2.5 Hour Shell Key Island Adventure Including Dolphins And Shells
Recommended by 98% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
St Petersburg, USA
- 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
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.
- View St. Petersburg from a new perspective
- Access a secluded island reachable only by boat
- Increase chances of dolphin sightings in active habitats
- Combine wildlife viewing with relaxing beach time
What's Included
- Cooler
- Lunch
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- 4630 29th Ave S, Gulfport, FL 33711, USA
Arrival time is 30 minutes prior to departure time. If you are using Uber/Lyft, plan accordingly. When you arrive at the marina, look for the tall American flags on the dock. Calypso Cat is our boat and check in. The boat has a large phone number on the side 727-871-BOAT. Call if you need guidance.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.What To Expect
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
ShellyG
This was such a great tour. The tour guides were so friendly and knowledgeable about the wildlife. I'm a local and plan to do this tour often. It was such a fun day. Shell key was so beautiful as well.
Reviews
4.9
based on 86 reviews
Rachael_S, Jun 2026
This was a nice boat ride with very friendly folks on board (those running the boat, and the other passengers too) we saw lots of dolphins and our Captain was respectful of them as to keeping a safe distance and not chasing them around (a major plus for this tour!) - minus one star because the shell area was average in my opinion and nothing special in the finding shells category-- Our Captain again tho went in the water and found several sand dollars and shells for folks on the boat, which was really nice of him.... They provide snorkel equipment, bags for shells and ice cold water. This was a nice way to spend the morning!
Stephanie_H, Jun 2026
Beautiful day! We found some interesting shells. The captain even hunted for rare shells for us in deep water.
Michelle_N, May 2026
Guides were great and it was nice to see the dolphins and stingrays. But the shell experience was disappointing. No large shells like were advertised.
Alexus_L, May 2026
10/10 experience. The boat was really spacious, clean and accessible to get on and off. I loved getting to get off the boat to go shelling. I found a massive sea shell! The tour guides were so kind and helpful, even finding shells for us. We saw so many dolphins too.
Craig_P, May 2026
Captain was funny, knowledgeable, and it was a smooth ride. Plenty of dolphins, manatee, and sea shells. Snorkeling was great and kids 7 and 10 had a blast.
Melanie_D, May 2026
Great experience and so much fun! Captains John and Jennifer were fantastic and entertaining. We wish we could’ve stayed longer! Shell island is simply beautiful. Suggest to bring a bag for the shells you collect! We forgot one, but someone offered an extra.
Patricia_H, May 2026
We were prepared because we were told what to bring. Captain John was a delight. The wildlife he pointed out was nice.
heather_g, May 2026
What a great, kind, and family owned operation! Capt John and his first mate Katie were wonderful. They were fun and knowledgeable about the area and local wildlife. We enjoyed our morning shelling/snorkeling so much that we asked if they had room for us to go out with them again on the later snorkeling cruise. We spent the whole day with them on the Calypso Cat and had so much fun and found lots of shells. 10/10 would recommend.
B_C, May 2026
So fun and relaxing! We all didn't want to leave... The water was crystal clear, shells everywhere and it was totally uncrowded. Had the best time. Could have stayed all day!
Response from Host, May 2026
We love Shell Key! Thank you so much for the great review!
Sarah_P, May 2026
The crew was friendly, funny and accommodating! We saw quite a few dolphins, including a few newborns and the beach to collect shells was beautiful! Highly recommend!
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for the 5 stars!
Rachel_H, Apr 2026
Booking was easy, details were clear and the captains were great! We had the best time finding dolphins, and riding the boat- then found so many shells! The crew helped us explore the water to find crabs, conchs and more- so cool- then the dolphins joined us for a swim. Great experience especially for the cost!
Response from Host, Apr 2026
So cool that the dolphins came so close! Thanks for the great review!
Chantel_B, Apr 2026
The staff was great, trip was great!
We saw manatees, dolphins, birds, and landmarks. The staff was knowledgeable and kind. Very friendly!
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thanks for the 5 star review! We love knowing that our guests are having a great time!
Chick_C, Apr 2026
Fun little cruise. Saw plenty of dolphins and even 5-6 manatees! The 2 person crew knew their stuff and were fun to travel with!
Response from Host, Apr 2026
We love it when the manatees come to say hi! Thanks for the kind compliments and the 5 star review!
