Island Shelling Tour - Saint Petersburg, FL
Private Trip
Shore Fishing
Private boat cruise to local islands for swimming and shellingRelaxing water adventure perfect for families and friend groupsNonfishing alternative with capacity for up to six guests
Sometimes you want to get out on the water but fishing just isn't calling your name. That's where Non-Stop Fishing Charters steps up with something completely different - a top-rated island cruise that's perfect for families and anyone looking to explore Saint Petersburg's stunning barrier islands. This private charter takes you away from the crowds to secluded spots where you can swim in crystal-clear waters, hunt for beautiful shells, or simply enjoy a peaceful boat ride with your favorite people. With space for up to 6 guests, it's an intimate way to experience the best of Florida's Gulf Coast without a fishing rod in sight.
Your captain knows these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll take you to some of the most pristine barrier islands around Saint Petersburg. Picture pulling up to a sandbar where the water is so clear you can see your feet, or discovering a secluded beach where shells wash up with every wave. The boat becomes your floating base camp for whatever kind of day you want to have. Some groups spend hours combing the shoreline for perfect shells, while others prefer to anchor up and take a refreshing swim. Kids love splashing around in the shallow, protected waters near these islands, and parents appreciate the relaxed pace. There's no pressure, no schedule to keep - just you, your group, and some of the most beautiful water you'll find anywhere in Florida.
The captain will customize your route based on conditions and what your group wants to do. Egmont Key is often a favorite stop, where you can explore historic ruins while searching for sand dollars and fighting conchs. The sandbar at Beer Can Island offers perfect swimming conditions and is renowned for its shell collecting, especially after storms when new treasures wash ashore. Your boat is equipped with everything you need for a comfortable day, including shade, seating, and easy water access. Many guests bring along snorkel gear to get a closer look at the marine life around these islands, though it's not required. The shallow grass flats are home to stingrays, sea turtles, and countless fish species that are fun to observe even if you're not trying to catch them. Don't forget to bring a mesh bag for all the shells you'll find - Florida fighting conchs, lightning whelks, and colorful scallop shells are common discoveries.
Even though this isn't a fishing trip, you'll still get to see plenty of Florida's amazing marine life up close. Bottlenose dolphins are regular visitors to these waters and often show up to investigate boats, especially around the deeper channels between islands. Watch for them in the early morning or late afternoon when they're most active. Manatees frequent the grass beds near these islands, particularly during cooler months when they seek out the warmer shallow waters. These gentle giants are always a highlight, especially for kids who get wide-eyed watching them surface nearby. The clear water around the islands also gives you great views of stingrays gliding over the sandy bottom, and sea turtles are common sightings throughout the warmer months. Loggerhead and green sea turtles nest on many of these barrier islands, so you might even spot one coming up for air during your trip.
Bird life is incredible around Saint Petersburg's islands, making this a world-class trip for anyone who enjoys wildlife watching. Great blue herons stalk the shallows looking for small fish, while brown pelicans dive bomb the deeper waters just offshore. Osprey nest on channel markers and are fun to watch as they hunt from above. During winter months, the islands become temporary homes for countless migratory species, and you might see everything from roseate spoonbills to white ibis feeding along the shorelines.
This customer favorite trip fills up quickly, especially during peak season when everyone wants to escape to the islands. The beauty of booking with Non-Stop Fishing Charters is their flexibility - they'll work with your schedule and customize the experience around what your group wants to do most. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, want to introduce kids to boating, or just need a break from the everyday grind, this island tour delivers something special. The memories you'll make exploring these pristine waters and secluded beaches will stick with you long after you're back on shore. Ready to trade the hustle and bustle for some island time? Your perfect day on the water is just a booking away.
Saint Petersburg, FL