St. Pete Dolphin Watching and Shelling Adventure
St Petersburg, USA
St. Pete Dolphin Watching and Shelling Adventure
Recommended by 98% of travelers
St Petersburg, USA
- 3 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Overview
Enjoy three hours of dolphin-spotting and shell-hunting on this St. Petersburg cruise. Keep your eyes peeled for marine wildlife while the crew sails you to and from one of their favorite local islands so you can explore, swim, and collect shells. Or, if you’d rather stay on the boat, you can just kick back, relax on the waves, and ask the crew for more information about St. Pete.
- Spot local wildlife and explore islands on a fun boat trip
- Pick the crew’s brain about the local area
- Access to a bar onboard the ship
- Enjoy yourself on and in the sea for three hours
What's Included
Meeting and Pickup
Itinerary
Additional Info
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Susan_H
The trip was super fun! We saw some dolphins and spent some time on a really pretty island with lots of shells. Connor and Dylan were great captains, making us all feel welcome and ready for some fun. It was interesting to chat with them as we were heading towards the island, hearing their stories about St Pete, as they're both natives.
Special thanks to Dylan for the dinner recommendation (O'Maddy's) - it was awesome!
Reviews
5.0
based on 238 reviews
Janet_W, Mar 2026
They were very accommodating. We didn’t see dolphins on our way to the island but they took us to a spot after where we saw many.
joanne_m, Mar 2026
Had a great time saw lots of dolphins & got some great shells ! The crew were outstanding (Dillon & Gavin) will do it again
Robert_O, Mar 2026
Paul (in charge) was very personable and was always checking if you needed anything. Got close up to many dolphins and they slowed and stopped the boat to watch. Shell Key was a great stop for picking shells. Viewing the houses and boats on the way out and back in was worth the ride itself. All 5 of us enjoyed this trip and would do it again.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you for the amazing review, Robert! We are so glad all five of you enjoyed the trip. Dolphin sightings, Shell Key, and the scenic ride past the homes and boats are always favorites. Paul will be thrilled to hear your kind words. We would love to have you join us again anytime!
Susan_H, Feb 2026
The trip was super fun! We saw some dolphins and spent some time on a really pretty island with lots of shells. Connor and Dylan were great captains, making us all feel welcome and ready for some fun. It was interesting to chat with them as we were heading towards the island, hearing their stories about St Pete, as they're both natives.
Special thanks to Dylan for the dinner recommendation (O'Maddy's) - it was awesome!
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you so much for the kind words! We are thrilled to hear you had such a fun time out on the water and got to see dolphins and explore one of our beautiful shell-covered islands. There is nothing better than a St. Pete day like that.
Connor and Dylan truly love what they do, and it means a lot to hear that you felt welcomed and enjoyed hearing their local stories along the way. We are lucky to have two St. Pete natives sharing their passion with our guests.
We cannot wait to have you back out with us again soon!
Megan_S, Feb 2026
It was a bit chilly, but they provided blankets to help keep us warm. We got to see a couple dolphins and find lots of shells. Both of our Captains were great and very attentive to the guests. We had a great time! Thank you!!!
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you so much for sharing this! We are so happy to hear you had a great time and were able to see dolphins and find shells. We will be sure to pass along your kind words to both captains. We would love to have you back out on the water again soon.
William_H, Dec 2025
Very clean and well maintained boat. The two guys handling the cruise was fantastic. Definitely family friendly. No cussing which was so appreciated. Shell island is so beautiful, and tons of shells. Highly recommend!
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you, WIlliam! We take great pride in offering a family-friendly experience, and we are glad to hear your cruise reflected that. We appreciate your kind words about our crew and the care we put into maintaining our boats. We hope to welcome your family back again soon!
Staci_K, Dec 2025
This was a safe and comfortable ride looking for dolphins(we did see some!) and exploring a great shelling beach. It was a great trip for kids as it wasn't too long. The crew was great, too. I would recommend it for families or those who want a smooth boat ride and a little bit of shelling time on Shell Key.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you, Staci! We love that this trip was a great fit for kids and families, and we truly appreciate your recommendation. Our crew will be happy to hear your kind words. We hope to welcome you back for another smooth and memorable cruise soon. 🐬🏝️
Gargi_B, Dec 2025
We watched so many dolphins in the wild! Paul the boat captain was so knowledgeable about the habitat and the behaviors of the dolphins. Chase was super attentive to guests and took good care of us. This trip is perfect for a family with small kids or elderly! They took us to a perfect shelling beach! It was a lot fun.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Thank you so much for sharing this, Gargi!. Watching dolphins in the wild is always special, and we are so glad Paul’s knowledge and Chase’s care made the experience so enjoyable for your whole family. We would love to have you join us again soon!
Justin_E, Nov 2025
Chase and Paul were amazing guides they encouraged us to go on another trip which we did that being the sunset trip.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you, Justin! It sounds like Chase and Paul helped make your day on the water something special. We love that you enjoyed your Dolphin & Shelling trip enough to come back out later for the sunset cruise too. We really appreciate you spending the day with us and hope to welcome you aboard again soon!
shannon_b, Nov 2025
The whole experience was awesome! We saw plenty of dolphins and had the most beautiful, relaxing few hours out at shell key. They had free bottled water and all kinds of alcohol drinks for purchase. What a beautiful way to spend a day.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you so much for cruising with us, Shannon! We’re thrilled you had such a great time at Shell Key and got to see plenty of dolphins. It sounds like the perfect day on the water! We really appreciate your kind words and can’t wait to welcome you back aboard soon!
Justine_F, Nov 2025
We saw so many dolphins and the Shell Key island was so nice to walk around and collect some seashells to bring home.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
So glad you enjoyed the dolphins and exploring Shell Key! Sounds like a perfect day of seashells and sunshine. Come join us for another adventure soon!
