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Shell Key Ferry from Ft. DeSoto Boat Ramp in Tierra Verde, FL

Shell Key Ferry from Ft. DeSoto Boat Ramp in Tierra Verde, FL

Overview

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.

City: St Petersburg

Sun 23 Feb

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $39.95

Make a reservation

Sun 23 Feb

Starting at $39.95

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Free Parking Pass

Additional Info

Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Regularly sanitised high-traffic areas
Guides required to regularly wash hands

Cancellation Policy

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

Traveler Photos

Reviews (53)

HowieAndBrenda

Dec 2022

Sure there are a few boats going to Shell Key, but the folks running this boat are second to none. Super nice people make all the difference in your experience. Capt and mate shared their knowledge about the area and animal behavior. More so -- one of the elderly passengers was visibly cold and the captain offered is personal jacket to warm the passenger and when we arrived he offered to let the passenger borrow his jacket during their stay on Shell Key. Hands down the star of the operation was the fellow in the ticket booth. We rode our bikes 10 miles to the launch ramp and when we returned, my wheel had a flat (slow leak). The ticket gentleman offered to pump my tire from his personal car 'portable pump'! That extra boost of air, enabled me to ride to the gas station for more air and then to the bike shop for a repair. THANKS so much!! Oh yeah the shells are great too and we saw dolphins jumping out of the water right from the beach.

yellowdog63456

Dec 2022

Such a great shelling trip…. Very friendly and knowledgeable Captains… found lots of great treasures

Getaway232315

Nov 2022

My friend and I take this trip often. Capt Todd and his crew are always amazing. If you have never been to shell key I highly recommend this trip.