Small Group 2 Hour Dolphin Cruise with Snorkeling to Shell Key
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Hop on a cruise to Shell Key Island and see dolphins and other wildlife while snorkeling. At this pristine wildlife preserve, you'll get to snorkel and observe the wildlife, go for a relaxing swim, or just walk along the beach and collect shells. Depending on the time of year, you'll see dolphins in their natural habitat, along with manatees, rays, and wild birds.
All of our rides are semi-private, with a maximum of 6 passengers per boat, so you get to avoid the crowds when you ride with us.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
You must check in 30 minutes prior to your departure time. All trips leave promptly at their departure time
A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Island Ferry's Dolphin-Snorkeling Cruise takes you snorkeling by boat to Shell Key, and to see dolphins at the same time! See dolphins in their natural habitat, along with manatees, rays, and wild birds. Go snorkeling and shelling on Shell Key Preserve, where you'll find hermit crabs, conchs, rays, horseshoe crabs, and more. Island Ferry is not a drop-off service, but rather the boat stays at Shell Key with you for the entire time. You can take a break from snorkeling and shelling, and sit on our shaded boats with a cold drink. And while you and your family are in the water, the Island Ferry crew stands watch on lifeguard duty. So we keep everyone safe! We provide the snorkel gear and the floating noodles.
What‘s Included
Bottled water
Parking at the marina
Use of Snorkelling equipment
BYOB welcome
Cooler with ice on board
FREE parking at the Tierra Verde Marina Resort
Food, unless specified
Gratuities
Options
Mid Day Dolphin/Shell Key
Dolphin/Shell Key: See dolphins and visit Shell Key at the same time! See dolphins in their natural habitat, along with manatees, rays, and wild birds. Then go shelling on Shell Key Preserve.
9am Dolphin/Shell Key
See dolphins and visit Shell Key at the same time! See dolphins in their natural habitat, along with manatees, rays, and wild birds. Then go shelling on Shell Key Preserve.
4:15pm Dolphin/Shell Key
See dolphins and visit Shell Key at the same time! See dolphins in their natural habitat, along with manatees, rays, and wild birds. Then go shelling on Shell Key Preserve.
Reviews
1,579 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great experience
Fearless29123976330,May 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a great sunset cruise. Dave was amazing! Shared many interesting stories of the area. We saw many dolphins! I highly recommend Dave!
Great families activity!
Alice G,May 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was great!! We saw dolphins, watched mother and a baby, also group of rays(very rare). I saw a turtle too. Shell key was a beautiful island. Captain Dave was very friendly and knowledgeable. I recommend it strongly.
Island Ferry cruise is a winner
paulhQ824UT,Apr 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Island ferries dolphin cruise is a wonderful way to spend two to three hours on the water. If you are lucky enough to have David as your captain you will be treated to an entertaining ride he was very accommodating in trying to find manatees and dolphins. We saw both
Sun and Fun
chellyt2026,Apr 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a really great experience lots of wildlife really easy ride.
Amazing time!
592kaleighr,Apr 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Troy was an amazing guide! Very knowledgeable and went out of his way to make sure everyone had a great experience. We saw dolphins, manatees, and even a baby shark. The snorkeling was also so much fun. We found so many beautiful shells. I definitely recommend this experience 10/10
Best tour yet
Elizabeth G,Apr 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00CPtain knew all about the marine life, went out of his way to make sure we got to experience it all . His knowledge is unending and his love for what he does shows
Nole
C7797JXbiancat,Apr 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Nole was awesome ! I hope I’m spelling that correct. He was very informative and took us to see some awesome sites. 5 starts
Great time!
ceaton222,Apr 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an absolutely incredible experience with David from Island Ferry Eco Tours. From the moment we stepped on the boat, he was engaging, funny, and genuinely personable...it felt like being out on the water with someone who truly loves what he does. What made the tour unforgettable was not just his energy, but what he delivered. In just two hours, we saw dolphins, sea turtles, flying fish, and even a manatee. It felt like he knew exactly where to go and how to make the most of every moment. David created such a relaxed, fun atmosphere while also sharing interesting insights along the way. It never felt rushed or overly scripted...just natural, authentic, and full of great moments. If you’re considering a tour, ask for David. He made the entire experience something we’ll be talking about for a long time.
Zero respect
Z202YBnickn,Apr 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00Disrespectful staff and management. Appalled at the level of unprofessionalism.
Sooooo worth it!!
Blair F,Apr 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00TROY was amazing. Full of joke and knowledge of the water and wildlife. If I’m ever back in Florida I will be contacting them again!! Worth every penny!!
From US$75.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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Operated by Island Ferry LLC