Shell Key Ferry from Ft. DeSoto Boat Ramp in Tierra Verde, FL
Pick your date
Highlighted days have spots open. Grey days are sold out or not running.
September 2026
Loading live availability
Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
Select a highlighted day to see live departure times and the exact price for your group.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 343 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Shell Key Ferry from Ft. DeSoto Boat Ramp in Tierra Verde, FL worth booking?
Shell Key Ferry from Ft. DeSoto Boat Ramp in Tierra Verde, FL is a 0.3-hour experience in St Petersburg, United States, from $40 per person. It scores 77 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 343 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 77 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (343)
- Duration
- 0.3 hours
- From
- $40 per person
This trip is one of a kind… If you want to travel to an uninhabited barrier island with white sand, warm water, and shelling galore, our ferry to Shell Key from the Fort De Soto boat ramp is a great choice for you and yo
What you get
About this experience
This trip is one of a kind… If you want to travel to an uninhabited barrier island with white sand, warm water, and shelling galore, our ferry to Shell Key from the Fort De Soto boat ramp is a great choice for you and your family! Our ferry boat operates daily in the spring and summer and nearly every day in the fall and winter. This 20 minute trip offers great chances to spot dolphins, sea turtles and even manatees! We often spot sea birds on the ride to and from Shell Key! Shell Key is also home to a large nature preserve, where nearly half of the island is blocked to allow the native seabirds a section of undisturbed beach. Come out and enjoy a beautiful day of fun in the sun! For camping enthusiasts, we offer an overnight experience on Shell Key! All you need is your “camper” ferry ticket, a camping permit from Pinellas County, and all your camping gear to have an epic night under the stars! This is an unbelievably unique opportunity to camp out on a secluded island.
What's included
Included
- On-board restrooms
Not included
- Gratuities
- Parking fees
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
St Petersburg
The ferry departs from the boat ramp before you enter Fort De Soto park. Please arrive 30-45 minutes prior to departure. As you pull in the boat ramp, take your first right and park in the far back corner.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
The ferry departs from the boat ramp before you enter Fort De Soto park. Please arrive 30-45 minutes prior to departure. As you pull in the boat ramp, take your first right and park in the far back corner.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Options you can book
Shell Key Ferry
Shell Key Island Camping
Overnight camping at Shell Key: Experience primitive, overnight camping at Shell Key Preserve. Your ticket includes your ferry ride to and from the island.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Hubbard's Marina
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 343 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Good for families
5 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
343 verified traveler reviews for Shell Key Ferry from Ft. DeSoto Boat Ramp in Tierra Verde, FL. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
We were able to see...
We were able to see dolphins! It was an amazing experience, I went solo and will be doing this again with the family!
via Viator
fun time
kids had a great time! lots of shells to collect.
Response from the operator: Thank you for taking the time to share your experience! We're so happy to hear your kids had a great time exploring Shell Key and collecting shells. Watching families discover the island's natural beauty and head home with special treasures is one of our favorite parts of offering the Shell Key Ferry. We appreciate you choosing Hubbard's Marina for your adventure departing from Fort De Soto in Tierra Verde. Thank you for your recommendation, and we hope to welcome your family back for another fun day of shelling and exploring the next time you're in the area!
via Tripadvisor
Great time
had a great time captain ron and Kristen where great very friendly. made my birthday a special one for sure.
Response from the operator: What a wonderful way to celebrate your birthday, Ray! We're so glad you chose to spend your special day aboard our Shell Key Ferry and that Captain Ron and Kristen helped make it such a memorable experience. We'll be sure to share your kind words with them—they'll be thrilled to know they made your birthday even more enjoyable. It means a lot that you chose Hubbard's Marina for your Shell Key Ferry adventure departing from Fort De Soto in Tierra Verde. We hope this birthday celebration is one you'll look back on with great memories, and we can't wait to welcome you back for another relaxing day on the water. Happy Birthday!
via Tripadvisor
Beautifu Sunny Day
We had a great day- the Captain and Kyle were awesome and made the trip fun. The boat was full but there was enough room for everyone. Making the necklaces for the kids (and adults) on the way back out of shells that were found on the Island was a very nice touch! Would definitely recommend!
Response from the operator: A beautiful sunny day on Shell Key is hard to beat! We’re so glad you had a great experience on the Shell Key Ferry from Fort De Soto in Tierra Verde and that the captain and Kyle helped make the trip fun from start to finish. It’s great to hear that even with a full boat, everyone still had enough room to enjoy the ride comfortably. We also love that the shell necklaces stood out as a special touch. Turning shells found on the island into keepsakes for both kids and adults is such a fun way to remember the day. Thank you for recommending Hubbard’s Marina and for spending part of your day with us. We hope to welcome you back again soon for another Shell Key adventure!
via Tripadvisor
Lightning Welch
Sierra and Capt Greg are the ones you want to give you the tour/ride out to Shell Key Island! Sierra knows her shells and went the extra mile to make the trip memorable and no so much as a tourist attraction event! I was fortunate this time to find a Lightning Welch shell❤️🐚
Response from the operator: Finding a lightning whelk on Shell Key is such a special souvenir from the island! We’re so glad you had a memorable Shell Key Ferry trip from Fort De Soto in Tierra Verde with Hubbard’s Marina. Sierra and Captain Greg will love hearing your kind words. It’s wonderful to know Sierra’s shell knowledge and extra care helped make the trip feel personal, relaxed, and more meaningful than just a typical tour. That kind of connection to the island, the shells, and the experience is exactly what we love sharing with guests. Thank you for choosing Hubbard’s Marina for your ride out to Shell Key Island. We appreciate the recommendation and hope to welcome you back for another great shelling adventure soon!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 0.3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $40 to $55
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 120
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 77
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Shell Key Ferry from Ft. DeSoto Boat Ramp in Tierra Verde, FL: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for St Petersburg.
How much does Shell Key Ferry from Ft. DeSoto Boat Ramp in Tierra Verde, FL cost?
+
Prices start at $40 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in St Petersburg usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Shell Key Ferry from Ft. DeSoto Boat Ramp in Tierra Verde, FL take?
+
Plan for about 0.3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in St Petersburg is not rushed.
Is Shell Key Ferry from Ft. DeSoto Boat Ramp in Tierra Verde, FL worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 77 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 343 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in St Petersburg, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Shell Key Ferry from Ft. DeSoto Boat Ramp in Tierra Verde, FL?
+
Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Shell Key Ferry from Ft. DeSoto Boat Ramp in Tierra Verde, FL suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 0.3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Shell Key Ferry from Ft. DeSoto Boat Ramp in Tierra Verde, FL?
+
Around 120 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in St Petersburg can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
+
Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in St Petersburg and add a light layer if any part of the 0.3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Shell Key Ferry from Ft. DeSoto Boat Ramp in Tierra Verde, FL start and how do I get there?
+
The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central St Petersburg within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in St Petersburg?
+
St Petersburg pairs beach time with a dense arts district: Dali Museum entry, mural walking tours, clear-kayak paddles through mangrove tunnels and boat runs out to Egmont Key and Shell Key. On Outty we rank every St Petersburg experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Clear Kayak Tour of Shell Key Preserve and Tampa Bay Area, St. Petersburg Jungle Prada Site History Tour, Island Sunset and Skyway Light Show - 3hr Boat Cruise in St. Pete. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit St Petersburg?
+
October to April, before the summer heat and afternoon storms. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in St Petersburg?
+
Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
+
Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Shell Key Ferry from Ft. DeSoto Boat Ramp in Tierra Verde, FL.
Pick your date
