We are excited to welcome you! Island Ferry's Shell Key blog offers a variety of insightful articles, tips, and updates from our captains and tour guides. Whether you've joined our dolphin cruises or kayak tours to Shell Key, or have been a long-time follower, there's always something fresh to discover. We'll share intriguing facts and details about the history and wildlife of Shell Key Preserve and the nearby ecosystems. All media is sourced directly from our boat and kaya

Dolphins are fascinating animals that are loved by almost everyone. They are delightful, playful, and always draw attention whenever they surface. There are more than 40 different dolphin species worldwide, but the Atlantic bottlenose dolphin is the one that resides in Florida. Here are some quick facts about dolphins. 1-Dolphins Are Meat Eaters Dolphins eat a wide variety of foods, including fish, squid, octopus, crustaceans, cephalopods, and other marine organisms. Smaller

St. Petersburg, Florida is a top destination for snorkeling cruises , thanks to its year-round sunshine, calm Gulf waters, and abundant marine life. From crystal-clear shallow waters to thriving seagrass beds, snorkeling in St. Pete offers a fun, relaxing, and family-friendly way to explore the natural beauty of Florida’s Gulf Coast. Ideal for beginners and experienced snorkelers alike, our St. Pete snorkeling cruises provide unforgettable views of fish, rays, and coastal e

Seeing a manatee in the wild in St. Petersburg, Florida is one of the most memorable wildlife experiences on at Shell Key. Often called “sea cows,” manatees are actually more closely related to elephants and are gentle, slow-moving marine mammals that thrive in the warm, shallow waters of the Shell Key nature preserve . Known for their calm and harmless nature, Florida manatees are a favorite sight for both visitors and locals, making a manatee sighting in St. Pete a true