Dolphin Shelling Snorkeling Cruise in Tampa

The Shell Key Preserve in Tampa offers a serene escape from the bustling city, accessible only by water. Visitors can embark on a Dolphin Shelling Snorkeling Cruise, which provides a unique opportunity to explore the preserve’s rich ecosystem. With private transportation, snorkeling gear, and refreshments included, this excursion promises an immersive experience amidst pristine beaches, mangrove forests, and diverse marine life. But the adventure doesn’t end there – guests can unwind at the rooftop bar, sipping on local craft drinks while taking in the breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico. What awaits beyond the shores of this remarkable wildlife sanctuary?

Key Points

• Explore the 1,800-acre Shell Key Preserve, accessible only by water, with the opportunity to spot diverse marine life like dolphins, manatees, and birds.
• Enjoy a private transportation cruise that includes a cooler, ice, snorkeling equipment, alcoholic beverages, and bottled water.
• Meet at the designated meeting point behind the Cambria Hotel, with parking options at the hotel or the east end of the marina.
• After the tour, unwind at the rooftop bar with a selection of local craft beers, wines, and tasty cocktails.
• The cruise operates rain or shine, with rescheduling or a full refund available in case of poor weather.

Overview of Shell Key Preserve

Shell Key Preserve is a sprawling 1,800-acre (728-hectare) wildlife sanctuary that can only be accessed by water.

This unique preserve offers visitors the chance to explore its pristine beaches, mangrove forests, and diverse array of wildlife.

During the cruise, guests may spot a variety of marine life, including dolphins, manatees, hermit crabs, and a wide range of bird species.

The preserve’s remote location and protected status make it an ideal destination for those seeking a peaceful and authentic natural experience.

Whether you’re a nature lover, birdwatcher, or just looking for a relaxing day on the water, the Shell Key Preserve cruise is sure to provide an unforgettable adventure.

Included in the Cruise

This cruise offers an array of inclusions to enhance the snorkeling and wildlife-viewing experience. Guests can enjoy private transportation to the preserve, with the option to park via valet at the meeting hotel for $15 or use free parking at the east end of the marina.

The cruise provides a cooler and ice, as well as the use of snorkeling equipment, allowing participants to fully enjoy the natural surroundings. Alcoholic beverages and bottled water are also included, ensuring guests stay hydrated and refreshed throughout the excursion.

With these thoughtful amenities, guests can focus on exploring the preserve and spotting the diverse range of marine life, from dolphins and manatees to hermit crabs and horseshoe crabs.

Meeting and Pickup Details

The meeting point for this cruise is 15015 Madeira Way, Madeira Beach, FL 33708, located behind the Cambria Hotel. Participants can park via valet at the hotel for $15 or use the free parking available at the east end of the marina, 410 150th Ave Madeira Beach.

Once at the meeting location, guests should head to slip #0 on the floating dock to meet the cruise captain.

The cruise provides private transportation, a cooler and ice, snorkeling equipment, alcoholic beverages, and bottled water.

After the tour, travelers can enjoy drinks at the rooftop bar.

It’s important to note that this experience isn’t wheelchair accessible but is stroller accessible, and service animals are allowed if all 6 tickets are purchased.

Additional Information

Confirmation is received at the time of booking for this dolphin shelling snorkeling cruise in Tampa.

The experience isn’t wheelchair accessible, but it’s stroller accessible. Service animals are allowed to join the cruise if all 6 tickets are purchased.

Public transportation is available near the meeting location. Customers shouldn’t have any heart problems or other serious medical conditions to participate.

The maximum number of travelers is 6. The cruise operates rain or shine, and in the event of poor weather conditions, the cruise may be rescheduled or a full refund provided.

Cancellation Policy

Customers can cancel their reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. However, if they cancel less than 24 hours before the scheduled tour, they will not receive a refund. Plus, changes to the reservation less than 24 hours prior to the tour are not accepted. In the event of poor weather, the cruise may be canceled, but customers will either receive a different tour date or a full refund.

Cancellation Period	Refund Policy
24+ hours in advance	Full refund
Less than 24 hours	No refund
Within 24 hours	No changes accepted
Poor weather	Different date or full refund

Possible Wildlife Sightings

Visitors to the Shell Key Preserve may spot a variety of wildlife, including dolphins, birds, manatees, hermit crabs, fish, and horseshoe crabs. These animals thrive in the preserve’s diverse habitats, which include beaches, marshes, and shallow waters.

Some notable wildlife sightings include:

• Dolphins gracefully swimming and feeding in the preserve’s coastal waters.
• Manatees, also known as ‘sea cows,’ gently grazing on seagrass and macroalgae.
• Vibrant shorebirds, such as herons, egrets, and pelicans, hunting for prey or resting on the shoreline.

The abundance of wildlife makes the Shell Key Preserve a truly remarkable destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike.

Private Transportation Provided

This cruise conveniently provides private transportation to and from the Shell Key Preserve, ensuring a hassle-free experience for participants.

You’ll be picked up at the designated meeting point behind the Cambria Hotel, where you can park either via valet for $15 or for free at the east end of the marina.

The private boat will then take you directly to the preserve, so you don’t have to worry about navigating the waters or finding your own way there.

After the tour, you can simply hop back on the boat and enjoy drinks at the rooftop bar, without the need to arrange your own transportation back.

The all-inclusive private transport makes this excursion seamless and stress-free.

Drinks at Rooftop Bar

After the tour, guests can make their way to the rooftop bar to enjoy refreshing drinks and take in the scenic views. The rooftop bar offers a relaxing atmosphere where participants can unwind and reflect on their snorkeling adventure in the Shell Key Preserve.

The bar features:

1. A selection of local craft beers and wines to quench one’s thirst.
2. Tasty cocktails made with fresh ingredients to complement the coastal setting.
3. Light bites and snacks to refuel after an afternoon spent exploring the preserve.

Guests can soak up the beautiful sunset over the Gulf of Mexico, sharing stories and memories with fellow adventurers before heading back home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Equipment?

Yes, you can bring your own snorkeling equipment. The tour provides snorkeling gear, but you’re welcome to use your own if you prefer. This allows you to use equipment you’re comfortable with.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for the Cruise?

The cruise has no minimum age requirement, but children must be accompanied by an adult. Infants and toddlers can attend the cruise, though they may not be able to participate in snorkeling activities.

Do I Need to Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

No, food and drinks are provided on the cruise. The package includes a cooler with ice, alcoholic beverages, and bottled water. Travelers don’t need to bring their own refreshments for this snorkeling and wildlife sightseeing experience.

Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Cruise?

The cruise offers a standard duration, but there’s no option to extend it. Customers must book the cruise as-is or choose a different tour if they want a longer experience. Extensions or changes less than 24 hours before are not accepted.

Is There a Discount for Booking Multiple Cruises?

There is no specific discount mentioned for booking multiple cruises. The cancellation policy indicates that changes less than 24 hours before the cruise are not accepted, suggesting each cruise is booked separately without a bundle discount.

Recap

The Shell Key Preserve’s Dolphin Shelling Snorkeling Cruise offers an unforgettable experience.

Visitors can explore the refuge’s pristine beaches, mangrove forests, and diverse marine life while snorkeling.

After the tour, they can unwind at the rooftop bar, enjoying local drinks and stunning Gulf views.

This cruise provides a unique opportunity to take in Tampa’s natural wonders.