Family Friendly • 3 Hours • Escape the Mainland
Join Coastal Cruises for a 3-hour dolphin watching and shelling adventure departing from St. Pete. Spot playful dolphins, stroll pristine Shell Key Island, and enjoy a relaxed coastal excursion perfect for families.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels as the tour involves mostly sitting with optional short walks on sandy terrain.
Wildlife
History
Shell Key is a protected barrier island important for migratory birds and listed as a state aquatic preserve.
Conservation
Coastal Cruises emphasizes low-impact tourism practices to preserve the fragile coastal and marine ecosystems around St. Petersburg.
Coastal Cruises
Family Friendly • 3 Hours • Escape the Mainland
Coastal Cruises operates from Gulfport, Florida, offering a range of day and evening boat experiences across Tampa Bay and the surrounding waterways. The company runs multiple scheduled departures that include party-focused options such as the Booze Cruise and Sandbar Party, family-friendly outings like the Egmont Key Ultimate Island Adventure, and scenic evening trips for sunsets and the Skyway Bridge Light Show.
Vessels used by Coastal Cruises include 45ft and 50ft custom catamarans equipped for passenger comfort and safety. Select boats feature amenities noted in trip descriptions, such as open bars, beer and wine service, satellite TV, and restroom facilities. Trips range from short 1.5-hour intercoastal cruises to half-day 4-hour island excursions. Popular itinerary highlights include shelling at Outback Key and Shell Key Island, guided tours of historic Fort Dade on Egmont Key, and views of waterfront homes and marine life during dolphin-watching cruises.
Coastal Cruises lists safety and navigation as part of its operations; several experiences note advanced navigation technology and a trained crew. The company is featured on The Adventure Collective and runs departures from Gulfport Marina and other local marinas. Guests should review individual trip details for exact departure location, duration, on-board amenities, and age or accessibility guidance before booking.
Home Base
Gulfport, FL
Departure point for all cruises
Tours Offered
11 Trips
Varied cruises and island adventures
Typical Duration
1.5–4 hrs
Short to half-day excursions
Signature Trip
Skyway Light Show
Sunset cruises with light show
Select a departure, choose a trip — from booze cruises to Egmont Key island adventures — and secure seats for a Gulfport boating experience.
Bring sunscreen and a hat
The Florida sun can be intense; protect yourself during the open-air boat ride.
Wear comfortable, non-slip shoes
Boat decks can be wet; sturdy footwear helps prevent slips during boarding and shelling walks.
Bring a reusable water bottle
Stay hydrated while cruising and exploring the island to enjoy the full experience.
Check the tide schedule
Low tides offer better shelling opportunities on Shell Key Island’s shores.
Sunscreen
Protect your skin from strong sun exposure on open water and sandy beaches.
summer
Wide-brimmed hat
Shields your face and neck from prolonged sun.
summer
Comfortable walking shoes
Provides traction on boat decks and sandy island floors.
Binoculars
Enhances distant dolphin and bird watching opportunities.