Cruise the Gulf for four hours to two of Pinellas County’s most striking barrier islands—snorkel clear shallows, comb shell-strewn beaches, and learn about local ecosystems on a private family-friendly boat tour from St. Pete Beach.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The sun cuts a silver line across the Gulf as your captain slips the boat from the marina and the shoreline of St. Pete Beach recedes. Salt air pushes at the bow, mangrove islands loom like green walls, and within an hour the sand stretches open: Shell Key’s low spit to starboard and the wide beaches of Fort De Soto ahead.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; you should be able to step on and off a small boat and walk short sandy stretches.
Wildlife
History
Fort De Soto Park includes turn-of-the-century coastal defense structures and is named for the Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto; its fortifications became part of Tampa Bay’s waterfront history.
Conservation
Shell Key is a protected preserve with fragile seagrass and nesting beaches—stick to marked areas, pack out trash, and avoid disturbing wildlife to limit human impact.
Reserve your spot on the Private 4-Hour Beach Tour St. Petersburg, FL today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Book early for weekend launches
This private tour is popular on weekends and holidays—reserve ahead and arrive 15–20 minutes early to find the meeting spot behind the marina store.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen
Use biodegradable sunscreen to protect seagrass beds and marine life while staying comfortable in the sun.
Protect electronics
Stow phones and cameras in a dry bag or ziplock—spray and snorkel splashes are common near shallow reefs.
Respect nesting areas
Stay off dunes and marked areas at Fort De Soto and Shell Key during nesting season to avoid disturbing shorebirds.
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects your skin and the local seagrass and marine life.
summer
Snorkel mask or mask-and-snorkel
Allows close-up views of fish and seagrass meadows in shallow water.
summer
Dry bag (small)
Keeps phone, wallet and snacks dry during boat transfers and splashy conditions.
Light sun hat and sunglasses
Shields you from reflective sun on the water and improves comfort while cruising.
spring