Are the boat tours private or shared?

Island Boat Adventures offers private tours allowing for a personalized experience tailored to your group.

Will we see dolphins every trip?

The guides have extensive local knowledge and typically find dolphins on every tour, though wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Is snorkeling equipment provided on the Egmont Key tours?

Yes, snorkel gear is supplied for all participants on tours that include snorkeling at Egmont Key Island.

Are the boats wheelchair accessible?

While the boats are spacious and thoughtfully equipped, accessibility may be limited due to small restroom sizes and boarding steps.

What should I bring on the cruise?

Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, water shoes, and a camera; lightweight layers are recommended for cooler weather.

Can children join the tours?

Yes, children are welcome and often enjoy the hands-on experiences like shelling and spotting marine wildlife.

Dolphin & Shelling Cruises with Island Boat Adventures Gulfport | Boat Tour | Dolphin

Situated on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Gulfport offers a vibrant gateway to some of the region’s most captivating marine experiences. Island Boat Adventures invites travelers to step aboard for intimate, private tours that reveal the unique charm of nearby coastal gems like Shell Key Sandbar and Egmont Key Island. These spots are rich in both natural wonders and recreational opportunities, making Island Boat Adventures a standout choice for anyone seeking hands-on access to Florida’s aquatic wilderness.

The tours focus heavily on the local wildlife, offering close encounters with playful dolphins that often glide alongside the boat. Manatees occasionally join the tour, adding to the chance to witness Florida’s iconic marine life in its natural habitat. The shallow waters around Shell Key Sandbar are famous for their astonishing shelling opportunities, where passengers collect sand dollars and rare shells that have settled in the white, pristine sand. Egmont Key Island provides another layer of adventure with snorkeling over vibrant seagrass beds, offering glimpses of diverse fish species among the submerged landscape.

Island Boat Adventures operates private tours that range from quick 2.5-hour dolphin and shelling trips to more extensive 4-hour excursions that combine shelling, snorkeling, and wildlife spotting. The boats are praised for their cleanliness, speed, and facilities, including restrooms, which enhance comfort on the water. Locally owned and operated, this family-run business brings a personal touch to each trip, with guides who know the waters intimately and tailor the experience to guest interests.

Beyond wildlife, Egmont Key holds historical significance as a former military fort and lighthouse site, adding cultural depth to the natural exploration. Conservation is a key focus, with the company committed to responsible wildlife interaction and support for the fragile coastal ecosystems around Gulfport. Whether chasing the sunset along the sandbar or chasing dolphins through the waves, Island Boat Adventures delivers authentic access to one of Florida’s best-kept aquatic playgrounds.

About Island Boat Adventures

Island Boat Adventures is a Gulfport, Florida–based charter operation specializing in guided shelling, dolphin watching, and snorkeling trips to nearby barrier islands. The company offers multiple curated excursions including private 2.5-hour and 4-hour Shell Key dolphin and shelling tours, public 2.5-hour Shell Key cruises, and 4-hour Egmont Key island and snorkeling adventures. Trips are led by local captains and crews familiar with Shell Key and Egmont Key ecosystems, marine wildlife, tides, and safe coastal navigation. Tours emphasize wildlife viewing—dolphins, manatees, and shorebirds—and shell collecting on protected beaches, along with snorkeling over shallow reefs and historic Egmont Key features. Private bookings accommodate bespoke group needs, while larger scheduled cruises accommodate up to 49 passengers on the 4-hour Egmont or private Egmont snorkeling cruises. Island Boat Adventures operates from Gulfport, Florida, launching to Shell Key and Egmont Key to maximize time on pristine beaches and inshore waters. Safety protocols and passenger briefings are standard before departures; vessels carry necessary life jackets and snorkeling equipment as described in each trip listing. Customers can expect guided shore landings, wildlife narration, and time to shell along low-tide shores where common finds include coquina, scallop, and other Gulf shells. The company markets family-friendly itineraries suitable for multigenerational groups, school trips, and corporate outings. Island Boat Adventures is positioned as a Gulfport-based operator connecting visitors with Tampa Bay’s barrier islands through guided, interpretive boat tours focused on shelling, snorkeling, and dolphin encounters.

Booking is available online or by phone with clear cancellation policies and flexible scheduling options.