Recent Searches
ClearClose
Something Went Wrong
Oops, looks like something went wrong! We are sorry for the inconvenience caused whilst trying to find your next trip. Please refresh the page or try again later.
Log in
The email or password you entered isn't correct. If you've forgotten your password, please reset it. Click here
Shared 2 Hours Dolphin Watch Cruise with Snorkeling to Shell Key
Share





See More
See More

See More
From $51.52
Yay! This item has been added to your cart.
Shared 2 Hours Dolphin Watch Cruise with Snorkeling to Shell Key
Free cancellation
Up to 24 hours in advance. Learn more
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation
- 24 hours prior100% refund
- Within 24 hoursNo refund
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Learn more about cancellations
Shop by Category
St Petersburg Tours
Art & Culture Classes
Art Classes
Arts & Design
Art Tours
Culture
Archaeology Tours
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Photography Tours
Pop Culture
Ghost Tours
Harry Potter
Street Art Tour
Shows & Performances
Nightlife
Art & Culture Classes
Art Classes
Dining Experiences
Dinner Cruises
Lunch
Food Tours
Culinary Tour
Wine, Beer & Spirits
Beer & Brewery Tours
Pub Tours
Parasailing
Escape Rooms
Helicopter Tours
Bike Rentals
Mountain Bike Tours
Scavenger Hunts
Boat Rentals
Catamaran Cruises
Dinner Cruises
Fishing Charters
Glass Bottom Boat Tours
Jet Boat Rentals
Kayaking Tours
Kitesurfing
Night Cruises
Parasailing
Power Boats
Rafting
Sailing
Sightseeing Cruises
Snorkeling
Speed Boat Rentals
Stand Up Paddleboarding
Swimming
Tubing
Water Equipment Rentals
Weddings & Celebrations
Honeymoon Packages
Shows & Performances
Nightlife
Cruises & Sailing
Catamaran Cruises
Day Cruises
Dinner Cruises
Night Cruises
Ports of Call Tours
Sailing
Shore Excursions
Sightseeing Cruises
Sunset Cruises
Whale Watching
How to Get Around
Bike Rentals
Bike Tours
Bus Tours
Car Tours
E-Bike Tours
Glass Bottom Boat Tours
Helicopter Tours
Mountain Bike Tours
Power Boats
Rentals
Segway Tours
Self-guided Tours
Speed Boat Rentals
Walking Tours
Water Tours
Private and Luxury
Sightseeing Tours
Adventure Tours
Night Tours
Private Sightseeing Tours
Sightseeing Cruises
Whale Watching
Tours by Duration
Day Trips
Full-day Tours
Half-day Tours
Services
Photo Shoots
Transfers
Airport & Hotel Transfers
Water Transfers
Transportation
Ferry Services
Private Drivers
Transportation Rentals
Transportation Services
Attractions
Recommendations
Loading available options...
Share
Safety measures
Keeping you safe during COVID-19
Vaccine? Quarantine? Masking?
Vaccine? Quarantine? Masking? We know, there’s a lot to keep track of. Be sure to check local guidelines so you’re aware of all travel requirements before you go.
What you can expect during your visit
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
Safety precautions are provided by the tour operator and are not checked by Viator for accuracy
More questions?
(888) 651-9785
2 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Explore our promoted experiences

St. Pete Beach Dolphin Racer Speedboat Adventure
- 128
- 1 hour 30 minutes
- Free Cancellation
From
$32.31
From
$32.31

Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out
From
$59.99

From
$64.99

Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out
Private Dolphin Tour & Visit Shell Key Preserve- Snorkel, Shell and Swim!
- 90
- 2 hours 30 minutes
- Free Cancellation
From
$117.00
From
$117.00

Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out
From
$60.00

Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out
Sharkey's LED Illuminated Night Tour on Glass Bottom Kayaks in St. Pete Beach
- 148
- 1 hour 15 minutes
- Free Cancellation
From
$55.00
From
$55.00

Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out
From
$75.00

From
$90.95
Operators have paid Viator more to have their experiences featured here
Overview
Look for dolphins around Boca Ciega Bay in St. Pete Beach on a cruise in the Tampa Bay Area. Continue into the Gulf of Mexico to visit Shell Key island, a wildlife preserve where you can snorkel, swim, or collect shells on the beach. Depending on the season, you might spot dolphins, manatees, rays, and a variety of seabirds. This family-friendly tour offers both a late morning and afternoon departure, making it easy to suit your schedule.
- Head out on a dolphin watching cruise from St. Pete Beach
- See local wildlife like rays, seabirds, and manatees
- Choose from multiple departure times to fit your schedule
- Snorkeling equipment and bottled water are included
Saved to wishlist!
From $51.52
Book Now
What's Included
Bottled water
Use of Snorkeling equipment
Parking at the marina
Cooler with ice on board
FREE parking at the Tierra Verde Marina Resort
BYOB welcome
Food, unless specified
Gratuities
Departure & Return
Tierra Verde Marina Resort , 200 Madonna Blvd, Tierra Verde, FL 33715, USA
This activity will end right where it started.We depart from the 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.
What To Expect
Make your own way to the marina at St. Pete Beach to meet the crew and board your boat.
Set out for Boca Ciega Bay where you are likely to see dolphins and, occasionally, manatees feeding near shallow sandbars. Observe the remarkable animals in their natural habitat for a memorable experience of Florida’s wildlife.
Continue to the waters of the Gulf of Mexico to visit Shell Key Island Wildlife Preserve, which includes a picturesque white sand beach with many seashells. Spend time at Shell Key Island and snorkel from the beach in shallow water. During the warmer seasons, you might spot rays and manatees there.
Your tour ends with return to the marina.
Set out for Boca Ciega Bay where you are likely to see dolphins and, occasionally, manatees feeding near shallow sandbars. Observe the remarkable animals in their natural habitat for a memorable experience of Florida’s wildlife.
Continue to the waters of the Gulf of Mexico to visit Shell Key Island Wildlife Preserve, which includes a picturesque white sand beach with many seashells. Spend time at Shell Key Island and snorkel from the beach in shallow water. During the warmer seasons, you might spot rays and manatees there.
Your tour ends with return to the marina.
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- 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
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers
- OPERATED BY Island Ferry LLC
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Learn more about cancellations.
Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Filter by:
Accessibility Health & Safety Inclusion/Exclusion Itinerary details Meeting & Pickup Other Pricing/OptionsQ:
Can I bring an infant on the boat during the Shared 2 Hours Dolphin Watch Cruise with Snorkeling to Shell Key?
A:Yes! Children of all ages are welcome on board! Due to capacity on the boat, all guests pay the same rate, regardless of age.
Mar 2021
Q:
What type of boat is used for the Shared 2 Hours Dolphin Watch Cruise with Snorkeling to Shell Key?
A:We use 25-foot luxury pontoon boats with cushioned seating, cup holders, and lounge tables. These boats are fitted with the most advanced hull designs available for a safe, stable & comfortable ride in a wide variety of surf conditions.
Mar 2021
Q:
Are there restrooms on board the boat during the Shared 2 Hours Dolphin Watch Cruise with Snorkeling to Shell Key?
A:There are no restrooms onboard, however, there are facilities at the Marina for use before and after the tour.
Mar 2021
Q:
Can I bring my own food/drinks on the Shared 2 Hours Dolphin Watch Cruise with Snorkeling to Shell Key?
A:Yes - We provide bottled water, however, you may bring your own food and or drinks. Alcoholic beverages are welcome on board as well. We also have a cooler with ice onboard that you may use.
Mar 2021
Q:
Are we able to swim with the dolphins during the Shared 2 Hours Dolphin Watch Cruise with Snorkeling to Shell Key?
A:No - this is not a "Swimming with Dolphins" experience. Contact with dolphins and manatees is strictly prohibited.
Mar 2021
Q:
What should I bring with me on the Shared 2 Hours Dolphin Watch Cruise with Snorkeling to Shell Key?
A:Bring your swimsuit and towel. We also recommend sunscreen, a hat, and a camera.
Mar 2021
Q:
Is there parking near the departure point for the Shared 2 Hours Dolphin Watch Cruise with Snorkeling to Shell Key?
A:Yes, there is free parking available at the Tierra Verde Marina Resort.
Mar 2021
Q:
What is the policy on sanitization during Shared 2 Hours Dolphin Watch Cruise with Snorkeling to Shell Key?
A:The policies on sanitization are:
- Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
- Gear/equipment sanitized between use
- Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
Q:
What is the social distancing policy during Shared 2 Hours Dolphin Watch Cruise with Snorkeling to Shell Key?
A:The policy on social distancing is:
- Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Traveler Photos



