Sunset Shelling & Dolphin Tours with Suncoast Watersports
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels, including families and older adults; minimal physical exertion required.
Overview
Combine dolphin watching with shell collecting on this 3-hour tour from St. Pete Beach. Suncoast Watersports’ Sand Dollar Island + Sunset cruise offers hands-on nature and stunning Gulf Coast sunsets.
Sand Dollar Island + Sunset (45 min island stop)
~3 hours • All Ages • Family Friendly • Great Shelling
Select participants and date
Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Experience a delightful sunset tour that combines dolphin watching with sand dollar collecting. Departing before sundown, you'll explore the serene Sand Dollar Island, gathering unique shells while enjoying refreshing drinks. Conclude your adventure with a picturesque sunset cruise back to St. Pete Beach, creating unforgettable memories on the water.
“Sip” back and relax on a dolphin-watching, sand dollar-collecting, sunset tour!
Duration
3 hours
About
The sunset and brews cruise offers dolphin watching, sand dollaring, and exploring. Topped off with a serene cruise back from the island, watching the sun set over the water, drink in hand.
More info
Departing two and a half hours before sundown, the cruise combines the memorable Sand Dollar Island Dolphin Tour with a sunset ride back to St. Pete Beach. Watch for dolphins, collect sand dollars, and then savor the picturesque sunset with a relaxing beverage.
This tour ferries you out to Sand Dollar Island, a half-mile sand bar situated off the coast of Fort Desoto and Shell Key preserve. Stroll along the beach looking for sand dollars and other awesome shells you won’t find on the coastline beaches. Fill your bag with horse conchs, shark eye shells, and tulip shells to create a one of a kind collection.
Features
- On-board bathroom
- U.S.C.G.-inspected vessel
- Children’s life jackets
- Friendly expert guides
- Fully sanitized surfaces
- Refreshments
Adventure Tips
Bring a small bag for shells
A lightweight bag makes collecting sand dollars and unique shells easier without damaging them.
Wear sunscreen and a hat
Evenings on the water can still have strong sun exposure; protect your skin during the island stop and cruise.
Arrive early to secure parking
Parking near the departure point can fill up quickly, especially during peak season and weekends.
Bring motion sickness remedies if needed
The boat ride is smooth but open water can affect sensitive passengers—come prepared.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Bottlenose dolphins
- Brown pelicans
History
Sand Dollar Island lies near historic Fort De Soto, a military installation from the late 19th century now turned park, making the region rich in cultural and natural history.
Conservation
Suncoast Watersports promotes sustainable tourism by encouraging responsible wildlife viewing and educating guests on protecting fragile coastal ecosystems.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in St. Petersburg
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sunscreen
Protect exposed skin from UV rays during the afternoon and island stop.
summer specific
Reusable water bottle
Stay hydrated throughout the trip, especially when shelling on the island.
Light jacket or windbreaker
Bring along for cooler evening breezes during the sunset cruise.
fall specific
Camera or smartphone
Capture dolphins, shells, and stunning Gulf Coast sunsets.