Madeira Beach - Shell Key - Dolphins - Half Day Private Boat Tour
Overview
Available languages
4 hours
Mobile ticket
Best value at the beach. We are a family owned boat tour operator in Madeira Beach. We specialize in private boat tours to secluded sandbars and barrier island beaches. Along the way we'll see dolphins, local wildlife and beautiful waterfront homes. Once anchored at your beach of choice you can indulge in shelling, a leisurely beach walk and swimming in the clear blue waters. Your're welcome to bring your own snorkel equipment.
Our goal is to make you safe, comfortable and to have fun engaging in the activities you choose. It's going to be a special day you won't forget.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
The boat trip is a four hour excursion. The four hours includes the transport time
What To Expect
John's Pass Village & Boardwalk
View John's Pass via Madeira Beach channel while searching for dolphins and local wildlife
An undeveloped barrier island off Tampa Bay's Gulf Coast. A perfect spot for swimming, shelling, bird watching and enjoying paradise.
Options
Private charter, island hopping, shelling, wildlife & sunsets
Duration: 4 hours: Capt Mike is flexible with the four hour boat trips. Customer can pick the times of 10-4, 11-3 or 12-4.
What‘s Included
Floats and water toys
Bottled water
Captain included with price
Gas included with price
Cooler and Ice
Bring your own snorkel equipment if you like
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
21 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Worth the extra cost to...
Teresa B,May 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Worth the extra cost to do individually rather than on larger boat. Beautiful 4 hour trip with experienced captain. Be right on the water as you travel through the intercoastal and a bit of the gulf to a couple small "keys" / sandbars to walk and swim. Captain Mike communicated well via text; provided cooler for lunch and ice cold waters, access to personal music and most importantly heard us. When I was excited to see several dolphins he took the time on the way back to slow down and even waited for a pod to come nearby so they would follow the boat and jump in the wake. They looked happy and free - Best part of the day (he even grabbed a short video and sent it to us via text).
My family and I had the...
Kelly C,Apr 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00My family and I had the best day out on the water with Cpt Mike! My husband and I booked as a group of 5 with 14 and 10y old boys and my mother as well. Everything was a breeze and tailored to our preferences including departure time. We enjoyed shelling, swimming and taking in the scenery along the bay. But, the highlight was definitely when Mike got a pod of dolphins to play in the boat’s wake! We will be sure to recommend this trip to anyone we know coming to the area and hope to one day make it back ourselves!
Perfect low-key afternoon
Katelyn W,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a wonderful afternoon on the water with Captain Mike. He accommodated our schedule, and when we arrived we went straight to his boat. So easy. Mike toured us around, showed us points of interest and gave history or the area. We saw dolphins to and from Shell Key. His boat was clean and full of extras, like a football for my son to toss. It felt like going out on a family member’s boat. Highly recommend.
Great private charter for secluded beaches and dolphin watching.
Aaron V,Mar 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Capt Mike was very accomodating and provided an excellent, personalized experience. My family never felt rushed as we moved thru the itinerary, and Mike was very informative when we had questions on local history or sites. 10/10 we will book w Capt. Mike next time we are in the area.
Great time with CPT Mike
Meander67655906245,Mar 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Went out as a family of six and had a great time. It was a four-hour experience exploring different sandbars and islands around the St. Pete Beach area. Mike was very informative, friendly, and made the trip enjoyable for everyone
Beautiful day on the water
Dominik S,Feb 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The experience was four hours and included two stops on two different beaches along with the trip there and back on the water. Shelling was enjoyed by all. On the way back, Captain Mike was able to find some dolphins to view which was also a highlight. He had asked about music and jokingly, I said the girls would request Taylor Swift. He had a playlist with her music and other similar artists. It was a great time and he is very knowledgeable about the area. Local recommendations on supper spots and parking, both appreciated. He was very attentive to tell the kids when it would be bumpy or going faster, which my daughter appreciated. He reached out the next day about an interesting starfish like animal we found. I would strongly recommend booking a tour with Captain Mike!
We had the best day with...
Lisa L,Oct 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had the best day with Captain Mike. When we saw dolphins he got them to play in the boat wake, and we also saw a couple manatees. We went to one of the keys to hunt for shells and swim, and took us through the intercoastal on the way back. We highly recommend booking with Captain Mike!
Beer Family Adventure
Peggy B,Oct 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Captain Mike was amazing to work with and he communicated with us from time of booking through the adventure day. While out on the boat he provided a lot of history about the area. Great time was had by all! Highly recommend!
Private tour
ellasmom2004,Mar 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great time with Captain Mike. Planned to go Saturday but he thought it would be to windy so rescheduled Friday. Beautiful day out on the water!
Special Needs Approved
Cherie L,Sep 28, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00We have a special needs son and we weren’t sure how receptive he was going to be to the boat. Captain Mike gave us a later start time and basically built the day around our son. Our son really enjoyed the speed and wind blowing in his hair. We stopped at a few sandbars, cooled off in the water and walked around. Captain Mike helped us assisting him in and out of the boat. Captain Mike gave us some history/back story of the local area which we appreciated. We had an amazing time on the water. As a bonus we saw some wild life, dolphins, Ospreys, Pelicans and Storks.
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