See More


See More
Traveler Tips
- "I highly recommend this relaxing boat trip for family and friends." See review
- "They have a cooler you can put them in on the boat." See review
|
Reviews
5.0
765 Reviews
5 stars
710
4 stars
31
3 stars
13
2 stars
1
1 star
10
Reviews by Viator travelers
We perform checks on reviews
Showing 1-10 of 765 reviews
Awesome time
Athena_B
, Jun 2022
Captain Tim was awesome!
Cathy_T
, Jun 2022
Beautiful views, great time!!
Tyler_P
, Jun 2022
The experience was...
Ashley_B
, Jun 2022
Must do
Venus_C
, Jun 2022
If you like she collecting then go.
Michele_R
, Jun 2022
The shelling on Shell Key was nice and should receive top billing on the tour. Dolphin "watch" should be last as it is only a watch for dolphin band you might glimpse one or two. It is definitely not worth top billing. These are wild animals and they only show up if conditions are just right. You do not get a close up of any.
Fun day!
Corey_R
, Jun 2022
Dolphin and snorkeling tour
John_E
, Jun 2022
I booked the dolphin and snorkeling tour of shell key with this company over the past weekend, and it turned out to be a wonderful outing that I would recommend to anyone. Captain Dalton was a conservation-minded and eco-conscious individual who worked really hard to make sure everyone on the boat had a great time. We saw a manatee, which for us would have been great all by itself! But as the cruise went on, we also saw dolphin and tarpon, and we had a great time during the snorkeling portion of the tour as well, where we saw mainly sand dollars, conches, and starfish. All the time, Captain Dalton was very careful to protect the wildlife from being harassed, or harmed. I am very thankful to the staff and crew of Island Ferry for creating what will be a lasting memory for us!
John E
Awesome, relaxing tour!
Kari_C
, Jun 2022
Found lots of sand...
Rebecca_F
, Jun 2022
Found lots of sand dollars and snorkeling . We did take a detour to get a tent out of the water and that took a little time and time out of our trip. Otherwise we had a great time!
Get what you ask for from captain Tim.
Bob_C
, Jun 2022
Our captain Tim was the greatest. He asked what we wanted to do and made it happen for us. We spent extra time looking for dolphins and SCORE!!!
Tim gave us exactly what we asked for plus some. We will definitely book again next year when we return. This time it will be a longer cruise.
Thanks a lot to Tim, our captain, and the rest of the crew. We even got to purchase T shirts. Can't wait until June 2023. Hopefully Tim will be available to take us on a longer cruise/tour. I think we were spoiled.
Fun for all ages!
William_T
, May 2022
One of the most memorable experiences of our honeymoon!
Phillip_V
, May 2022
Dolton was our captain, and he was very knowledgeable, down to earth, and genuinely seemed to love the life he lived! There was another ferry that went with us and the 2 ferries created waves together that a mother and baby dolphin swam into! It was a great show, first time ever seeing a dolphin! The snorkeling at the sand bar was amazing also, we collected sand dollars and shells and it was nice because we could go off and explore. We will definitely be going again!
Wonderful captain!
Mam_C
, May 2022
Very nice trip would recommend it
David_J
, May 2022
Best experience in Florida!!!!
Maviruehmann
, May 2022
It was a fantastic experience! We saw a large pod of manatees and dolphins! Captain Dalton was awesome and very informative on sealife! The snorkeling/shelling was a lot of fun and the island was gorgeous! I felt like I was transferred to the Caribbean! Definitely book this trip you will have a GREAT TIME, I will return for sure!
Perfect way to spend the Afternoon
Kaitlyn_D
, May 2022
Definitely one of the highlights of our Florida vacation! We saw so many dolphins as well as a few manatees and even a little shark. Captain Dalton was a great time and very knowledgeable about the area and animals sharing many interesting facts as he tracked down the dolphins. The beach they take you to to snorkel is a quiet little strip of paradise, although we didn't see much snorkeling wise my boyfriend and I had a great time swimming in the warm water and collecting shells and sand dollars, we even found a quiet spot all to ourselves and felt like we were on our own private island. We booked a two hour trip thinking it would be plenty of time for this experience but ended up wishing it was longer. They even drop you back off at a great little beach bar/pool that was a fun spot to spend the afternoon after our charter. Would book again in a heartbeat if we ever return to Tampa
Fun Family Trip
Jonelle_O
, May 2022
Took a late afternoon tour, it was an awesome experience for my kids (6,8) and our parents traveling with us. The kids found lots of sand dollars in the water around shell key and saw quite a few dolphins. It was nice to be able to follow the dolphins on a whim with a very flexible boat captain. Location was excellent and so much better than fighting traffic into Clearwater. Thank you we all loved the experience.
First time
Jessica_F
, May 2022
We perform checks on reviews
You can only submit a review or rating of an experience to Viator if you were the person who made the booking through Viator. Before publication, each review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information for each of the following criteria: who, what, how, and when. If the system detects something that contradicts our publication criteria, the review is not published. When the system detects a problem with a review, it may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site. In some cases, we will also send you an email asking you to validate your review before it is published. All you need to do is click on the link provided in the email. After publication, our team checks each review reported to it as not meeting our publication criteria. Tripadvisor reviews that appear on the Viator site are subject to the same checks and moderation processes as set out above. It is not necessary to have booked an experience through Viator (or Tripadvisor) to submit a review of an experience to the Tripadvisor site.
Why you are seeing these recommendations
Compare Similar Experiences
Current

