Three Hour Shelling Cruise to Shell Key Preserve from John's Pass
Description
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!
Tour Options
Itinerary
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.
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.
Often referred to as “Mad Beach” by the locals, this beach hosts soft, white sand and is a great place to spot dolphins.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(496)
We did a tour through dolphins landing. Not only did the captain and his partner take us to shell island, we also did some dolphin and manatee watching 🐬😊 They provided cold water and soft drinks on the boat. There were only 9 people including us so it was a semi private tour. We were at shell island for 2 hours. You do have to go out a bit to find some bigger shells. However it is still really nice to stay close to shore. We did bring snorkel equipment and were able to get some beautiful shells pretty close. We saw a couple of manatees at shell island and 3 LARGE sting rays. There are no bathrooms, drinks or food so prepare ahead of time. I highly recommend this excursion. It is nice to get out and see what beauty the gulf has to offer ☀️⛱️
Manatees, dolphins, huge stingrays, beautiful shells, and time in the Gulf waters, you certainly got to experience a lot of what makes Shell Key so special! We're glad you came prepared with snorkeling gear and were able to discover some beautiful shells while exploring the island. We also appreciate you sharing helpful advice for future visitors about preparing for time on this undeveloped barrier island. Shell Key Preserve offers a wonderful opportunity to experience the natural side of Florida's Gulf Coast, and every trip can bring a different wildlife surprise. Thank you for the five-star recommendation and for choosing Hubbard's Marina for your Shell Key adventure from John's Pass in Madeira Beach!
It was great! Shelling was amazing, found so many sand dollars! Beach area was as beautiful and saw a few manatees!!!
We had a great afternoon. Captain Robin, and 1st mate Kristen, were knowledgeable, fun and interacted with everyone in the boat making for a fun and informative ride to and from the beach. Everyone found beautiful seashells and enjoyed the warm ocean waters. 1st make, Kristen made all passengers who wanted a necklace using one of each passengers newly found sea shell.
A beautiful afternoon on Shell Key, warm Gulf waters, and plenty of seashells to bring home sounds like a wonderful way to spend the day! We're thrilled Captain Robin and First Mate Kristen made the ride just as enjoyable as the destination with their local knowledge, fun personalities, and interaction with everyone aboard. Having Kristen turn a favorite shell from the day into a necklace is such a special way to remember the adventure. Thank you for choosing Hubbard's Marina for your Three-Hour Shelling Cruise from John's Pass in Madeira Beach. We hope that necklace brings back great memories until it's time for your next Shell Key treasure hunt!
I am so glad we came across this trip as things to do. I have three kids one being almost 2. The boat ride to shell island was lovely. And when we arrived we weren’t disappointed. My son who is 9 found countless sand dollars which he was excited about! And we collected so many shells and spent the rest of the time swimming around in the ocean. On the way back we seen dolphins. The staff was very funny and they made shell necklaces for whoever wanted one. If you have a toddler, I’d bring floaties or life jacket vest. Highly recommend bringing goggles for diving in the water looking for shells. I’d bring a mesh bag to put the shells in, unless you wanna purchase one from them for 4$. Which is reasonably priced. And definitely came in handy. Some ppl found some massive shells. Over all the trip was amazing. And something we’ll do again in the future.
Great crew! We had about 1.5 hrs at the beach for shelling. Wear swimsuits and bring goggles or snorkel masks. We found many sand dollars and conch shells! Park at the parking garage and get tickets validated for $7.50 at check in. Drinks and snacks available aboard for very reasonable prices. On the way back Jess will make you a necklace from one of your favorite small shells. Very smooth ride out and we saw a few dolphins.
Sand dollars, conch shells, dolphins, and a keepsake made from one of your own finds. That sounds like a great Shell Key adventure! We're glad you enjoyed plenty of time exploring the beach, had a smooth ride, and found so many treasures along the way. The shell necklace is always a fun way to bring a little piece of the experience home. We also appreciate you sharing your tips for future guests planning a Three-Hour Shelling Cruise. Thank you for choosing Hubbard's Marina at John's Pass in Madeira Beach, and we hope to welcome you back for another day of shelling and exploring Shell Key!
A++ from beginning to end - from the minute you check in to the minute you get off the boat, the crew puts you and your family’s fun and comfort first. Jessica and the Captain could not have been better. Fantastic trip.
It's always great, we do this every time we are here. I found some really cool shells today, even though the water was a tad rough. Always with the trip
The captain and first mate, Robin and Jessica, were fantastic! They were Entertaining, but safe. We got to see several dolphins during the tour.
Great experience, the captain and crew were wonderful! Great guided tour and we saw dolphins and a stingray jump out of the water. Once at shell island we found a lot of shells! Best trip we've been on in Florida and I've been coming here for 30 years!
After 30 years of visiting Florida, hearing that this was the best trip you've been on is an incredible compliment! We're thrilled your family enjoyed every part of the Shell Key adventure, from the narrated cruise and wildlife sightings to discovering beautiful shells along the preserve. Seeing dolphins alongside a jumping stingray is the kind of unexpected moment that makes every trip unique. Thank you for choosing Hubbard's Marina for your Three-Hour Shelling Cruise to Shell Key Preserve and for sharing such a wonderful review. We'll be sure to pass your kind words along to the captain and crew. We look forward to welcoming your family back to John's Pass in Madeira Beach for another unforgettable day exploring Florida's beautiful Gulf Coast!
Our captains were so very kind and informative!! We saw plenty of dolphins and got several small and medium shells of all shapes without going into the water!! Those who got into the water found bigger shells and sand dollars.
