Skip to main content
Beyond St Petersburg

Three Hour Shelling Cruise to Shell Key Preserve from John's Pass

Recommended by 96% of travelers
St Petersburg, USA
Popular pick
Booked 10+ times last week!
  • 3 hours (approx.)
  • Mobile ticket

Why travelers loved this

4.8
·
· Madison_G ·
Sept 2026
We had an amazing time! We got to see dolphins and our captain kept stopping and letting us see them and telling us info about the dolphins and the babies. We found some amazing shells on the island, the water was amazing and clear. The boat ride was relaxing and they played some really good music! Very fun captain and team and just overall worth the money
· sherri_c ·
Jul 2026
Its a 3 hour excursion. 45 minutes to the island 45 minutes back. The rest of the time is at the island. The crew was great. The captain stopped so we could see the dolphins. There was a pod with mamas and babies. So we definitely got our money's worth

Overview

    What's Included

    • Restroom on board
    • Gratuities
    • Snacks
    • Parking Fees

    Meeting and Pickup

    Meeting point

    • 170 Boardwalk Pl E, Madeira Beach, FL 33708, USA

      Located inside beautiful Johns Pass, directly below Hooters on the water, closest to the Johns Pass Bridge.

    End point

    This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    Itinerary

    1

    Tierra Verde

    1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

    John's Pass Village & Boardwalk (Pass By)

    Madeira Beach (Pass By)

    Additional Info

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • Not wheelchair accessible
    • Near public transportation
    • Most travelers can participate
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 45 travelers

    Cancellation Policy

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

    Traveler Photos

    Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

    Featured review

    Franco_t
    If you really want to get a good experience, I recommend to go in knee high water to get the more interesting shells. Captain Zak was very informative during the ride to the preserve. He also stopped twice to look at dolphins nearby. After the tour on the preserve we went through the intercoastal. Showed the scenery and explained what we were looking at. Also a shout out to a very friendly and professional first mate,Kimberly. Would recommend this adventure.

    Reviews

    4.8
    based on 504 reviews
    Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
    Sort by: Most recent

    Perfect way to spend a day in FL.

    Rebecca_H, Sept 2026
    The boat trip out was great. We spotted several dolphin families and our captain stopped to let us all enjoy the show. The dolphins were jumping and playing and lots of us got great pictures. We learned a lot about the area as we traveled to the island. Refreshments were reasonably priced and the time on the island was great. We all came back with shells and we even got complimentary jewlery made. It was also nice to have access to a restroom during the travel and while on the island. The crew was friendly and very helpful. This is my third Hubbard experience and I have enjoyed them all. It is nice to have a day planned where you can do Something you cannot at home in Indiana.

    best experience ever!

    Kelsea_G, Sept 2026
    first of all, the captain/guides were amazing! they were fun, funny, and great for kids! they helped keep my 1 y/o daughter entertained and she thankfully had no troubles! we saw dolphins a few times and found some good shells! they have some shells there on the boat you can take if you like and they even make necklaces out of a nice shell you found if you want!

    Best yet and there's been a lot

    Nancy_T, Sept 2026
    This was the best time we have had in Florida to date. The crew was funny and friendly. The boat was safe and clean. The music was excellent not too loud. The time on show Beach was priceless. And what we paid for this day was well worth every penny. And I have to say it's the least amount of money that we spend on any Venture in Florida. We will be back and that's a promise. 10 Stars

    Capt Mike and Brandy- Thank you!

    Ashley_L, Sept 2026
    Phenomenal experience! Captain Mike and Brandy were wonderful. Extremely knowledgeable and accommodating and genuinely wanted to give us all the best experience possible. We’ll most certainly be returning for another experience. From buying tickets, checking in, the experience, and getting off the boat, flawless experience.

    Amazing time.. Robin and...

    Franna_H, Sept 2026
    Amazing time.. Robin and the captain was amazing and the best part was seeing sole dolphins and making free necklace out of 🐚

    Fantastic !!

    Madison_G, Sept 2026
    We had an amazing time! We got to see dolphins and our captain kept stopping and letting us see them and telling us info about the dolphins and the babies. We found some amazing shells on the island, the water was amazing and clear. The boat ride was relaxing and they played some really good music! Very fun captain and team and just overall worth the money

    Great excursion

    Jeffrey_G, Aug 2026
    We went to a beautiful beach to find shells and dove for sand dollars. Jess and Capt Mike did a great job, thank you Jess and Mike!

    Great time

    Nancy_B, Aug 2026
    Mike and Jessica were the best hosts. Saw dolphins on the way out and back. Shelling would have been better at low tide.

    It was great! Shelling...

    ELAINE_S, Aug 2026
    It was great! Shelling was amazing, found so many sand dollars! Beach area was as beautiful and saw a few manatees!!!

    Worth every penny 💙

    Destini_J, Aug 2026
    I am so glad we came across this trip as things to do. I have three kids one being almost 2. The boat ride to shell island was lovely. And when we arrived we weren’t disappointed. My son who is 9 found countless sand dollars which he was excited about! And we collected so many shells and spent the rest of the time swimming around in the ocean. On the way back we seen dolphins. The staff was very funny and they made shell necklaces for whoever wanted one. If you have a toddler, I’d bring floaties or life jacket vest. Highly recommend bringing goggles for diving in the water looking for shells. I’d bring a mesh bag to put the shells in, unless you wanna purchase one from them for 4$. Which is reasonably priced. And definitely came in handy. Some ppl found some massive shells. Over all the trip was amazing. And something we’ll do again in the future.

    So much fun!

