Three Hour Shelling Cruise to Shell Key Preserve from John's Pass
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 506 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Three Hour Shelling Cruise to Shell Key Preserve from John's Pass worth booking?
Three Hour Shelling Cruise to Shell Key Preserve from John's Pass is a 3-hour experience in St Petersburg, United States, from $25 per person. It scores 84 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 506 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 84 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (506)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $25 per person
Our 3hr Shell Key Shelling Trip is offered from Hubbard’s Marina inside Johns Pass and offers around one hour on the island exploring and shelling with around an hour ride down the back protected bay waters on a relaxing, safe, and fun trip onboard the HUB Cat 49. On the ride back to Johns Pass, we will cruise up our beautiful gulf beaches when weather allows, if it’s a little bumpy the ride back will also be in the back protected bay waters. We will often spot dolphins, seabirds, manatees and other wildlife on the ride out and back!
What you get
About this experience
Our 3hr Shell Key Shelling Trip is offered from Hubbard’s Marina inside Johns Pass and offers around one hour on the island exploring and shelling with around an hour ride down the back protected bay waters on a relaxing, safe, and fun trip onboard the HUB Cat 49. On the ride back to Johns Pass, we will cruise up our beautiful gulf beaches when weather allows, if it’s a little bumpy the ride back will also be in the back protected bay waters. We will often spot dolphins, seabirds, manatees and other wildlife on the ride out and back!
What's included
Included
- On-board restrooms
Not included
- Gratuities
- Snacks
- Parking fees
What you'll see and do
Tierra Verde
Explore Shell Key Preserve, located in the mouth of Tampa Bay, a 195 acre barrier Island. You will experience beautiful, calm and protected back bay waters and spot dolphins, seabirds, manatees and other wildlife on the trip.
60 minutes here
John's Pass Village & Boardwalk
The "Pass", as locals refer to it, was created by a hurricane on September 27, 1848. A pirate, John Levique, made the first passage through the newly created pass. Hence the name, Johns Pass. Over one hundred merchants with unique retail shopping, a variety of restaurants and local tour operators.
Pass by without stopping
Madeira Beach
Often referred to as “Mad Beach” by the locals, this beach hosts soft, white sand and is a great place to spot dolphins.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
St Petersburg
Located inside beautiful Johns Pass, directly below Hooters on the water, closest to the Johns Pass Bridge.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Located inside beautiful Johns Pass, directly below Hooters on the water, closest to the Johns Pass Bridge.
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 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Hubbard's Marina
Know before you go
- 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 505 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Value for money
3 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
505 verified traveler reviews for Three Hour Shelling Cruise to Shell Key Preserve from John's Pass. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Tons of shells, including large bivalves
We had a great time. Island was beautiful and there were tons of shells, including some large bivalves. A great day! The boat driver and assistant were very nice and competent. We definitely weren't rushed.
via Viator
Perfect way to spend a day in FL.
The boat trip out was great. We spotted several dolphin families and our captain stopped to let us all enjoy the show. The dolphins were jumping and playing and lots of us got great pictures. We learned a lot about the area as we traveled to the island. Refreshments were reasonably priced and the time on the island was great. We all came back with shells and we even got complimentary jewlery made. It was also nice to have access to a restroom during the travel and while on the island. The crew was friendly and very helpful. This is my third Hubbard experience and I have enjoyed them all. It is nice to have a day planned where you can do Something you cannot at home in Indiana.
via Viator
best experience ever!
first of all, the captain/guides were amazing! they were fun, funny, and great for kids! they helped keep my 1 y/o daughter entertained and she thankfully had no troubles! we saw dolphins a few times and found some good shells! they have some shells there on the boat you can take if you like and they even make necklaces out of a nice shell you found if you want!
via Viator
Best yet and there's been a lot
This was the best time we have had in Florida to date. The crew was funny and friendly. The boat was safe and clean. The music was excellent not too loud. The time on show Beach was priceless. And what we paid for this day was well worth every penny. And I have to say it's the least amount of money that we spend on any Venture in Florida. We will be back and that's a promise. 10 Stars
via Viator
Capt Mike and Brandy- Thank you!
Phenomenal experience! Captain Mike and Brandy were wonderful. Extremely knowledgeable and accommodating and genuinely wanted to give us all the best experience possible. We’ll most certainly be returning for another experience. From buying tickets, checking in, the experience, and getting off the boat, flawless experience.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $25 to $45
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 177
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by Hubbard's Marina, who run 5 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 80.0.
See everything Hubbard's Marina runsWhy this scores 84
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Three Hour Shelling Cruise to Shell Key Preserve from John's Pass: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for St Petersburg.
How much does Three Hour Shelling Cruise to Shell Key Preserve from John's Pass cost?
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Prices start at $25 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 Three Hour Shelling Cruise to Shell Key Preserve from John's Pass take?
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Plan for about 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 Three Hour Shelling Cruise to Shell Key Preserve from John's Pass worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 84 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 506 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 Three Hour Shelling Cruise to Shell Key Preserve from John's Pass?
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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 Three Hour Shelling Cruise to Shell Key Preserve from John's Pass suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Three Hour Shelling Cruise to Shell Key Preserve from John's Pass?
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Around 177 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?
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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 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Three Hour Shelling Cruise to Shell Key Preserve from John's Pass start and how do I get there?
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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?
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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 St. Petersburg Jungle Prada Site History Tour, Small Group Kayak Tour of the Shell Key Preserve, Clear Kayak Tour of Shell Key Preserve and Tampa Bay Area. 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?
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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?
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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?
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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.
What is included in Three Hour Shelling Cruise to Shell Key Preserve from John's Pass?
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Included: On-board restrooms. Not included: Gratuities; Snacks; and Parking fees. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Three Hour Shelling Cruise to Shell Key Preserve from John's Pass?
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Located inside beautiful Johns Pass, directly below Hooters on the water, closest to the Johns Pass Bridge. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Three Hour Shelling Cruise to Shell Key Preserve from John's Pass?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
What happens to Three Hour Shelling Cruise to Shell Key Preserve from John's Pass if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Three Hour Shelling Cruise to Shell Key Preserve from John's Pass?
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Across 506 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include value for money, the guide, good for families. Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.
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