Mary_B, Oct 2025
Had an awesome time on our dolphin/shelling cruise. Paul and Gavin made it so much fun. They made sure we saw some dolphins (as well as a shark and manatee)! The cruise was the perfect amount of time to allow for dolphin spotting and shelling. Definitely recommend!
Response from Host, Oct 2025
We’re thrilled you enjoyed the Dolphin Watching and Shelling Adventure! Paul and Gavin always aim to make every trip special, and it sounds like nature put on quite a show. Thanks for spending the day with us and for recommending the experience! Come join us again soon!
Peter_H, Oct 2025
Excellent tour. Captain and first mate were friendly and professional. We saw dolphins and they didn't just do a quick "drive by". Took the time to really get to watch them and enjoy them. We were given ample time at Shell Key. Fantastic trip and a great way to end our vacation
Response from Host, Oct 2025
We’re so glad you had such a great experience! It sounds like the dolphins put on a show for you and we’re happy you had plenty of time to enjoy Shell Key. Thanks for ending your vacation with us! Come join us for another adventure the next time you are in town!
Carol_C, Oct 2025
Dillon and Justus were great captains and bartenders! Very smooth operation! Great experience overall!
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you for the kind words! We’re so glad to hear you had a great adventure with Dillon and Justus. They’ll be thrilled to know you enjoyed the cruise and their hospitality. Come join us for another adventure soon!
Kasie_M, Oct 2025
We had a great time with Aaron and Dillon! They were so helpful and knowledgeable. We would definitely go again!
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you so much for joining us! We’re so glad to hear you had a great time with Aaron and Dillon — they’ll be happy to know they made your trip special. We’d love to have you back again soon!
Jennifer_C, Sep 2025
This is a must do! Barry and Dylan, the boat captains, were so great! Very personable and knowledgeable about the area. They kept maneuvering the boat so we could see all the dolphins up close. When we docked on Shell Island, they put some Sunchill floats in the water so we could just hang out. Good selection of beverages onboard also. We highly recommend this excursion!
Response from Host, Oct 2025
So glad you had such a fun day with Barry and Dylan! Dolphins, Shell Island, and floats in the water are the perfect combo — we’d love to have you back again soon!
Tia_R, Jul 2025
We recently went on the Coastal Cruises dolphin watching and shell preserve beach excursion in St. Petersburg, Florida, and it was an absolute blast! From start to finish, the experience was engaging and fun for the whole family.
The boat ride was smooth, and we were lucky enough to spot several dolphins playing in the water. The excitement on the kids' faces was priceless as they cheered and pointed out the dolphins leaping and swimming alongside us. The crew was friendly and knowledgeable, sharing interesting facts about the local marine life and ensuring everyone had a great time.
After the dolphin watching, we made our way to the shell preserve beach, which was a perfect spot for some fun in the sun. The beach was beautiful, and the kids had a fantastic time searching for unique shells and playing in the sand. It was a great opportunity for them to explore and connect with nature.
Overall, Coastal Cruises delivered an unforgettable day of adventure. If you're in St. Petersburg and looking for a family-friendly excursion, this is definitely one to consider!
Erica_H, Jun 2025
We had a great time on our dolphin cruise and visit to Shell Key. The weather was perfect, the water was beautiful and our captains Paul and Berry were awesome! Great couple of hours, definitely recommend ❤️
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Thank you for the lovely review! We’re so glad you enjoyed the perfect weather, beautiful waters, and had a great time with the crew. We appreciate your recommendation and hope to see you again soon!
Meghan_R, May 2025
We found this last minute after not making any real plans for the day. It was the prefect way to spend an afternoon. Just the right amount of time on the water and at the beach for shell gathering. Crew of the boat was great. Super personable and open to questions from the group. Would definitely recommend to anyone who’s visiting St. Pete.
Response from Host, May 2025
Thank you for sharing your experience! We're so glad your last-minute plans turned into the perfect afternoon on the water. Our crew will be happy to hear they made such a positive impression. We appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back anytime you’re visiting St. Pete!
kirsten_s, Mar 2025
We had a great time. Weather was perfect Captains were very knowledgeable. And stopped to see dolphins wherever they were.
Elizabeth_T, Feb 2024
The respectful crew and of course seeing the dolphins. The crew was informative and courteous.
So many dolphin encounters and the shelling was great too!
Cynthia_R, Feb 2024
Had a great trip! Boat was super clean, staff friendly and informative, lots and lots of shells as well as some sand dollars and starfish. Definitely will go again if in the area.
Rhonda_j, Feb 2024
Had very nice weather and saw lots of dolphins which our two grandkids got to see Captain Tom and Paul were super nice guys also saw some beautiful house's on the way to shell island
Gary_B, Jan 2024
Captain’s Paul and Tim did a great job! We saw several dolphins and it was great to see the st Pete area by boat!
Carissa_L, Oct 2023
Highly recommended! Fun for all ages. If able to I suggest the evening ride to skyway bridge and sunset view from island as well. We did both the same day and we'll worth it! Don't book at same time as you will get a discount after first ride to use with next booking ;)
Susan_R, Jul 2023
What a fun time. I can’t say enough about the crew. They were marvelous. Thoughtful & kind. I would HIGHLY recommend this trip
Amy_S, Jun 2023
Toby and Britt were great guides.. fun tour guide and was very willing and helpful to find dolphins and very talkative to guests..
Theodore_D, May 2023
Saw plenty of Dolphins, collect Shells and over all great experience. The captain and 1st mate interact with passengers. Everyone was enjoying the day,coming back for night show
Kelly_H, Apr 2023
Beautiful weather. Boat crew very nice. Boat was clean. Disappointed in the island. Would have like to see more scenery from the water in route
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