St. Pete Dolphin Watching and Shelling Adventure
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Escape the mainland and join Coastal Cruises for a perfect day of Dolphin Watching and Shelling in St. Pete! Our three-hour tour starts with a slow 45-minute dolphin-watching cruise along the intercoastal waterways in St. Pete amidst the multi-million dollar waterfront homes en route to one of our favorite local shelling islands in Florida.
Once stopped at either Shell Island, guests will have up to an hour and a half to go ashore and enjoy the day the locals’ way swimming and exploring at one of these pristine shelling destinations!
Our boat has plenty of shade for those who aren’t quite as adventurous, so feel free to stay aboard, pick the crew’s brain on the local St. Pete area, take in the coastal views, or enjoy the satellite TV featuring your favorite game!
Upon departing the St. Pete shelling islands, we will have an opportunity to once again search for dolphins along the 45-minute intercoastal route back to the marina.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
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
Our journey will begin and/or end passing by multi-million dollar waterfront homes. Our guests love taking in these massive estates owned by St. Pete's local millionaires!
Gulfport
En Route to Sand Dollar or Shell Island, we will pass by St. Petersburg's historic Gulfport community where many sailboats can be seen mooring off the coast of this waterfront town.
What‘s Included
Bar On Board
Restroom On Board
Outside Alcohol Not Permitted
Guests are welcome to pack a snack or lunch to enjoy while stopped at the island
Options
Dolphin - SkyBeach Location
Starting point:
6800 Sunshine Skyway Ln S, St. Petersburg, FL 33711, USA
Dolphin - Gulfport Location
Starting point:
4630 29th Ave S, Gulfport, FL 33711, USA
St. Pete Dolphin Watching and Shelling Adventure
Dolphin - MarineMax Location
Starting point:
MarineMax St. Petersburg, 6810 Gulfport Blvd S, St. Petersburg, FL 33707, USA
Reviews
211 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Feb 2026
T4267UOjanicej,,Feb 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Captain Paul and first mate Gavin did a great job. We had a physical challenge with one of our friends. They were attentive, gentle and made sure he was safe. Saw many dolphins. Boat was well kept and clean. Thanks to the crew for making it a great adventure.
Best time ever!
alyssep2026,,Feb 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had the best time on the cruise! We seen multiple dolphins, found many shells and had great captains! It was a perfect day and we absolutely loved it! It was the perfect weather. I would 10/10 recommend the cruise!
Very accommodating
O4926HJmichelles,,Feb 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00So much fun! The hosts were incredibly helpful and polite! Even stoping to take a group photo without a fee. Didn't feel over crowded and online to use the lavatory! Great experience and I would recommend 100%
Lovely experience !
azadek2026,,Feb 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Highly recommend ! It was a great and lovely experience with friendly and nice captain and staff.
Perfect day cruise
ericandshannonv,,Feb 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The crew was very accommodating and helpful. We took our mom to celebrate her 80th birthday and they treated her like royalty. The seats were cushioned and very comfortable. We didn’t feel crowded at all. The dolphins were putting on quite a show for us that day! And Shell Island was great! Would definitely book a cruise with them again!
Wonderful dolphin cruise
csscof1,,Feb 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We were lucky to see many dolphins and they were very playful! The shells on Shell Beach were awesome, and Paul and Aaron were very friendly and helpful!
Terrific time!
Susan H,,Feb 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The trip was super fun! We saw some dolphins and spent some time on a really pretty island with lots of shells. Connor and Dylan were great captains, making us all feel welcome and ready for some fun. It was interesting to chat with them as we were heading towards the island, hearing their stories about St Pete, as they're both natives. Special thanks to Dylan for the dinner recommendation (O'Maddy's) - it was awesome!
Nice afternoon on a cruise
L5675YKlindac,,Feb 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We saw so many dolphins! Never seen that many at once, The crew are very friendly and provided an overview of the area. We also liked looking for shells on Shell Key. The price was reasonable, would definitely recommend the cruise.
Dolphins
I5701ICcaseyk,,Feb 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Capt. Paul and Chase provided a great experience. I highly recommend this trip to anyone visiting the Tampa area.
Great day trip
mstaggs2032,,Feb 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a great experience. The crew made sure everyone had a great time.
From US$42.80
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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Operated by Coastal Cruises