Madeira Beach private boat tour: Dolphins and Shell Key

Anchor at Shell Key and hunt for dolphins on the way out

A four-hour private boat tour from Madeira Beach takes you through John's Pass in search of dolphins and local wildlife, then anchors at Shell Key, an undeveloped barrier island where you swim, shell and walk the beach. The captain is included with the boat, and floats, water toys, bottled water, cooler and ice come along. Bring your own snorkel gear if you want to use it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Private boat tour and beach activities

• View John's Pass via Madeira Beach channel
• Search for dolphins and local wildlife
• Anchor at undeveloped barrier island
• Swim, shell, and bird watch

The experience

The tour runs four hours total, with transport time built in. You'll depart from Madeira Beach and head through John's Pass via the Madeira Beach channel, watching for dolphins and local wildlife as the boat moves. The captain narrates the route and points out what's around you: the waterfront homes, the birds, the animals that show up that day.

Once you reach Shell Key, an undeveloped barrier island off Tampa Bay's Gulf Coast, you pick what the day looks like. Swim in the clear blue water, walk the beach, hunt for shells, watch the birds. The boat stays anchored so you set the pace. Floats and water toys are on board if you want them. A cooler with ice keeps drinks cold. If you've brought snorkel equipment, the water is clear enough to use it.

The boat holds your group alone: no strangers, no fixed itinerary beyond the two stops. The captain handles navigation and safety. Your job is to choose what matters to you that day. Public transportation options are nearby if you need them to reach the departure point.

What’s included

• Floats and water toys.
• bottled water.
• cooler and ice.
• captain included with the boat.
• gas included with the price.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by That's What Sea Said Charters

Is this one for you?Book this if your group wants to set your own pace at the sandbar with an English-speaking captain: no fixed itinerary or other families sharing the boat.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

22 verified traveler reviews

5 ★22

4 ★0

3 ★0

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What kind of wildlife might we see on the way to Shell Key?

Dolphins and local wildlife show up along the route through John's Pass and the Madeira Beach channel. What you see depends on the day and the season, but the captain watches for them and points them out as you go.

What is Shell Key like when we get there?

Shell Key is an undeveloped barrier island off Tampa Bay's Gulf Coast. It's a spot for swimming in clear water, walking the beach, shelling and bird watching. You choose what to do with your time there while the boat stays anchored.

Can we bring our own snorkel gear?

Yes, you're welcome to bring your own snorkel equipment. The water at Shell Key is clear enough to use it, and the boat will have you anchored in a good spot for it.

What's included in the price?

The captain, gas, floats and water toys, bottled water, cooler and ice are all included. You bring snorkel gear if you want to use it.

How much of the four hours is actually on the water versus travel time?

The four-hour tour includes both the transport time to and from Shell Key and your time anchored there. The captain times it so you get a full beach stop within the four hours.