Half-Day Luxury Boat Tour in St. Petersburg — Snorkel Johns Pass, Egmont Key & Shell Key
Difficulty
easy
Duration
4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; basic swimming ability recommended for snorkeling stops.
Overview
Cut loose from the city for four hours of sun, sea and shallow-water snorkeling. This luxury half-day boat tour from downtown St. Petersburg hits Johns Pass, Egmont Key, Shell Key and other Gulf outposts — perfect for brisk swims, bird watching and easy island exploration.
Half-Day Luxury Boat Tour in St. Petersburg — Snorkel Johns Pass, Egmont Key & Shell Key
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The engine eases from idle and the city recedes: glass towers, palm-lined streets and the faint hum of the bridge give way to open water and a horizon that pulls you west. Salt air sharpens the senses as the captain points the bow toward Johns Pass, the old hurricane-cut channel where local fishermen still untangle lines and pelicans ride the bow wake. Onboard, cushioned lounges and sun pads invite a slow, private pace; below, the Gulf’s clear shallows promise a palette of sandbars and seagrass beds ready for snorkeling.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Arrive early and join the captain’s chat
You’ll be added to a group chat before departure — confirm directions and last-minute weather updates with the captain to avoid delays.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen
Protect skin from strong Florida sun and protect marine life by using reef-safe SPF and reapplying regularly.
Pack motion-sickness prevention
Take preventative medication or use acupressure bands if you’re prone to seasickness, especially in choppy afternoon conditions.
Use a small dry bag
Keep phones, wallets and a light layer dry; boat decks and snorkeling mean things get wet fast.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Bottlenose dolphins
- Shorebirds such as piping plovers and terns
History
Johns Pass opened after an 1848 hurricane and was named after a pirate who was among the first to navigate the new channel; Egmont Key later hosted Fort Dade as coastal defense.
Conservation
Many islands on this route are protected or seasonally closed for bird nesting — stay on marked areas, pack out trash, and use reef-safe products to limit impact.
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Adventure Hotspots in St. Petersburg
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects you and the local marine environment from harmful chemicals.
summer specific
Mask/snorkel
A properly fitted mask improves visibility and comfort during snorkeling stops.
Water shoes
Protects feet when landing on shell bars and rocky flats.
summer specific
Light windbreaker
Useful on cooler mornings or if wind picks up offshore.
winter specific