Embark on a cruise to Shell Key Island, where you can spot dolphins and other wildlife while enjoying a snorkeling experience.
Explore this untouched wildlife preserve. You can snorkel, take a refreshing swim, or simply stroll along the beach collecting shells.
Depending on the season, you might encounter dolphins in their natural environment, as well as manatees, rays, and various bird species.
Our tours are semi-private, accommodating a maximum of 6 passengers per boat, ensuring you avoid large crowds during your excursion.
✓ Bottled water✓ Parking at the marina✓ Use of Snorkelling equipment✓ BYOB welcome✓ Cooler with ice on board✓ FREE parking at the Tierra Verde Marina Resort✕ Food, unless specified✕ GratuitiesActivity Schedule
2 h
The Island Ferry's Dolphin-Snorkeling Cruise offers a boat trip to Shell Key for snorkeling and dolphin watching.
Observe dolphins in their natural habitat, alongside manatees, rays, and wild birds.
Enjoy snorkeling and collecting shells at Shell Key Preserve, where you can find hermit crabs, conchs, rays, horseshoe crabs, and more.
Island Ferry operates as a tour boat, not a drop-off service; the boat remains with you at Shell Key for the duration of your visit.
Take a break from your activities and relax on our shaded boats with a cold beverage.
The Island Ferry crew provides lifeguard supervision while you and your family are in the water, ensuring everyone's safety.
Snorkel gear and floating noodles are provided.
Island Ferry of St Pete St. Pete Beach
Mobile or paper ticket accepted. One per booking
We depart from the beautiful Tierra Verde Marina Resort, located at 198 Madonna Blvd next to the Island Grille Restaurant, and the Residence Inn Marriot.
Please report to the Check-In area at the Island Ferry sign.
We depart from the beautiful Tierra Verde Marina Resort, located at 198 Madonna Blvd next to the Island Grille Restaurant, and the Residence Inn Marriot.
Please report to the Check-In area at the Island Ferry sign.
You must check in 30 minutes prior to your departure time. All trips leave promptly at their departure time.
PLEASE TEXT YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS TO ISLAND FERRY AT 727-742-2277 SO THAT YOU CAN SIGN THE DIGITAL WAIVER.
FAILURE TO SIGN THE WAIVER WILL RESULT IN THE CANCELLATION OF YOUR BOOKING.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller Service animals allowed Suitable for all physical fitness levels You must check in 30 minutes prior to your departure time. All trips leave promptly at their departure time A minimum of 2 people per booking is required Mid Day Dolphin/Shell Key Dolphin/Shell Key: See dolphins and visit Shell Key at the same time! See dolphins in their natural habitat, along with manatees, rays, and wild birds. Then go shelling on Shell Key Preserve. 4:15pm Dolphin/Shell Key See dolphins and visit Shell Key at the same time! See dolphins in their natural habitat, along with manatees, rays, and wild birds. Then go shelling on Shell Key Preserve. 9am Dolphin/Shell Key See dolphins and visit Shell Key at the same time! See dolphins in their natural habitat, along with manatees, rays, and wild birds. Then go shelling on Shell Key Preserve. Check in 30 minutes before departure. Sign the digital waiver to confirm your booking. Bring your own food and drinks if desired. Sunscreen and hats are recommended. Camera for wildlife photos. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Product code: 30627P2
Activity offered by Island Ferry LLC via Viator.
WizardTrip Help Center Families Couples Nature enthusiasts Wildlife lovers Beachgoers Semi-private tours with a maximum of 6 passengers Opportunity to see dolphins, manatees, and rays Snorkeling and shelling at Shell Key Preserve Boat remains with you for the entire duration Lifeguard supervision provided All snorkel gear included
Population 258,308 (2020)
Elevation 134 m
Currency United States dollar
Driving on the right
Power plugs A, B · 120 V
Emergency number 911
Capital city Washington, D.C. Average temperatures 15° Jan 17° Feb 19° Mar 23° Apr 26° May 27° Jun 28° Jul 28° Aug 27° Sept 24° Oct 20° Nov 17° Dec Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.
What is the maximum number of passengers per boat? + All of our rides are semi-private, with a maximum of 6 passengers per boat.
What wildlife can I expect to see? + Depending on the time of year, you'll see dolphins in their natural habitat, along with manatees, rays, and wild birds.
What should I bring? + BYOB is welcome, and a cooler with ice is on board. Food is not included unless specified.
What is the cancellation policy? + For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Where do we check in? + Please report to the Check-In area at the Island Ferry sign at Tierra Verde Marina Resort.
★★★★★ Viator review
Shells, Dolphin, and Manatee!
Michelle_W, October 2026
Captain Troy was very safe and professional. We really appreciated his knowledge of the wildlife and ocean. We had 3 adults and 2 teens with plenty of space for togetherness or some adult time up front! We saw a manatee and dolphin as well as a mother and baby. Shell island was a special treat! The kids snorkeling and shelling in the water.. while we collected shells of many varieties on the soft sand! Scallops and sea urchins were my favorite.
The boat was clean and was smooth considering a stormy weekend and I did not get nauseous- which is a plus for me(as I get seasick)! The marina store has snacks, beer and wine, sundry items. Great experience!
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Family Trip
michelepD1528TP, September 2026
The experience was great. Dave the guide was so knowledgeable and very helpful with all related to the tour. My only complaint is that I brought on 3 kids, a 6 year old, 3 year old and 2 month old. They charge the full price of an adult for all kids, even the infant. I understand for accounting for all bodies on board, but creatively my sleeping infant should be full price as an adult.
★★★★★ Viator review
Good
Holly_C, September 2026
Our guide was knowledgeable about the area. We saw many dolphins and he took his time to allow us to watch them.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Dolphins and manatees
braddA9018VV, September 2026
Captain Dave was great! We were able to take a nice boat ride and see dolphins and manatees. Great morning on the water!
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Fun boat sightseeing tour
Q130UAjackiek, August 2026
Nice 2 hour trip around back inlets in bay, didn’t get to go see any dolphins because water was to choppy on the open bayside.
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