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

Highlights

Inclusions

Itinerary

1. 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 h

2. 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.

   Passes by

3. Often referred to as “Mad Beach” by the locals, this beach hosts soft, white sand and is a great place to spot dolphins.

   Passes by

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Reviews

Ratings come from 505 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.

Showing reviews written in English.

• 5Tons of shells, including large bivalves

  We had a great time. Island was beautiful and there were tons of shells, including some large bivalves. A great day! The boat driver and assistant were very nice and competent. We definitely weren't rushed.

  Elizabeth_AOctober 2026via Viator

• 5Perfect way to spend a day in FL.

  The boat trip out was great. We spotted several dolphin families and our captain stopped to let us all enjoy the show. The dolphins were jumping and playing and lots of us got great pictures. We learned a lot about the area as we traveled to the island. Refreshments were reasonably priced and the time on the island was great. We all came back with shells and we even got complimentary jewlery made. It was also nice to have access to a restroom during the travel and while on the island. The crew was friendly and very helpful. This is my third Hubbard experience and I have enjoyed them all. It is nice to have a day planned where you can do Something you cannot at home in Indiana.

  Rebecca_HSeptember 2026via Viator

• 5best experience ever!

  first of all, the captain/guides were amazing! they were fun, funny, and great for kids! they helped keep my 1 y/o daughter entertained and she thankfully had no troubles! we saw dolphins a few times and found some good shells! they have some shells there on the boat you can take if you like and they even make necklaces out of a nice shell you found if you want!

  Kelsea_GSeptember 2026via Viator

• 5Best yet and there's been a lot

  This was the best time we have had in Florida to date. The crew was funny and friendly. The boat was safe and clean. The music was excellent not too loud. The time on show Beach was priceless. And what we paid for this day was well worth every penny. And I have to say it's the least amount of money that we spend on any Venture in Florida. We will be back and that's a promise. 10 Stars

  Nancy_TSeptember 2026via Viator

• 5Capt Mike and Brandy- Thank you!

  Phenomenal experience! Captain Mike and Brandy were wonderful. Extremely knowledgeable and accommodating and genuinely wanted to give us all the best experience possible. We’ll most certainly be returning for another experience. From buying tickets, checking in, the experience, and getting off the boat, flawless experience.

  Ashley_LSeptember 2026via Viator

• 5Amazing time.. Robin and...

  Amazing time.. Robin and the captain was amazing and the best part was seeing sole dolphins and making free necklace out of 🐚

  Franna_HSeptember 2026via Viator

Know before you go

How it compares in St Petersburg

• Its from-price is 49% below the median of the 212 experiences we list in St Petersburg.
• It is longer than most of them.
• By number of reviews it ranks 11 of 212.
• The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About St Petersburg

St Petersburg is a Florida city on a peninsula between Tampa Bay and the Gulf, known for its Dalí museum, waterfront parks, murals and beaches.

St Petersburg lies at the tip of the Pinellas peninsula in Florida, with Tampa Bay on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other. It earned the nickname the Sunshine City, and its downtown waterfront has parks, a long pier and a harbour full of yachts. The Salvador Dalí Museum holds one of the largest collections of the painter's work outside Europe, and the Museum of Fine Arts and the Chihuly Collection add to the arts district.

Top-ranked sights in St Petersburg: St. Pete Beach, Gizella Kopsick Palm Arboretum, North Straub Park.

See all 212 experiences in St Petersburg