Float, swim, and search for dolphins on a Shell Key beach escape
3.5 hrs
Dolphin cruise, floats, beach
Cruise the Intracoastal to Shell Key Preserve, where a water float and beach setup await. Spend about 2.5 hours swimming, shelling, relaxing, and exploring the shoreline before cruising back.
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before departure. Cancellations within 48 hours, no-shows, and late arrivals are non-refundable. Florida Resident Tickets are non-refundable. Get a full refund or reschedule if the operator cancels due to unsafe weather. Get a full refund if canceled because minimum passenger numbers are not met.
Product ID: QTVF7N
Yes. You must complete a digital waiver before boarding. The reservation holder receives the waiver link and should forward it to everyone in your group.
Arrive at least 20 minutes early for parking, check-in, and boarding. If your group has 6 or more people, arrive 30 minutes early to help your group sit together. The boat departs promptly at the scheduled time.
The boat anchors just offshore at Shell Key. To go ashore, you’ll use a ladder to enter the water and then walk or swim to the beach, so expect to get wet getting on and off the boat.
SkyBeach Resort Marina, 6800 Sunshine Skyway Ln S, St. Petersburg, FL 33711
Captains like Jason, Dylan, Paul, and their crews consistently earn high praise for being knowledgeable, personable, and genuinely attentive. Wildlife sightings are a real highlight, with dolphins and even manatees making regular appearances. The sandbar stop at Shell Key is a crowd favorite, and the Skyway Bridge light show adds something special to evening cruises. Crew members like Lexy stand out for keeping the energy up with great music and a welcoming vibe throughout. A few things worth knowing before you book: parking at Gulfport Marina is tight, so arriving at least 30-45 minutes early is a smart move. Bring a jacket for sunset and evening trips since it can get breezy once the sun drops. Some reviewers have noted occasional cancellations without advance notice, so it's worth double-checking your booking closer to the date. That said, the overwhelming majority of guests leave genuinely happy and many come back for a second trip.
We had a great time at the Sunset Boat & Dolphin watching with Captain Paul and Chase! I hosted my sisters bachelorette party in Seminole, and this was our last excursion of the weekend! It was a great way to end the bachelorette trip. I highly recommend! Captain Paul and Chase were entertaining and very nice! The sunset was gorgeous, we saw many dolphins, a double rainbow, drinks were very affordable, great selection of drinks, smooth ride. I highly recommend!!!
Meghan Crigamire
August 31, 2026
We had a great time at the Sunset Boat & Dolphin watching with Captain Paul and Chase! I hosted my sisters bachelorette party in Seminole, and this was our last excursion of the weekend! It was a great way to end the bachelorette trip. I highly recommend! Captain Paul and Chase were entertaining and very nice! The sunset was gorgeous, we saw many dolphins, a double rainbow, drinks were very affordable, great selection of drinks, smooth ride. I highly recommend!!!
Meghan Crigamire
August 31, 2026
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