St. Pete Dolphin Watching and Shelling Adventure
Active
3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Escape the mainland and join Coastal Cruises for a perfect day of Dolphin Watching and Shelling in St. Pete! Our three-hour tour starts with a slow 45-minute dolphin-watching cruise along the intercoastal waterways in St. Pete amidst the multi-million dollar waterfront homes en route to one of our favorite local shelling islands in Florida.
Once stopped at either Shell Island, guests will have up to an hour and a half to go ashore and enjoy the day the locals’ way swimming and exploring at one of these pristine shelling destinations!
Our boat has plenty of shade for those who aren’t quite as adventurous, so feel free to stay aboard, pick the crew’s brain on the local St. Pete area, take in the coastal views, or enjoy the satellite TV featuring your favorite game!
Upon departing the St. Pete shelling islands, we will have an opportunity to once again search for dolphins along the 45-minute intercoastal route back to the marina.
Available options
St. Pete Dolphin Watching and Shelling Adventure
Dolphin - Gulfport Location
Starting point:<br/>4630 29th Ave S, Gulfport, FL 33711, USA
Dolphin - SkyBeach Location
Starting point:<br/>6800 Sunshine Skyway Ln S, St. Petersburg, FL 33711, USA
Dolphin - MarineMax Location
Starting point:<br/>MarineMax St. Petersburg, 6810 Gulfport Blvd S, St. Petersburg, FL 33707, USA
What's included
Bar On Board
Restroom On Board
Detailed itinerary
1
Our journey will begin and/or end passing by multi-million dollar waterfront homes. Our guests love taking in these massive estates owned by St. Pete's local millionaires!
2
En Route to Sand Dollar or Shell Island, we will pass by St. Petersburg's historic Gulfport community where many sailboats can be seen mooring off the coast of this waterfront town.
3
En route to island stop, we will pass under several bridges enjoying their architecture. In, particular, the Pinellas Bayway bridge was recently constructed and has an interesting cathedral like appearance when looking to either side while underneath it.
4
Once arrived at either Shell or Sand Dollar Island, guests will have up to an 1.5hrs to go ashore and swim, tan, or search for their favorite shell. For those less adventurous, there is plenty of shade on board to sit back, relax, and pick our crew's brain on the area.
What's not included
Outside Alcohol Not Permitted
Guests are welcome to pack a snack or lunch to enjoy while stopped at the island
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.9
21 reviews
5★
20
4★
0
3★
1
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
5.0
161 reviews
5★
157
4★
1
3★
2
2★
1
1★
0
Important information
Service animals allowed
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
Located at the SkyBeach Resort Marina.
We have multiple marinas we operate out of, please reference your confirmation email for the location your reservation will be departing from. All locations are in St. Pete and are no more than ten minutes apart.
Important notes
Please look out for a secondary email and text containing a link to complete a pre-arrival waiver for all guests in your party. This link can be shared with all members to be completed easier and are done electronically.
About St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg, Florida, is a vibrant city known for its sunny weather, beautiful waterfront, and rich cultural scene. With over 361 days of sunshine per year, it's a perfect destination for outdoor activities, arts, and relaxation.
Top Attractions
The Dalí Museum
The Dalí Museum houses the largest collection of Salvador Dalí's works outside of Europe. It's a must-visit for art lovers and those interested in surrealism.
Museum
2-3 hours
$25
St. Petersburg Pier
The St. Petersburg Pier offers stunning views of Tampa Bay, dining options, and recreational activities. It's a great spot for a leisurely stroll or a family outing.
Waterfront/Entertainment
1-2 hours
Free (attractions may have separate fees)
Fort De Soto Park
Fort De Soto Park is a beautiful beach park with historical significance. It offers pristine beaches, nature trails, and a historic fort to explore.
Nature/Beach
Half day
Free (parking fees apply)
Savage Gardens
Savage Gardens is a unique botanical garden featuring carnivorous plants, tropical plants, and a beautiful butterfly exhibit.
Nature/Botanical Garden
1-2 hours
$10
Sunken Gardens
Sunken Gardens is a historic botanical garden with a diverse collection of plants, including tropical and exotic species. It's a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city.
Nature/Botanical Garden
1-2 hours
$10
Must-Try Local Dishes
Grouper Sandwich
A delicious sandwich featuring fresh grouper, often served with lettuce, tomato, and tartar sauce on a toasted bun.
Lunch
Contains fish and gluten (unless served on a gluten-free bun)
Key Lime Pie
A classic Florida dessert made with key lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, and a graham cracker crust.
Dessert
Contains dairy and gluten (unless served in a gluten-free crust)
Stone Crab
A Florida delicacy featuring sweet and tender stone crab meat, often served with mustard sauce.
Dinner
Contains shellfish and gluten (in the mustard sauce)
Popular Activities
Kayaking
Paddleboarding
Biking
Hiking
Beach lounging
Spa treatments
Yoga
Meditation
Best Time to Visit
November to April
This is the most popular time to visit St. Petersburg due to the pleasant weather and various festivals and events. It's ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the city's attractions.
15-27°C
60-80°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: Spanish
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
United States Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
Eastern Standard Time (EST) (GMT-5) / Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) (GMT-4) during daylight saving time
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
St. Petersburg is generally a safe city for visitors, with a low crime rate. However, as with any destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Important Precautions:
- • Be aware of your surroundings
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Use licensed taxis or rideshare services
Getting there
By air
- St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport • 15 miles (24 km)
- Tampa International Airport • 20 miles (32 km)
By bus
Greyhound Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
The bus system is affordable and convenient, with numerous routes connecting major attractions and neighborhoods.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Downtown St. Petersburg
Tropicana Field
Grand Central District
Historic Kenwood
Day trips
Clearwater Beach
20 miles (32 km) • Half day to full day
Clearwater Beach is a beautiful beach destination with white sand, clear water, and a variety of water sports and activities.
Tarpon Springs
30 miles (48 km) • Full day
Tarpon Springs is a charming Greek town with a rich history and a variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
25 miles (40 km) • Full day
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is a popular theme park with thrilling rides, animal encounters, and live entertainment.
Festivals
St. Petersburg Pride • June
Tampa Bay Margarita Festival • October
St. Pete Food Truck Festival • March
Pro tips
- Visit the St. Petersburg Pier for stunning views of Tampa Bay and the city skyline
- Explore the city's vibrant arts and culture scene by visiting museums, galleries, and theaters
- Enjoy the city's beautiful waterfront by taking a sunset sail or renting a kayak or paddleboard
- Sample the city's diverse culinary scene by trying local specialties, such as grouper sandwiches and key lime pie
- Take a day trip to nearby Clearwater Beach or Tarpon Springs for a change of pace and additional attractions
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
