Snorkeling in St Petersburg: Private Charter with Gear

The boat is wide enough that everyone spreads out, not crowded along a rail.

A private snorkeling charter in St Petersburg puts you on a 27-foot center console with a live English-speaking guide for 2.5 hours, exploring Egmont Key's grass flats and Fort Dade ruins or Shell Key's sand dollars and shells. All snorkeling gear is included, and the captain adjusts the route to look for manatees and dolphins along the way.

The experience

You arrive at the dock and board a twin-engine Roblo center console: wide and stable, built for comfort rather than speed. The boat heads out onto the clear Gulf waters, and the guide points the route based on what you want: snorkeling the ruins and grass flats around Egmont Key, or shelling at Shell Key where sand dollars and shells wash ashore. The 2.5-hour window gives you real time in the water, not a rushed stop between other sites.

All snorkeling gear is provided, so you pack nothing but a towel and sunscreen. The captain watches for manatees and dolphins as you move between spots, not a guarantee, but a genuine part of the trip. You're free to bring your own food and drinks aboard. The wide deck has room to move around and sit comfortably between water time. Each trip is tailored to your group, so if the conditions or your interests shift, the captain adjusts.

What’s included

• Use of all snorkeling equipment.
• private charter with a live English-speaking guide.
• 2.5-hour trip tailored to your group's interests.

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 10 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Aqua Sol Adventures

Is this one for you?Book this if your group wants to snorkel or shell without sharing a boat with strangers: the wide deck and private charter mean everyone gets space and the route adjusts to what your group wants to do.

Traveler reviews

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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 will I see when I snorkel at Egmont Key?

Egmont Key has grass flats and the ruins of old Fort Dade, a 19th-century military fort now submerged and colonized by marine life. The shallow flats around it are home to small fish, crustaceans and other Gulf creatures. The fort structure itself draws larger species and offers an unusual underwater landmark to explore.

Is Shell Key a good spot if I want to collect shells?

Shell Key is known for abundant shells and sand dollars that wash ashore and sit in shallow water. It's a shelling destination first, so if collecting shells is your main goal, the captain can focus the trip there instead of the snorkeling sites.

What happens if we see dolphins or manatees?

The guide looks for both along the route and will slow or change course if they appear, but sightings are not guaranteed. Manatees are more common in these waters than dolphins, and the captain knows where they're likely to be, but the trip is not built around spotting them.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?

No. All snorkeling equipment is included with the charter, so you arrive with just sunscreen, a towel and whatever food or drinks you want to bring.

Can I book a specific time, or does the captain choose when we leave?

Start times are issued based on availability, and if you have a specific departure time in mind, the captain must approve it before you book. Contact the operator to confirm your preferred time before completing your reservation.