Shell Key Preserve: Three Hour Shelling Cruise

Embark on a thrilling 3-hour shelling cruise at Shell Key Preserve. Explore the island, collect shells, and enjoy a scenic ride along the bay waters. Look out for dolphins, manatees, and seabirds!

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Tierra Verde - Explore Shell Key Preserve, located in the mouth of Tampa Bay, a 195 acre barrier Island. You will experience beautiful, calm and protected back bay waters and spot dolphins, seabirds, manatees and other wildlife on the trip.
What's Included
  • On-board restrooms
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
  • Snacks
  • Parking fees
Additional Information

The 3-hour Shell Key Shelling Journey, provided by Hubbard’s Marina located at Johns Pass, includes approximately an hour on the island for exploration and shelling. The voyage incorporates a peaceful and enjoyable sail down the sheltered bay waters onboard the HUB Cat 49. During the return trip to Johns Pass, we plan to travel along our beautiful gulf…

Location
170 Boardwalk Pl E
Boardwalk Place East
Located inside beautiful Johns Pass, directly below Hooters on the water, closest to the Johns Pass Bridge.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(261 Ratings)
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Debbiegk1886oe
Jul 28, 2025
Fantastic views!!! - The day was perfect, beautiful turquoise waters a few good glimpses of dolphins abd sea turtles, Shell Island was secluded lots of shell grabbing and the water was warm but enjoyable..Captain Mike was funny and made the trip there and back interesting and funny along with his mate, Brandy ( I think that was her name I'm terrible with names) anyway she had all the muscles on the boat from pulling in the anchor to raising the plank!! Definitely would recommend when you are in St.Pete!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mary_s
Jul 27, 2025
We enjoyed the boat ride... - We enjoyed the boat ride with Captain Mike and Kimberly. The kids enjoyed collecting shells, seeing dolphins and manatees. Thanks for the awesome adventure Capt Mike and 1st Mate
Review provided by Viator
Kathryn_s
Jul 26, 2025
It was a beautiful day... - It was a beautiful day for shelling. The crew was informative and friendly. We were lucky and saw manatees and dolphins on our trip. It was a fun day.
Review provided by Viator
Emilysm1013ix
Jul 25, 2025
Highly recommend - great shelling experience! - Went on the shelling cruise with our family and had a great time! Had plenty of time to search for shells which was nice not feeling rushed. Make sure to dress for being in the water - most shells we found worth keeping were between knee and waist high water depth. To top it off they made shell necklaces on the ride back which the kids loved. Even got to see a bunch of dolphins on the ride out and back! Highly recommend!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kelly_y
Jul 22, 2025
Fun trip - I didnt do my research well enough on this one. I thought it was something different. But over all the adventure was fun, and the captain was very educated and knowledgeable on the area. She pointed out several houses and beaches and gave information or a back story on each. They were both very kind. And the boat ride was fun with all sorts of beauty to look at on the way to the island and back.
Review provided by Viator
Mary_c
Jul 21, 2025
Fun for everyone - Family friendly Captain Michael and crewmate Kimberly were wonderful. It was a very enjoyable day trip.
Review provided by Viator
Roxanna_s
Jul 20, 2025
Baby dolphin - Relaxing time with Captain Mike and First mate Brandi. We saw manatees and dolphins. There was a baby dolphin and Captain Mike got us close, but was very respectful to the mama. Loved our time shelling and found some nice sand dollars. Recommend 💯
Review provided by Viator
Stephen_s
Jul 17, 2025
Great experience with Captain Mike and 1st mate Kimberly - Wear a bathing suit, bring towels, your own snacks and drinks are allowed however, they offer snacks and drinks for cash only! On the way back to the pier, Kimberly made necklaces out of the shells we found or gave the option to use one they had on the boat! Great time for my entire family!
Review provided by Viator
Jenndnix
Jul 14, 2025
Fun morning! - We took the Shell Key tour with Captain Mike and First Mate Brandy. They were both great. The ride over to Shell Key was easy, and the kids loved walking around the island getting shells. Brandy making necklaces out of the found shells on the way back was icing on the cake. We would definitely do this again and recommend it to other families.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Faye
Jul 27, 2025
Disappointed - We were apparently at high tide. Nothing more special than we found on any other beach. Thought we might learn something about the shells. Nope. Zero wildlife seen. A boat ride
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $45
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).