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
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.
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.
Options
Three Hour Shelling Cruise to Shell Key Preserve from John's Pass
What‘s Included
Restroom on board
Gratuities
Snacks
Parking Fees
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
458 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great time
gmR5554VA,Jun 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience and Captain Robin was fantastic. We spent 1.5hrs boat ride total and 1.5 hrs looking for shells. Bring your own snorkeling gear
Wonderful Tour!
LIDIAP876,Jun 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour was amazing. Captain Mike and first mate Kyle are very attentive, friendly, and welcoming. They taught us a lot about the area, gave us beautiful seashells, and stopped several times to see dolphins and manatees. An excellent choice when you're in John Pass and want a nice tour.
Captain Mike and his...
Michael W,Jun 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Captain Mike and his First Mate were AWESOME!!!! You will not be disappointed. Great trip for the kiddos.
Very relaxing have plenty...
Lesley K,May 31, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very relaxing have plenty of time on the island to explore and just a beautiful boat ride with many dolphins view!
Fun Adventure!
Hillary F,May 31, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had an absolute blast! Mike and Kyler made the trip even better. Lots of knowledge about the area and great personalities! Kyle even made shell necklaces for the kids on the way back to the marina. 10/10 experience! Will be back again to do snorkeling!
Shell key baby
robinhB4089VB,May 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Captain Robin & Brandy were entertaining and great hosts
Awesome vacation spot
Sarah L,May 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Wear swimming gear, bring a towel, sunscreen even if you don't plan to get into the water to go after your shells or sand dollars, having a small shovel and net would be perfect for digging and scooping shells while they are washing to shore. If you plan to take beautiful pictures get a waterproof/floating phone casing that's on lanyard
Fun day in the sun.
Jayme A,May 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent trip. Kids had a blast but make sure you bring sunscreen, nets, and a bag for the shells. Kyle kicked ass on the necklace making.
Amazing!!!!!!
Mary M,May 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This shelling experience was amazing my crew was robin and Ellie, Ellie made shell necklaces for everybody that wanted one and robin gave all the kids a shark tooth they played music the whole time and even played the dolphins favorite song and yes they did have a favorite song as soon as she played it they all came out and swam for a while. Robin does say lots of jokes and there really funny we also saw a manatee in the water so yeah come book your boat ride at Viator 5/5 stars .
Enjoyed the adventure
pathJ4668CT,May 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00The captain and 1st mate were wonderful. The captain gave me a fabulous shell And the 1st mate made my necklace. The boat ride was refreshing but I was kinda disappointed there were not the plethora of shells I expected to see. I had no idea that actually looking in deep water was an option. That would have been fun.
Related Experiences
Operated by Hubbard's Marina