learn about the Sunshine City’s nature and wildlife on a loop around the Tampa Bay seawall. See manatees and dolphins in their natural habitat, visit the Sunken Gardens, cruise by St. Petersburg's oldest living museum, and more.

Whether you want to try wakeboarding and water skiing, or opt for something more relaxing like shelling, island-hopping and snorkeling, your captain on this private boat charter is on hand to keep you safe and having fun. Explore the waters of St. Petersburg, Florida with a captain to take the wheel and show you some of their favorite spots.

Go snorkeling around Egmont Key and look for dolphins and other wildlife on this half-day boat tour from Madeira Beach with a small group. Learn about the history of Egmont Key and look for wildlife such as dolphins, manatees, and turtles on the boat ride, then go snorkeling with the provided gear. Options include the ruins for more advanced snorkelers and the grass flats for beginner.

As one of the largest undeveloped barrier islands in the area, Shell Key Preserve is a must see for all nature lovers. Join this guided tour of the preserve and discover this ecosystem up close. You’ll slide into a double kayak and paddle around shallow waters offering clear views of what’s beneath. Swim in Shell Key Shoal’s beaches then kayak to the preserve. Wade through seagrass flats and through mangrove tunnels during the adventure.

Explore the stunning shores of Shell Key on this 3-hour guided shelling tour. Discover beautiful and unique shells as you stroll along the shoreline or snorkel in the warm shallows. With a knowledgeable guide, find hidden gems and learn about the local ecosystem. Ideal for families, beach lovers, and anyone looking to enjoy a day in the sun, this tour promises a relaxing time immersed in nature's beauty. *Each guest is provided with a cleaned and sanitized mask & snorkel as well as an inflatable tube to relax in the water. **Photos from your experience will be emailed to each group for no additional cost!

Paddle through mangrove tunnels, spot dolphins and manatees, and enjoy free time for a swim or shell collecting on Shell Key Island with this unique Shell Key Preserve kayak excursion, led by a local insider. Paddle through shallow saltwater to discover top kayaking spots rich with native Floridian wildlife, and marvel at the area’s natural beauty. Plus, learn about its history and ecosystem along the way.

Far from your typical kayaking trip, this immersive tour is led by Captain Yak: an animal and ecology researcher. He’ll guide you through Shell Key Preserve which acts as a vital ecosystem for the area. After paddling through mangrove tunnels and over sandbars, you’ll have time to explore Shell Key. Captain Yak will share facts and stories with you on the return trip as you keep an eye out for local wildlife.

Peruse Florida's diverse ecosystems on two wheels. Set out on a 2-hour bicycle tour of St. Petersburg's Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, home to an array of mammals and birds such as alligators, cormorants and ospreys. Follow your knowledgeable guide across boardwalks, along trails and through large meadows, taking in the preserve's exquisite natural scenery and the many butterflies fluttering about. This 3.1 mile (5 kilometer) mountain bike tour is limited to eight people for a more personalized experience.

Our vessel and crew make this trip unique! Our dolphin are known to jump behind the boat. The more time you spend on the water the higher chance you will have of seeing wildlife. We offer a fun educational experience the entire family can enjoy. Captain specializes in encouraging the Dolphin to jump behind the boat. This is not a guarantee to see dolphin jump! All of our tours are small to private group charters. Awesome location.

Enjoy a private boat tour experience, without the hassle and costs of renting one yourself, on this half-day tour from St Petersburg. Available morning or afternoon, the experience is fully customizable to your group’s interest, and can include relaxing on a beach, island hopping, shelling, snorkeling, birding, or a combination of activities.

Discover St. Petersburg's undeveloped Shell Key Preserve on this exciting kayak excursion. Join a small group and gear up for your adventure through mangrove tunnels and shallow seagrass meadows. While you paddle, observe local wildlife like sea turtles and seabirds and stop at Shell Island to collect seashells or go for a swim.

The state of Florida has a history of human habitation stretching back at least 14000 years. Take a guided tour of the Jungle Prada Site in St. Petersburg to uncover Native American history as you walk through an archaeological site of the Tocobaga tribe. Learn about the ancient peoples and the Spanish conquistadors that landed in the area in 1528 and enjoy time roaming around the lush property.

Shell Key Preserve is only accessible by water, and if you don’t own a boat, it can be hard to get to the area to explore it. This Shell Key Preserve Snorkeling Cruise from Tampa takes you to the 1,800-acre (728-hectare) wildlife preserve to snorkel and look for shells and wildlife. Some of the wildlife you may see along your journey, includes dolphins, birds, manatees, hermits crabs, fish, and horseshoe crabs.

We are not just a boat ride, we provide a unique private charter experience on the clear waters of the Gulf.. This 2.5 hour trip is the perfect for either adventure of shelling or snorkeling and a little exploring. We always look for Dolphin, manatee and other amazing salt life creatures. We are always private and family friendly. Feel free to bring your favorite food and beverage to enjoy on board. Each trip is tailored to you! Our vessel is extremely wide with plenty of room for everyone. It’s a twin engine 400 hp Roblo 27 foot center console.

Our 3hr Shell Key Shelling Trip is offered from Hubbard’s Marina inside Johns Pass and offers around one hour on the island exploring and shelling with around an hour ride down the back protected bay waters on a relaxing, safe, and fun trip onboard the HUB Cat 49. On the ride back to Johns Pass, we will cruise up our beautiful gulf beaches when weather allows, if it’s a little bumpy the ride back will also be in the back protected bay waters. We will often spot dolphins, seabirds, manatees and other wildlife on the ride out and back!