All Ages • 2 hours • Watch “Flipper” play in Tampa Bay!
Spend two lively hours on Tampa Bay watching bottlenose dolphins surf bow waves, snorkel shallow seagrass flats, and float beside mangrove channels. Small groups, included gear, and local guides make this an easy, family-friendly marine outing from Holmes Beach.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Hang tight — photos are loading
This usually takes just a second.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Basic mobility and the ability to climb aboard a small boat; comfortable standing for short periods and moving on a wet deck.
Wildlife
History
The waters around Tampa Bay, Sarasota, and Anna Maria Island provide an excellent habitat for bottlenose dolphins and have long supported coastal fishing communities.
Conservation
Use reef-safe sunscreen, avoid feeding or approaching wildlife, and stay off exposed seagrass beds to protect nursery habitat.
Island Way Excursions
All Ages • 2 hours • Watch “Flipper” play in Tampa Bay!
Island Way Excursions is a boat tour operator based in Apollo Beach, Florida, offering guided marine excursions on the Gulf Coast. The company runs four distinct trips: the Sandbar Trip, Egmont Key Adventure, Sunset Cruise, and Dolphin Tour. Each trip focuses on close-up wildlife viewing, coastal landscapes, and hands-on marine experiences.
The Sandbar Trip invites guests to wade into clear shallow water to explore shifting sandbars filled with starfish, fish, and shells, with water toys and Gulf views. The Egmont Key Adventure sails to Egmont Key to visit pristine beaches and historic forts; that trip is guided by Capt. Dan and emphasizes shoreline exploration and wildlife spotting. The Sunset Cruise offers relaxed evening sailing toward Egmont Key’s beaches and forts, with opportunities to observe seabirds and coastal scenery. The Dolphin Tour concentrates on finding playful dolphins in Tampa Bay and includes snorkeling and underwater scooters as available activities.
Island Way Excursions designs each outing for passengers seeking accessible, memorable time on the water. Trip descriptions highlight marine life, scenic views, and shore access where applicable. Reservations and tour schedules are based in Apollo Beach, Florida, and trips depart from local launch points serving the Tampa Bay and Gulf areas. Guests choose experiences by interest—sandbars and shelling, historic island visits, sunset sailing, or dolphin encounters—to match activity level and desired shoreline or wildlife focus. Booking information, availability, and safety guidance are provided at the time of reservation and vary by trip. Groups and families are welcome aboard. Contact details available online.
Location
Apollo Beach, FL
Gulf Coast departure point
Tours Offered
4
Four distinct boat tour experiences
Egmont Guide
Capt. Dan
Guides the Egmont Key Adventure
Highlights
Wildlife & Beaches
Dolphins, starfish, snorkeling, historic forts
Check availability and book Sandbar, Egmont Key, Sunset, or Dolphin trips online to secure a Gulf Coast boat tour.
Choose reef-safe sunscreen
Protect skin and seagrass beds by using reef-safe sunscreen; reapply before boarding and after swimming.
Book morning departures
Dolphins are often most active during morning tidal shifts—morning trips can increase sighting chances and offer calmer seas.
Secure loose items
Bring dry bags or tethered straps for cameras and sunglasses—waves and quick movement make unsecured gear easy to lose.
Keep distance and quiet
Avoid leaning over the rail or making sudden splashes near dolphins; quiet observation lowers stress on wildlife.
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects your skin and the bay’s seagrass and marine life during sun exposure.
summer
Wide-brim hat and polarized sunglasses
Reduces glare for spotting dolphins and protects from Florida sun.
summer
Water shoes
Grip on wet decks and comfort when hopping into shallow water or the paddle boat.
Waterproof camera or phone case
Capture surface behavior and shoreline light without risking electronics.