Small Group 2 Hour Dolphin Cruise With Snorkeling to Shell Key

Eager to discover the beauty of Florida’s marine life in an intimate setting? The small group dolphin cruise to Shell Key offers just that – a chance to spot playful dolphins and explore the island’s vibrant underwater ecosystems. With personalized attention from knowledgeable captains, you’ll have the opportunity to snorkel and collect unique shells, all while immersed in the tranquility of Boca Ciega Bay. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or seeking a thrilling adventure, this excursion promises an unforgettable experience. Let’s dive in and uncover the wonders that await.

This experience made our article of Our 16 Favorite St Petersburg Dolphin Watching Tours.

Key Points

• A 2-hour small group dolphin cruise that includes snorkeling at Shell Key, a protected wildlife preserve.
• Opportunity to spot dolphins, manatees, rays, and seabirds, with knowledgeable captains providing guidance.
• Snorkeling in shallow waters to explore marine life and collect unique shells along the pristine beaches.
• Multiple departure options available, with check-in required at least 30 minutes prior to departure.
• Free parking provided at the meeting point, Tierra Verde Marina Resort in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Overview and Experience

A small group 2-hour dolphin cruise with snorkeling to Shell Key is the perfect way to explore the natural beauty of Boca Ciega Bay.

Recommended by 97% of travelers with over 1,300 reviews, this cruise offers the chance to spot dolphins, manatees, rays, and seabirds.

The tour includes snorkeling at Shell Key, a wildlife preserve, where you can swim and collect shells.

Knowledgeable captains like Meg and Bri guide the experience, ensuring you have an engaging and informative journey.

While weather-related cancellations can be disappointing, the overall experience is highly praised for its close-up wildlife encounters and successful shell collecting.

Tour Details

The cruise offers multiple departure options throughout the late morning and afternoon, allowing you to choose a time that best fits your schedule.

We’ll provide snorkeling equipment, bottled water, and a cooler with ice on board. Feel free to BYOB, but food isn’t included unless specified.

With a maximum of 6 travelers per tour and a minimum of 2 required for booking, you’ll enjoy an intimate experience.

Don’t forget to arrive 30 minutes early to check-in, as all trips depart promptly.

We’ve got you covered with free parking at the Tierra Verde Marina Resort.

Meeting Point and Itinerary

Our meeting point is the Tierra Verde Marina Resort in St. Petersburg, FL.

Be sure to check in at least 30 minutes prior to departure – all trips leave promptly.

The tour begins with dolphin watching around Boca Ciega Bay.

Afterward, we’ll head to Shell Key Island where we’ll have the opportunity to snorkel and collect shells.

It’s important to note that the itinerary is subject to change based on weather conditions and other factors, so stay flexible.

With knowledgeable captains leading the way, we’re sure to have an enjoyable and memorable experience.

Dolphin Watching

During the dolphin watching portion of the tour, we’ll cruise through Boca Ciega Bay, keeping an eye out for these magnificent marine mammals.

Our expert captains know the area well and are skilled at spotting dolphins. We’ll slow down the boat when we spot them, giving us ample time to observe their behavior and take photos.

With a bit of luck, we may see them jumping, feeding, or socializing. The dolphins often swim alongside the boat, providing an up-close encounter.

This is undoubtedly the highlight of the tour for many of our guests.

Snorkeling at Shell Key Island

After the exhilarating dolphin watching, we’ll head to Shell Key Island for some snorkeling.

The island is a protected wildlife preserve, home to a diverse array of marine life. We’ll gear up with the provided snorkeling equipment and explore the shallow waters, keeping an eye out for rays, tropical fish, and maybe even the elusive manatee.

The captain will guide us to the best snorkeling spots and ensure we’ve ample time to collect unique shells along the pristine beaches.

This part of the adventure promises to be the perfect complement to our dolphin encounter.

Shell Collecting

As we finish up our snorkeling adventure, the real treasure hunt begins – shell collecting!

Shell Key is known for its abundant and diverse collection of shells. Combing the beach, we spot intricate whelks, delicate sand dollars, and colorful scallops. The key is to scan the shoreline thoroughly and bend down to uncover hidden gems.

With a keen eye and a little patience, we fill our bags with unique finds. From iridescent periwinkles to spiral conches, each shell tells a story of the vibrant marine life that calls this preserve home.

Shell collecting adds a wonderful hands-on element to our day.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

Travelers have expressed a very positive sentiment towards this dolphin cruise and snorkeling experience, with an impressive 4.9 out of 5 rating based on over 1,300 reviews.

Guests frequently highlight the unforgettable close encounters with dolphins, the knowledgeable and engaging captains, and the joy of successful shell collecting.

However, some travelers noted disappointment due to weather-related cancellations, emphasizing the need for clearer communication about tour availability.

Guests seem to expect a reliable and seamless experience, so proactive updates from the company could help address these concerns and maintain their high customer satisfaction.

Additional Information

Along With the high-quality experience, this dolphin cruise and snorkeling tour provides several convenient details that make it easy to enjoy.

We’ll receive confirmation of our booking within 48 hours, subject to availability. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but service animals are allowed.

We can also take advantage of the free cancellation option up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

Reviewers singled out the expertise and engagement of the tour guides, especially Captain Meg and Captain Bri, so we can look forward to an informative and personalized adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Cruise?

Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks for the cruise. The tour allows BYOB, though food is not included unless specified. Just be sure to pack a cooler with ice to keep your items fresh during the trip.

Is There a Weight or Age Limit for the Snorkeling Activity?

There’s no weight or age limit for the snorkeling activity, but you’ll need to be able to swim independently. We recommend checking with the operator if you have any concerns about your ability to participate.

What Is the Cancellation Policy if the Tour Is Cancelled Due to Weather?

If the tour is cancelled due to weather, we can receive a full refund or reschedule the experience free of charge as long as we cancel at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure time.

Are There Any Health or Safety Requirements for the Snorkeling Portion?

We recommend bringing your own snorkel gear if possible. The tour provider provides basic equipment, but you may feel more comfortable with your own fit. No prior snorkeling experience is required, and the waters are generally calm and shallow for this activity.

Can I Purchase Additional Snacks or Souvenirs During the Cruise?

Yes, you can purchase additional snacks and souvenirs during the cruise. The tour boat has a small onboard cooler with ice, and you’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks as well.

The Sum Up

Enjoy the wonders of the ocean on this intimate Small Group Dolphin Cruise with Snorkeling. Spot playful dolphins, explore the vibrant underwater world of Shell Key, and collect unique shells – all while enjoying personalized attention from our knowledgeable captains. Don’t miss this chance to experience the beauty of Boca Ciega Bay and create unforgettable memories.