    Virginia_P, Aug 2026
    A++ from beginning to end - from the minute you check in to the minute you get off the boat, the crew puts you and your family’s fun and comfort first. Jessica and the Captain could not have been better. Fantastic trip.

    Always a great experience

    Alexia_S, Jul 2026
    It's always great, we do this every time we are here. I found some really cool shells today, even though the water was a tad rough. Always with the trip

    Entertaining, fun, good value

    Sharon_G, Jul 2026
    The captain and first mate, Robin and Jessica, were fantastic! They were Entertaining, but safe. We got to see several dolphins during the tour.

    So much fun!!!

    Andra_W, Jul 2026
    Our captains were so very kind and informative!! We saw plenty of dolphins and got several small and medium shells of all shapes without going into the water!! Those who got into the water found bigger shells and sand dollars.

    Shells and dolphins!

    Darcelle_W, Jul 2026
    Great captain and first mate. Please note you have to check in at the desk inside Hubbard's Marina to get your boarding pass. They will also validate your parking garage ticket so you pay a cheaper rate.

    More than shelling

    sherri_c, Jul 2026
    Its a 3 hour excursion. 45 minutes to the island 45 minutes back. The rest of the time is at the island. The crew was great. The captain stopped so we could see the dolphins. There was a pod with mamas and babies. So we definitely got our money's worth

    Great family experience!

    Christy_R, Jul 2026
    Incredible from start to finish! We try to do some kind of ride every year. Will definitely do this again. Such a great energy on the boat. Mike and Jess were the best! The goal was to get shells, which we got an abundance of....but it was so much more! The captain took time for us to see dolphins. The weather was perfect, a manatee swam by about 10 feet away. Overall great experience!

    Great Experience

    Trudi_Z, Jul 2026
    The weather wasn't the best - overcast and slightly rainy, but the guides made the experience so good that we forgot about the weather. The shells were tremendous. No need to go to Sanabel Island, just schedule with Hubbard's Marina and go to Shell Key Beach!!!

    Great shelling adventure

    Rachael_P, Jul 2026
    Great experience, very friendly captains and staff! Collin and Mike were our captains and were funny and knowledgeable about the area. We had a great time and found lots of shells and even a sand dollar. Also spotted dolphins and lots of pelicans on the trip. Definitely recommend adding to your trip plans!

    That it is not a dolphin...

    Tammie_L, Jul 2026
    That it is not a dolphin tour it's a shell island swimming snorkeling shore walking visit sometimes wild ocean life can be seen and sometimes the tide is high It was a great trip the captains were funny knowledgeable and very helpful a and accommodating

    Smith/Floyd Adventures

    Charles_S, Jul 2026
    Great trip! Our 6 year-old, 4 year-old and 2 year-old totally enjoyed themselves. Mike and Jess went overboard to make this trip great.

    We Will Be Back

    Stacy_T, Jul 2026
    Great crew! We had a fantastic time. We saw dolphins and had about 1.5 hours to go shelling. It’s also nice you can come and go on the boat while docked.

    Shell lovers dream

    Melissa_C, Jul 2026
    This was incredible! Do not hesitate to book this Shell cruise! My daughters and I had the best time and found so many incredible shells! The crew was so nice and friendly! We had the best day!

    Fun crew, scenic boat...

    Ashley_A, Jul 2026
    Fun crew, scenic boat ride, nice shells on Shell Key. Saw some dolphins! Snacks and drinks available for purchase. Good time for families!

    Great fun from the minute...

    Claire_G, Jun 2026
    Great fun from the minute we boarded the boat. Knowledgeable crew who who super helpful and friendly. Thanks to Mike and Kyle.

    Shell Key Boat

    Laurel_G, Jun 2026
    This was a very fun trip! The boat captain and mate were very knowledgeable and entertaining. It was safe and well worth the money! I would do it again.

    The experience was great....

    Talon_F, Jun 2026
    The experience was great. The captains were all super funny and cracking jokes as much as they could with keeping it professional.

    Book it! You won't regret it!

    Gina_M, Jun 2026
    It's about an hour ride to the island, and an hour back. So, the shelling time is about an hour long. The boat ride is just as enjoyable- lots of sites to see and the crew tells you fun facts along the way. Robin and Collin were great! Was a very fun trip, and would do it again! We saw dolphins and even a manatee!

    Great Time!!

    Andrea_G, Jun 2026
    This was a great time! Went with several friends and had a good time. Robin was a wonderful hostess. We will do again.

    Awesome Experience

    Sherrie_H, Jun 2026
    The Driver of the boat was very informative and allowed us to view the dolphins swimming around us. The shell key was perfect place to hang out for an hour in the water and got lots of shells too
    Member Pricing
    From

    $42.75

    per person
    Was $45.00(-5%)

    up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

    Book ahead!
    On average, this is booked 13 days in advance.

    Compare Similar Experiences

    1 / 3
    Current
    Member Pricing
    Three Hour Shelling Cruise to Shell Key Preserve from John's Pass


    3 hours
    Free Cancellation
    From
    $45.00
    $42.75
    5% savings
    Pirate Adventure Cruise - John's Pass, Madeira Beach, FL


    1 hour 30 minutes
    Free Cancellation
    From
    $49.00
    $46.55
    5% savings
    Dolphin Watching Nature Cruise and Eco Tour from Hubbard's Marina in John's Pass


    1 hour 30 minutes
    Free Cancellation
    From
    $35.00
    $33.25
    5% savings
    Shell Key Shelling & Snorkel Kayak Tour - St. Pete


    3 hours
    Free Cancellation
    From
    $64.94
    $61.69
    5% savings