Board a 90-minute cruise from John's Pass for one of the Gulf’s most reliable dolphin encounters. Fast launches, small groups, and expert local narration make this a great half-day pick for families and photographers visiting Madeira Beach.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
90 minutes
Fitness Level
Minimal fitness required; able to step on/off a low-rise boarding ladder and stand for short intervals
Wildlife
History
John's Pass is a working channel and visitor hub that grew up around fishing and small-boat traffic; the boardwalk area now combines marine activity with shops and dining.
Conservation
Operators emphasize no-touch, no-feed viewing and encourage visitors to avoid loud engines near pods; staying on established boarding points reduces shore erosion and disturbance.
Charter Finders
Charter Finders is a Madeira Beach, Florida-based charter company that connects visitors and locals with private and semi-private boating experiences across Tampa Bay, the Intracoastal Waterway, Shell Key Island, Egmont Key, and the Gulf of Mexico.
The company offers a range of guided and bare-boat options including a 2-hour Sunset Cruise; a 3-hour Private Dolphin Shelling Snorkeling Cruise to Shell Key Island for up to six guests; a Private 4-hour bare boat tour sized for groups of 7–18; a 3-hour Dolphin Shelling Snorkeling Cruise suitable for families and service members; a 4-hour Egmont Key Snorkeling Dolphin Cruise with semi-private charters and guided snorkeling; a 22-foot Hurricane deck boat rental without a captain (includes fuel) for up to nine; an 84-foot luxury yacht called Time Warp for private parties of 2–12 with optional chef service; and a pontoon rental without a captain (does not include fuel). Bookable experiences include wildlife viewing—dolphins, manatees, and sea turtles—snorkeling, shelling, and scenic sunset passages past coastal sights and celebrity homes. Charter Finders highlights customizable itineraries, family-friendly options, captain-led and bare-boat choices, and additional rental extras such as snorkel gear and tubes when noted. Many trips support BYOB policies and provide coolers and ice on applicable charters. Reservations accommodate celebrations like anniversaries, bachelorette parties, and birthdays on Time Warp yacht. The deck boat rental includes fuel while the pontoon rental does not. Several excursions note BYOB policies and optional rental extras such as tubes and snorkel gear.
Home Port
Madeira Beach, FL
Launching into Tampa Bay and Gulf
Group Size
2–18 guests
Options for small to large groups
Trip Lengths
2–4 hours
Short to half-day adventures
Trips Offered
9 experiences
Private, semi-private, and rentals
Reserve a private cruise, snorkeling trip, rental, or luxury yacht for your next celebration or family outing.
Arrive early for parking
John's Pass fills quickly—plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to find parking and check in at the boardwalk area.
Bring sun protection
Open-deck cruising exposes you to reflected sun; use a hat, SPF, and polarized sunglasses for better sightings.
Pack a short zoom lens
A 70–200mm or compact zoom captures close bow-riding dolphins without needing to step off the boat.
Prepare for motion
If you’re prone to seasickness, take preventative measures before boarding—the cruise stays nearshore but can roll on chop.
Polarized sunglasses
Reduces glare and helps spot dorsal fins and surface activity.
summer
Light windbreaker
Blocks cool breezes and spray, especially in winter mornings.
spring
Binoculars (compact)
Helps locate distant pods and observe behavior without crowding the bow.
Waterproof phone case or small camera
Protects gear during close encounters and spray-prone moments.