Bestseller

Three Hour Shelling Cruise to Shell Key Preserve from John's Pass

4.84

4.8(467 reviews)

3 hours

Mobile ticket

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Overview

3 hours

Mobile ticket

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!

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

What To Expect

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.

1 hour • Admission Not Applicable

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.

Admission Not Applicable

Options

Three Hour Shelling Cruise to Shell Key Preserve from John's Pass

What‘s Included

Restroom on board

Gratuities

Snacks

Parking Fees

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

4.84

467 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

417

Great Time!!
Andrea G,Jun 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
This was a great time! Went with several friends and had a good time. Robin was a wonderful hostess. We will do again.
Awesome Experience
Sherrie H,Jun 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
The Driver of the boat was very informative and allowed us to view the dolphins swimming around us. The shell key was perfect place to hang out for an hour in the water and got lots of shells too
Great time for friends
Deborah F,Jun 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Fun, friendly, knowledgeable crew. We had a great time. Don’t expect a secluded island. Beautiful shells collected for another amazing beach trip.
Lots of fun!
Ava V,Jun 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Very nice area that we shell at. Found a lot of nice shells. Captains were very friendly, knowledgeable and funny. Beware that if you are at the front of the boat on a windy day you will get kissed by some salt water. Overall had a great experience. Would try again!
Great cruise!
751jaclyng,Jun 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The boat cruise was so much fun! We had to travel through the inter coastal waters because the ocean was very choppy. It was about an hour to get to shell key and on the way we learned all about the houses, saw dolphins and other wildlife. We spent an hour at shell key, which was calm waters with plenty of neat shells and wildlife. Back on the boat, the crew made necklaces out of our favorite shell! The company has many other cruises too, we will book again! Also, you can book directly through their website too.
Solo traveler
Jennifer D,Jun 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00
Hubbard Marina was awesome! They were friendly, helpful, etc! Shelling was good but did find a lot of the same or better shells on the beach I was at. However, they mentioned they do a shark tooth tour - so I may try that next!
Not enough time for the price .
juliacZ455EO,Jun 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00
The trip too short for the money we paid . 2 hours in the island will be much better . One hour not enough to see everything and have a little fun .
Top notch adventure!
Jerry L,Jun 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
It was fun, relaxing and enjoyable. It was woth every penny and then some! Captain Mike and First Mate Brandy were an absolute joy to be around. Their genuine love for the trip, the dolphins we encountered and people on the boat were second to none! I would ABSOLUTELY do it again!
Great boat ride
LoveTravel630569,Jun 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Captain Mike and first mate Kyle on June 4 were fantastic. They were both very friendly and made the ride entertaining.
Momma's first trip to the ocean!
Leanne L,Jun 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Crew was amazing, very pleasant and very knowledgeable, we had a great experience.