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Explore St. Petersburg’s Old Southeast: Dolphin Watching & Shelling Adventure for You

Escape the mainland and join Coastal Cruises for a perfect three-hour day of dolphin watching and shelling near Florida - your tour begins with a slow, 45-minute dolphin-watching cruise along the intercoastal waterways past multi-million dollar waterfront homes en route to one of our favorite local shelling spots, Shell Island. Once you stop at the St. Pete shelling islands, you’ll have up to an hour and a half to go ashore to swim and explore the pristine sand and shells the locals love, or stay aboard in the abundant shade to take in coastal views, chat with the crew about the St. Petersburg and Old Southeast area, or relax with satellite TV and your favorite game. On the return trip you’ll have another chance to search for dolphins along the 45-minute intercoastal route back to the marina, making this St. Pete experience an easy, family-friendly blend of wildlife watching, beachcombing, and coastal relaxation.

About this activity in Old Southeast

Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Highlights

  • Three-hour St. Pete cruise featuring slow dolphin-watching through the intercoastal waterways, framed by waterfront homes and coastal scenery
  • Stop at a pristine local shelling island with up to 90 minutes ashore to swim, explore and hunt for shells like a local
  • Plenty of shaded seating on board if you prefer to relax, chat with the crew about the area, or catch the game on satellite TV
  • Opportunity to search for dolphins again on the 45-minute return along the intercoastal route back to the marina

Important Information

  • Total experience lasts about three hours: a 45-minute dolphin cruise outbound, up to 1.5 hours ashore, then a 45-minute return trip
  • Bring sun protection, a towel and a packed snack or lunch to enjoy while stopped at the island; plan on swimming and walking on sand
  • Boat amenities include shaded seating and onboard restroom for comfort during the trip
  • Suitable for a wide range of travelers and fitness levels - watch for crew safety instructions and check specific needs when you book

Meeting Point

Meet at the Coastal Cruises dock at the St. Pete marina in Old Southeast; arrive 15 minutes early for check-in and boarding instructions.

Includes

  • Enjoy a bar on board when you book in Old Southeast, St. Petersburg - convenient for drinks while you explore the area
  • A restroom on board is provided so you can stay comfortable during your experience here

Excludes

  • Outside alcohol is not permitted; please plan to purchase beverages on board in the Old Southeast, St. Petersburg area
  • You’re welcome to pack a snack or lunch to enjoy while stopped at the island, making it easy to tailor meals to your group’s needs

Other

  • Service animals are allowed, ensuring accessibility for travelers who rely on them in this destination
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap for safety while you’re on board
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels, so you and your group can comfortably take part in this activity in the region

Customer Reviews

10/10
Based on 10 Reviews
Mary_B
Oct 22, 2025 09:29:13 AM
Summary: Had an awesome time on our dolphin/shelling cruise. Paul and Gavin made it so much fun. They made sure we saw some dolphins (as well as a shark and manatee)! The cruise was the perfect amount of time to allow for dolphin spotting and shelling. Definitely recommend!
Peter_H
Oct 20, 2025 11:01:26 AM
Summary: Excellent tour. Captain and first mate were friendly and professional. We saw dolphins and they didn't just do a quick "drive by". Took the time to really get to watch them and enjoy them. We were given ample time at Shell Key. Fantastic trip and a great way to end our vacation
Carol_C
Oct 18, 2025 06:19:48 PM
Summary: Dillon and Justus were great captains and bartenders! Very smooth operation! Great experience overall!

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Know more about Old Southeast

You’ll board a three-hour Coastal Cruises boat that begins with a slow 45-minute dolphin-watching cruise along the intercoastal waterways, pass waterfront homes, stop at a favorite local shelling island for up to 90 minutes to swim and explore, and return with another 45-minute opportunity to spot dolphins on the way back.
You’re welcome to pack a snack or lunch to enjoy while stopped at the island, bring swimwear and sun protection if you plan to go ashore, and leave outside alcohol at home; the boat also offers shade and onboard amenities if you prefer to stay aboard.
Absolutely - the boat provides plenty of shade, a restroom, a bar on board, and satellite TV so you can relax, ask the crew about local St. Pete tips, or watch the game if you prefer to remain onboard during the island stop.
Yes - the tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels and family-friendly; infants must sit on an adult’s lap and you can enjoy swimming, shelling, and relaxing aboard while the crew helps make the experience easy for everyone.
The itinerary includes two 45-minute dolphin-search segments along the intercoastal waterways - en route to and from the shelling island - giving you multiple opportunities to spot dolphins in their local habitat while enjoying coastal views.
You’ll have up to an hour and a half ashore at one of the pristine shelling islands to swim, explore for shells, and enjoy the beach the locals’ way before returning to the intercoastal waterways for more dolphin watching.