Dolphin & Shelling Adventure in Gulfport: Explore Wildlife and Coastal Beauty
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Light physical activity suited for most fitness levels; minimal walking on sandy terrain.
Overview
Embark on a 3-hour Gulfport cruise combining exciting dolphin watching with relaxed shelling on pristine Shell Key Island. Perfect for families and nature lovers eager to discover Florida’s coastal wildlife and sandy shores.
Dolphin & Shelling Adventure (Gulfport Marina Location)
Family Friendly • 3 Hours • Escape the Mainland
Select participants and date
About This Adventure
Experience a thrilling 3-hour adventure with Coastal Cruises, featuring dolphin watching and shelling in St. Pete. Enjoy a scenic cruise past luxurious homes, explore pristine Shell Key Island, and relax aboard with refreshments and engaging crew. This unique blend of wildlife and beach fun promises unforgettable memories!
Duration:
3 hours
About
Escape the mainland and join Coastal Cruises for a perfect day of Dolphin Watching and Shelling in St. Pete! Our 3 hour tour kicks off with a slow 45 minute dolphin watching cruise along the intercoastal waterways amidst the multi-million dollar waterfront homes en route to one of our favorite local shelling islands. Once stopped at either Shell Key Island, guests will have up to an hour and a half to go ashore and enjoy the day the locals’ way swimming and shelling at one of these pristine destinations! For those who aren’t quite as adventurous, our boat has plenty of shade, so feel free to stay aboard, pick the crew’s brain on the local area, take in the views, or enjoy the satellite TV featuring your favorite game! Upon departing the islands we will have an opportunity to once again search for dolphins along the 45 minute intercoastal route back to the marina.
What to Bring
-Towel -Sunscreen -Phone/Camera
What's On Board
-Bar (Water, Soda, Beer, Wine, Seltzers, and RTD Cocktails) -Restroom -Top Notch Crew!
Adventure Tips
Bring sun protection
Florida’s Gulf Coast sun is strong; pack sunscreen and a hat to stay comfortable during the cruise.
Wear comfortable shoes
Bring sandals or water shoes for exploring the sandy beaches of Shell Key Island.
Stay hydrated
Carry a refillable water bottle to keep hydrated throughout the trip, especially in warmer months.
Camera ready
Keep your camera or smartphone handy for capturing dolphins and scenic shorelines.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Bottlenose dolphins
- Snowy plovers
History
Shell Key Island is part of a protected wildlife refuge established to preserve critical coastal habitats along Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Conservation
Coastal Cruises practices responsible tourism by minimizing disturbance to wildlife and educating guests on local ecosystems.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Gulfport
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sunscreen
Protects skin from strong sun exposure during the open water cruise and beach time.
summer specific
Wide-brimmed hat
Provides additional shade and comfort during sunlit portions of the trip.
summer specific
Water shoes
Helpful for walking on hot sand and exploring Shell Key’s shoreline with ease.
summer specific
Binoculars
Enhances wildlife viewing, especially for spotting distant dolphins and birds.