Dolphin Watching & Shelling Adventure in St. Pete: Explore Shell Key Island and Wildlife Cruises
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.
Overview
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.
Dolphin Watching & Shelling Adventure (SkyBeach Location)
Family Friendly • 3 Hours • Escape the Mainland
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About This Adventure
Experience the thrill of dolphin watching and shelling on a scenic 3-hour cruise with Coastal Cruises in St. Pete. Enjoy a leisurely ride through luxurious waterfront homes, explore pristine Shell Key Island, and relax on board with refreshments and engaging crew. This adventure promises unforgettable moments in nature!
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 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.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Bottlenose dolphins
- Sandpipers and other shorebirds
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.
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Adventure Hotspots in St. Petersburg
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sunscreen
Protect your skin from strong sun exposure on open water and sandy beaches.
summer specific
Wide-brimmed hat
Shields your face and neck from prolonged sun.
summer specific
Comfortable walking shoes
Provides traction on boat decks and sandy island floors.
Binoculars
Enhances distant dolphin and bird watching opportunities.