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

Name: Three Hour Shelling Cruise to Shell Key Preserve from John's Pass
Price: 44.95 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.86 (354 reviews)

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 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

What‘s Included

Restroom on board

Gratuities

Snacks

Parking Fees

Options

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

Reviews

4.86

354 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

322

Shelling
kevin w,,Jan 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
An awesome visit to Shell key, Very fun and productive . The staff was very friendly and helpful to everyone.
very nice boat operator...
Sandra R,,Jan 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
very nice boat operator and assistant. heard some history about the area on the ride to Shell Island. The assistant even found a sand dollar for me. Really enjoyed the excursion!
Good trip. Important to...
Bob U,,Jan 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Good trip. Important to know that half the trip is the boat trip to and from Shell Key, but that proved to be ample time for shelling. The boat trip was enjoyable and informative.
cold but fun
ricky r,,Jan 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
come early! the tour was great k and J were great guides, we saw lots of dolphins, it was cold but they had blankets on board.
Fun finding shells.
466carylp,,Jan 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had a great time on the shelling cruise with Captain Mike and Leah. We found so many amazing shells and had a long relaxing stroll along the beach. Captain Mike was informative and Leah made necklaces for our granddaughters out of a couple of the shells we found.
Great experience - highly recommend.
Michelle R,,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
This was a great way to spend a morning in St Pete - this small-ish boat was a great way to explore the area. The captain found a lot of dolphins for us to see and allowed us to stay a while to watch them. Then a beautiful stop on shell key, where we found sand dollars and lots of treasures. Great experience- highly recommend.
Excellent shelling experience
tammyfY2924JE,,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had a great time! Found a lot of shells and sand dollars.
I’m so glad I did this!...
Stacy D,,Jan 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
I’m so glad I did this! Captain Robyn and First Mate Braelyn were fun, entertaining and informative. We were lucky enough to see dolphins swimming right by the boat multiple times! Shell Island is beautiful and relaxing. Grab a broken shell and hook it on a tree branch to make a wish. They also made a necklace from a shell I brought back. This is definitely worth the time and money. I recommend doing this!!
Great Tour
jeanineo168,,Jan 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We just got back from an amazing 3-hour boat tour with Captain Mike and First Mate Leah, and it was absolute perfection! 🌊 They took us to the stunning Shell Island, where we had an incredible time collecting gorgeous shells (I'm still finding hidden treasures in my bag 😄). Captain Mike and Leah were top-notch - super knowledgeable, friendly, and made sure everyone had an unforgettable experience. They made the trip feel so relaxed and fun. Can't recommend this tour enough! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Great time, great crew.
Richard C,,Jan 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Bring sunglasses, sunscreen and a towel or beach chair to sit on. Also a small cooler with a couple drinks and a snack is a good idea. Chips and peanuts and canned soda and water is for sale on boat if you forget. Bathing suit and mask and snorkle would have made it a greater experience. But was pretty great as it was just walking the beach we saw millions of shells to collect. 10 / 10 recommend.