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

Few experiences create the enchantment of Florida’s Gulf Coast like seeing wild dolphins in St. Petersburg, Florida . Known for its warm waters, rich marine life, and stunning coastal landscapes, St. Pete ranks among the top locations in the state to see dolphins throughout the year . Whether you're on a family vacation or a weekend escape, dolphin sightings frequently become a highlight of the trip. Why Dolphins Make St Pete Their Home The waters surrounding St. Peters and S

If you're considering a family trip to Florida's Gulf Coast, make sure to include Shell Key Preserve in Pinellas County on your itinerary. Situated just off the coasts of St. Pete Beach, Tierra Verde and St Petersburg , Shell Key provides families with a unique chance to discover an untouched island teeming with wildlife, shallow waters, and expansive beaches, all without the usual tourist crowds. Dolphin Watching for the Whole Family One of the most exciting aspects of visi

There are many types of boats on the market… center consoles, skiffs, cabin cruisers, etc.  Many of them are suited for specific purposes, such as in-shore fishing, off-shore fishing, overnight cruising, transport, etc. For leisurely day cruising, it’s hard to beat pontoon boats. An even better choice are the tri-toon boats, which Island Ferry uses exclusively for our all of our boat tours. Boat Tours with More Space For Relaxation Because pontoon boats offer more ample space