5.0(5 Reviews)St Petersburg Boat Tours & Sunset Shelling
5.0(5 reviews)
Private Trip
Combo of Land & Sea
Top Rated
Private boat tour to Shell Key Island for up to 3 guestsBeach exploration and shelling on preserved island watersSunset viewing aboard intimate Grasshopper Skiff vessel
Picture this: you're cruising the crystal-clear waters around St. Petersburg on a grasshopper skiff, heading toward the pristine shores of Shell Key Island. This isn't your typical crowded tour boat experience. With Captain Joe and the Reel Lucky crew, you'll get an intimate look at one of Florida's most beautiful barrier islands, perfect for up to 3 guests who want to explore, collect shells, and catch a stunning Gulf Coast sunset. Shell Key Preserve offers some of the most untouched beaches in the Tampa Bay area, and there's nothing quite like having it mostly to yourself as the day winds down.
Your adventure starts from St. Pete's marina, where you'll board a shallow-draft grasshopper skiff designed specifically for navigating the waters around Shell Key. These boats are perfect for getting into areas larger vessels can't reach, meaning you'll access secluded stretches of beach that most tourists never see. The trip combines the best of both worlds - a scenic boat ride through Tampa Bay's backcountry waters, followed by beach time where you can hunt for shells, wade in the shallows, and soak up that famous Florida sunshine. As evening approaches, you'll witness one of the Gulf Coast's most spectacular sunsets, with nothing but open water and endless sky stretching out before you. The whole experience runs about four hours, giving you plenty of time to really disconnect and enjoy this slice of paradise.
The grasshopper skiff is your ticket to exploring areas that bigger boats simply can't reach. With its shallow draft and nimble handling, Captain Joe can navigate through the maze of sandbars and grass flats that surround Shell Key, often getting within feet of the shoreline. These boats are stable, comfortable, and designed for this exact type of coastal exploration. Once you reach the island, you'll beach right on the sand - no crowded docks or long walks from parking areas. Shell Key Preserve is a protected area, which means the beaches stay pristine and the wildlife thrives. You'll be walking on sugar-white sand that squeaks under your feet, collecting shells that range from tiny coquinas to larger whelk shells, depending on what the tide has brought in. The shallow waters around the island are perfect for wading, and the lack of development means you'll often have stretches of beach completely to yourself.
"We took a four hour fishing charter last week with Reel lucky fishing charter. These guys were the best of the best. My Dad is on oxygen, we were worried about him getting on and off the boat. These gentlemen went out of their way for him. We all had such a good time. They are down to earth and you definitely learn alot on your charter. I will definitely be doing another charter with them, and highly recommend them. We had the best time." - Laura. "Been fishing with Reel Lucky for 10 Years! Always consistent and always sent home with lots of fish for weeks! The fun is in the trip! Genuine, professional, knowledgeable and experienced Captain with mates of the same. I bring friends and family when they visit from out of state and always ask to go again. Whether on-shore or off shore, the best! Don't hesitate to book with Reel Lucky!" - Alana K. "First time deep sea fishing. So glad it was with Captain Joe and his first mate Christopher. They were both awesome and we caught a ton of fish. He gave us a great recommendation for a nearby restaurant to cook our fresh catches. Fresh fish was delicious and we really enjoyed it! Would highly recommend!!!" - Kim.
Shell Key is a barrier island paradise where nature puts on a daily show. The waters around the island teem with dolphins, manatees, and countless seabirds, while the beaches offer some of the best shelling in the Tampa Bay area. You'll find lightning whelk shells - Florida's state shell - scattered along the tide line, especially after storms or during strong tides. These spiral beauties can range from tiny juveniles to impressive specimens over six inches long. Sand dollars are another local favorite, and the protected waters around Shell Key create perfect conditions for finding intact specimens. Look for the smaller, thicker live ones in the shallow grass flats, or collect the bleached white ones that have washed ashore. The island is also home to least terns, black skimmers, and other shorebirds that nest in the dunes, making it a fantastic spot for wildlife photography. During certain times of year, you might even spot sea turtle tracks leading up the beach from their nesting activities. The key to great shelling here is timing your visit with the tides - Captain Joe knows exactly when and where to look for the best finds.
This tour offers something you won't find anywhere else in St. Petersburg - a genuine local experience that combines scenic boating, pristine beach exploration, and one of the Gulf Coast's most beautiful sunsets, all in a small group setting. With room for just 3 guests, you're guaranteed personal attention from a captain who's been showing people the best of Tampa Bay for years. Whether you're looking to add some unique shells to your collection, capture amazing photos, or simply spend a few hours in one of Florida's most beautiful natural settings, this trip delivers. The grasshopper skiff gets you to places other tours can't reach, and Shell Key Preserve offers a glimpse of what Florida's coast looked like before development. Don't wait - spots fill up quickly, especially during sunset season when the lighting is absolutely perfect for photos and the weather is ideal for beach exploring.
5.0 out of 5.0We took a four hour fishing charter last week with Reel lucky fishing charter. These guys were the best of the best. My Dad is on ...
Had a great experience with this crew! Out of the handful of charters I’ve gotten to go on this was by far the best! Captain Joe a...
Did inshore trip with Captain Joe and Offshore trip 3 days later. Continuous action on both trips. This boat likes to catch fish!
Been fishing with Reel Lucky for 10 Years! Always consistent and always sent home with lots of fish for weeks! The fun is in the t...
First time deep sea fishing. So glad it was with Captain Joe and his first mate Christopher. They were both awesome and we caught ...
St. Petersburg, FL