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
4.9
(401 Ratings)
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Lisa_g
Mar 23, 2026
Would love to do again!! - This whole excursion was wonderful!! It was so easy to book, got information emails and friendly reminders about the excursion. So much great information for checking in and it was so easy to do. Boat was wonderful, captain was funny and informational. Plenty of time to look for shells around the island and just an overall wonderful little excursion!
Review provided by Viator
Schwenk683
Mar 23, 2026
Great trip! - Great experience. Clean comfortable boat. Robin and Brandy were great hosts. Good knowledge of the area and handled the boat perfectly. Would highly recommend this.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kimberly_v
Mar 22, 2026
Boat, water, beach,... - Boat, water, beach, dolphins, sun…..perfect morning!!!! Would recommend to everyone, the price is right!
Review provided by Viator
Melanie_m
Mar 21, 2026
Loved the crew! So... - Loved the crew! So knowledgeable, and the captain had some good jokes. They were able to answer a lot of questions my daughter had about shells.
Review provided by Viator
Rebec624
Mar 19, 2026
I’d book again and again!! - I didn’t want it to end, it was beautiful, relaxing and fun. The Captain and Bri were amazing. The boat offered cold drinks and snacks for purchase, although you could bring your own and also shell bags were also available for $4. At the end of the trip, Bri made complimentary necklaces using your shells if you’d like, (she also had some we could choose from her stash). What a great souvenir. 🐚 We saw dolphins and birds, mansions and beautiful scenery. 🐬🪿 🚨Biggest note is parking, park in the parking garage across from the entrance upon check in, you’ll receive a discount from Hubbard. We made the mistake of paying wayyyy too much for the pay to park lot. 😫 Also, wear swimwear and bring water shoes, some of the best treasures are knee to waist deep in the water, again, we were unprepared. Lol I would do this trip time and time again, because it will always be a little different. ☺️✨
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Stephanie_k
Mar 17, 2026
Captain Mike and the... - Captain Mike and the first mate Braylin were so funny and awesome! My son wanted nothing more than to find a shark tooth. When we got back to the boat Braylin had actually found one and ended up giving it to my kiddo! Couldn’t say enough positives about this excursion!
Review provided by Viator
Katie_m
Mar 17, 2026
Good time - Our shell cruise was great. It was very cold but our guides made the best of it. An hour seemed to be perfect for finding good shells and getting back to the boat. Saw lots of dolphins on the way
Review provided by Viator
Cynthiall8898zo
Mar 16, 2026
Shells galore! - Such a fun time! The crew was friendly and knowledgeable about the local geography and wildlife, we got a ton of shells, and even spotted a few groups of dolphins! We had more time at Shell Key than was advertised because the weather was good.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Amanda_m
Mar 15, 2026
A short boat ride to... - A short but beautiful boat ride to shell island with a little history of the area mixed in. Shell island and our guides didn’t disappoint!
Review provided by Viator
Thomas_h
Mar 22, 2026
Nice boat ride but no large shells - Silly me for thinking we would find beautiful large collectible shells. Definitely a lot of small stuff like in the photo but I could get them on our beach staff was great and boat was also Nice boat ride
Review provided by Viator
From $45
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).