Shared 2 Hours Dolphin Watch Cruise with Snorkeling to Shell Key
752
2 hours
Free Cancellation
From
$51.52
296
1 hour 30 minutes
Free Cancellation
From
$62.03
169
2 hours 30 minutes
Free Cancellation
From
$24.36
272
3 hours
Free Cancellation
From
$54.00
90
2 hours 30 minutes
Free Cancellation
From
$117.00
Why you are seeing these recommendations
Explore Similar Things to Do
Nature and Wildlife ToursSnorkelingWhale WatchingWater SportsCruises, Sailing & Water ToursOutdoor ActivitiesTours & SightseeingSt PetersburgNature and Wildlife Tours - FloridaSnorkeling - FloridaWhale Watching - FloridaNature and Wildlife Tours - TampaSnorkeling - TampaWhale Watching - TampaNature and Wildlife Tours - ClearwaterSnorkeling - ClearwaterWhale Watching - ClearwaterCategory
Why you are seeing these recommendations
Sorting, ranking, and search results
Viator wants to make your searches as relevant as possible. That’s why we offer many ways to help you find the right experiences for you.
On some pages, you can select how to sort the results we display and also use filter options to see only those search results that meet your chosen preferences. You’ll see explanations of what those sort options mean when you select them.
You’ll see some experiences with a “Promoted” badge, which means that the operators of those experiences have agreed to pay Viator more to have their experience highlighted.
If you see an Experience Award Winner label, the award is based on average review ratings, share of bookings with a review, and number of bookings through Viator over a 12-month period.
The importance of any one factor over any other in a sort order varies, and the balance is constantly being reviewed and adjusted. We’re always updating our systems and testing new ways to refine and improve your results to make them as relevant as possible to meet your needs.
On some pages, you can select how to sort the results we display and also use filter options to see only those search results that meet your chosen preferences. You’ll see explanations of what those sort options mean when you select them.
You’ll see some experiences with a “Promoted” badge, which means that the operators of those experiences have agreed to pay Viator more to have their experience highlighted.
If you see an Experience Award Winner label, the award is based on average review ratings, share of bookings with a review, and number of bookings through Viator over a 12-month period.
The importance of any one factor over any other in a sort order varies, and the balance is constantly being reviewed and adjusted. We’re always updating our systems and testing new ways to refine and improve your results to make them as relevant as possible to meet your needs.
Lowest Price Guarantee
We guarantee the lowest price on all 200,000+ experiences we sell. If you find the same product cheaper within three days of booking or while you're in your destination, we'll refund the difference.
It's Easy To Do