Three Hour Shelling Cruise to Shell Key Preserve from John's Pass

Overview

3 hours

Mobile ticket

Our 3hr Shell Key Shelling Trip is offered from Hubbard’s Marina inside Johns Pass and offers around one hour on the island exploring and shelling with around an hour ride down the back protected bay waters on a relaxing, safe, and fun trip onboard the HUB Cat 49.

On the ride back to Johns Pass, we will cruise up our beautiful gulf beaches when weather allows, if it’s a little bumpy the ride back will also be in the back protected bay waters.

We will often spot dolphins, seabirds, manatees and other wildlife on the ride out and back!

Additional Info

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‘s Included

Restroom on board

Gratuities

Snacks

Parking Fees

What To Expect

Tierra Verde

Explore Shell Key Preserve, located in the mouth of Tampa Bay, a 195 acre barrier Island. You will experience beautiful, calm and protected back bay waters and spot dolphins, seabirds, manatees and other wildlife on the trip.

1 hour • Admission Not Applicable

John's Pass Village & Boardwalk

The "Pass", as locals refer to it, was created by a hurricane on September 27, 1848. A pirate, John Levique, made the first passage through the newly created pass. Hence the name, Johns Pass. Over one hundred merchants with unique retail shopping, a variety of restaurants and local tour operators.

Admission Not Applicable

Options

Three Hour Shelling Cruise to Shell Key Preserve from John's Pass

Reviews

4.85

315 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

284

Great experience! 🐬 🐚
ezmy w,
Oct 15, 2025
- Viator
5.00
We had such a great time on our 3-hour shelling trip! Our group had so much fun exploring the island and finding really cool shells, and we took a dip in the ocean! The amount of time there was perfect, we didn’t feel rushed at all and got to really enjoy it. Captain Mike and Breylin knew so much about the area and shared lots of interesting info along the way. On the ride back, they even took us around to see dolphins, and we got to see a baby dolphin!! It was such a special surprise and the perfect way to end the trip. Definitely recommend this experience! 🐚🐬💙
If you really want to get...
Franco t,
Oct 13, 2025
- Viator
5.00
If you really want to get a good experience, I recommend to go in knee high water to get the more interesting shells. Captain Zak was very informative during the ride to the preserve. He also stopped twice to look at dolphins nearby. After the tour on the preserve we went through the intercoastal. Showed the scenery and explained what we were looking at. Also a shout out to a very friendly and professional first mate,Kimberly. Would recommend this adventure.
It’s was so worth the $34...
Cynthia K,
Oct 11, 2025
- Viator
5.00
It’s was so worth the $34 each . Great ride to Shell island, saw a dolphin family on way back (babies too!) . Captain and first mate were awesome. She even made us shell necklaces for free ! Highly recommend this !
Captain Mike and Morgan...
Elizabeth K,
Oct 9, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Captain Mike and Morgan gave us a very enjoyable experience. Not only did we get to explore Shell Key but we saw lots of dolphins and a manatee. Great tour. We would do it again.
Everything about this was...
Jessica G,
Oct 6, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Everything about this was amazing! The crew was great, the day was perfect and the wildlife was breathtaking.