ShellyG, Apr 2026
This was such a great tour. The tour guides were so friendly and knowledgeable about the wildlife. I'm a local and plan to do this tour often. It was such a fun day. Shell key was so beautiful as well.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
WOW! We hope to see you out on the boat with us again soon! Thanks for the 5 stars!
Shauna_B, Apr 2026
We had the best time on this water tour! We have 3 young kids - 7, 4, and almost 2 and they all had a blast. The Captain made sure to seek out the dolphins and make sure we all got plenty of chances to see them -even taking extra time. We got to get off and explore the sea shells at the island and when some other people aboard the boat got cool sea shells that the captain realized were still alive he was willing to give her a similar seashell of his own so she could still go home with one. The staff were very knowledgeable. The captain let our kiddos "drive" the boat on the way back. It was truly a great all around experience and we would definitely do it again.
Jason_T, Apr 2026
Captain John and first mate Jennifer were great and entertaining. We saw lots of dolphins, and had a great time shelling. We would do this trip again without a doubt.
Alicia_S, Mar 2026
To start, I had purchased the 2.5 hour tour that went to Shell Key. Due to weather issues I got a call saying our tour was being canceled so they offered us the 4 hour tour that was a day earlier. I am so happy we were able to make that work. It was SO much fun.
The 2 gentlemen that were our guides were awesome! Very informative and super friendly.
I would definitely recommend this experience.
LeeAnn_S, Mar 2026
Come prepared to walk the beach with water shoes- the shells are sharp on tender feet. Bring a shell bag.
laura_m, Mar 2026
It was a super fun and easy excursion. Our captain John and Jennifer were great. Beautiful sites and the shelling was so relaxing! Got to see a lot of dolphins jumping all over
Gail_G, Mar 2026
What a wonderful adventure! The crew was so nice & informative. Made several stops to watch the dolphins play! Shelling was also wonderful! Great experience! Will definitely do another trip with island adventures! Highly recommend!!
Alan_C, Mar 2026
We actually transferred to the Dolphin chase , snorkeling & island adventure.
The operating family; Betty, Mike and captain John welcomed us aboard like we were visiting their home for dinner.
We were made to feel comfortable and safe.
Catered to all twelve passengers individual requests.
If you go please ask Captain John to do his best to introduce you to "Steven" the cheeto stealing bird.
Ashley_H, Mar 2026
Amazing experience today! We had so much fun and learned a lot! The guides were so nice and gave background information on the shells and guidance on where we should look. Must do with kids!
Cheris_B, Feb 2026
Relaxing. Professional with casual feel. Lots of shelling. Island is just nice to go to. Boat is great. Captain and first mate are friendly and knowledgable. Would highly recommend.
Vanessa_S, Feb 2026
My friend and I had a great time! We didn't find any big shells that didn't have live animals in them, but we found some smaller shells. Saw plenty of playful dolphins and enjoyed the boat ride to the island.
Annie_K, Feb 2026
We had booked a much more expensive tour that cancelled last minute. I booked the ferry and would not have changed a thing Sierra was awesome! Very quick boat ride, shells everywhere.
LtlLaffy1, Feb 2026
Betty and John were great guides with lots of knowledge about the area, plus the dolphins, birds, fish and seashells. They even recommended a great restaurant called O'Maddy's.
Searching for seashells was really cool. Found some great treasures. If it is cold out, make sure to bundle up! That wind on the water is cold!
Thank you again for a great adventure.Weatherade Challenge
Carol_S, Dec 2025
Our captain was welcoming and knowledgeable about the sea life and the history of the local area. He fielded all questions and answered to his best knowledge. When we got to Shell Island , he didn’t just leave us. He walked along with whom ever had questions and showed us how to handle sea life we encountered. He searched for shells to give to passengers to make sure everyone had a good experience. It was a peaceful boat ride with marine life and beautiful views! Would definitely recommend .
Deborah_R, Sep 2025
Captain Mike was great. When my mom was getting overheated, he took great care of her. We had a wonderful time. Will definitely do it again!
Jill_R, Sep 2025
Excellent trip- nothing was too much trouble from the dolphins, stingrays and collecting sand dollars
Jamie_p, Sep 2025
Captain John was amazing! Helped us find lots of good shells and star fish. I will definitely book again when we come back!
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From $59.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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2.5 Hour Shell Key Island Adventure Including Dolphins And Shells
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