Shell Key Ferry from Ft. DeSoto Boat Ramp in Tierra Verde, FL

Overview

20 minutes

Mobile ticket

This trip is one of a kind… If you want to travel to an uninhabited barrier island with white sand, warm water, and shelling galore, our ferry to Shell Key from the Fort De Soto boat ramp is a great choice for you and your family! Our ferry boat operates daily in the spring and summer and nearly every day in the fall and winter. This 20 minute trip offers great chances to spot dolphins, sea turtles and even manatees! We often spot sea birds on the ride to and from Shell Key!

Shell Key is also home to a large nature preserve, where nearly half of the island is blocked to allow the native seabirds a section of undisturbed beach. Come out and enjoy a beautiful day of fun in the sun!

For camping enthusiasts, we offer an overnight experience on Shell Key! All you need is your “camper” ferry ticket, a camping permit from Pinellas County, and all your camping gear to have an epic night under the stars! This is an unbelievably unique opportunity to camp out on a secluded island.

Additional Info

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

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

What To Expect

Board our ferry at Fort De Soto boat ramp, at the historic Fort De Soto, a military outpost constructed during the Spanish American Ware. It is listed in the "National Register of Historic Places" and Pinellas County's largest park. The 20-minute ferry will then travel to Shell Key, an uninhabited barrier island with white sand, warm water and shelling galore. The trip between is a great chance to spot dolphins, sea turtles and even manatees!

What‘s Included

Restroom on board

Gratuities

Parking Fees

Options

Shell Key Ferry

Shell Key Island Camping

Overnight camping at Shell Key: Experience primitive, overnight camping at Shell Key Preserve. Your ticket includes your ferry ride to and from the island.

Reviews

4.90

312 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

295

Pleasant trip
Monica M,,Jan 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Bring sunscreen and an umbrella for shade. There are no trees or shade anywhere. Bring a lot of water and snacks. Plan on walking a lot. Not everything on the Web site is the same in person. There are no places to rent anything, no place to buy water and the boat does not stay docked to use the bathroom.
Beautiful shell key trip
Karen C,,Jan 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
A lovely way to spend a few hours or a day..stunning beach with lots of shells. The operator was friendly and helpful. A great trip enjoyed by the whole party.
The best ferry service for a beautiful day beachcombing
Marichikogirl,,Jan 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The staff at Hubbard’s Ferry went above and beyond to make our visit special. We put the wrong address in Waze and ended up at the Madeira Beach location instead of Fort DeSoto. Dylan couldn’t have been kinder about putting the correct address in our phone so we could be on our way. Also he notified Marlon to help us get on the 12 pm ferry when we missed the 10 am by 5 minutes. Our first ferry over to Shell Key was a delight with Captain Greg and First mate, Leah. It was a beautiful day and we collected a ton of shells. On the trip home they offered a free service of making shell necklaces to the passengers. It was an excellent experience. Thank you to the staff.
Amazing job!
C946PGteresab,,Dec 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Sierra & Cpt Greg were amazing. Cold & windy day. Still had an amazing day. Got lots of shells. Saw lots of beautiful birds $ dolphins. Sierra makes a necklace for you out of one of your shells but will tell you if it’s too fragile (rather than shatter it). She knows her stuff. She also has some premade, which we chose. Thanks again for helping us make memories! Yes we put the live critters back!
Great experience
B9676POmaryh,,Dec 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great experience! Capt Greg & Alia were very welcoming. The trip to the island is pretty quick but super pretty. The island itself was beautiful, tons of birds and shells. The weather was perfect. We would absolutely return!
Great time at Shell Island
richardaA9252AS,,Nov 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Captain Mike and First Mate Nick were fantastic!! Kept the crowd entertained during the boat ride to Shell Island. Made sure everyone knew the rules and regulations and also made it a very entertaining boat ride. Free shell necklaces were made on the ride back by Nick and the kids loved it. Very good experience and would definitely refer everyone to go to Hubbard’s Marina for some entertainment during your trip.
Beautiful day at a beach
jacquiec252,,Oct 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
A very short and slow ferry ride to a deserted island that is filled with shells! Don't take this for the ferry ride, but for a day at a beautiful beach. Take a shell bag and a shell digger. Though the ride was short, our captain and first mate were engaging and knowledgeable.
amazing experience
bethbY8802BE,,Oct 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was one of my favorite experiences in Florida. Sierra was so knowledgeable about shells. She did a great job of explaining the area on the boat ride to Shell Key.
Fantastic experience
rogerbD5430ZI,,Oct 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Easy to book, well looked after on the trip. Parasols, drinks and snacks and also shell bags available to purchase on ferry. On Time both ways. Friendly crew. Beautiful island but walk further round to avoid the currents.
Fun for the whole family!
Jennifer L,,Sep 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
This experience was fun for the whole family. My granddaughter enjoyed the boat ride and finding beautiful shells on the island. The shell necklace from the first mate was a big hit! Take sun screen no matter the time of the year.