This was the highlight of our Florida vacation. We felt secure, enjoyed our trip, and also learned a lot. Captain Jack was kind, knowledgeable, and accommodating."
Our guides have spent years studying the natural behavior of dolphins. We are experts at finding them, and then safely instruct our guests how they can enter the water to observe them. Additionally, your captain will go snorkeling with you to show starfish, pufferfishes welch conchs and other types sea creatures.
Do you want to have a memorable, exciting experience on your Florida vacation? Gabby’s Dolphin Tours PCB offers more information on the Shell Island snorkeling experience and dolphin tours. We hope to meet you soon!
"We had so much great fun today swimming, snorkeling, playing on Shell Island and all the other activities! This company is highly recommended. This was our highlight vacation. - Christy
Additionally, we often see manatees. If conditions allow, you may enter the water near manatees, but we practice passive observation and never approach them.
Before the dolphins arrive, you will be in the water. The dolphins will be attracted to you because they are curious. Dolphins are finicky creatures and will be more curious if we pretend they're not there.
Reserve the whole boat on a private tour for only your group. This is your tour. This tour can be tailored to your preferences. A private charter can only accommodate six people.
St. Andrews Bay Charters organizes private charters that can accommodate 12 guests. This will allow for a more intimate, interactive experience and safer trip as you won’t be sharing the boat.
Species we frequently see include a variety of starfish, sand dollars, bay scallops, whelks, conchs up to 21” long, seahorses, urchins, and hermit crabs and other crab species. These animals can be brought to the surface, handled carefully, and photographed. We bring large containers so that even non-snorkelers can observe them up close before they’re released back into the bay. Shells found without living creatures can be taken home.
Your captain will show you the best way to enter the water and see the dolphins up close. It is against the law to reach out to dolphins or swim towards them. The best way to interact with dolphins is to swim parallel with them, and then let them come towards you.
Be your own guide and rent a pontoon boat for the day! For visitors who would like to captain their own vessel, we have pontoon boats available for rent. You will receive our Map with directions of our favorite snorkeling locations, sandbars, common dolphin areas, and more.
What a great way to spend a day! Took my 22 year old son and his friends out for 1/2 day. Pontoon boat was fantastic as was the day. Rob was great and everyone had the best time!
Our Dolphin & Island Tours usually last 3 hours. The departure times can vary depending on the season. We leave the dock at 9:30 a.m. and 12:20 p.m.
You can ride in our boats for cruising, and enjoy the beauty of dolphins swimming in their natural surroundings.
Dolphins are most active at dawn, between 10 a.m. and noon, and from 2 p.m. to dusk. A good pair of telephoto lenses or binoculars can be extremely useful for spotting dolphins.
Islamorada and Key Largo are popular locations for seeing the animals in the wild. The Florida Keys are a popular breeding ground for dolphins, so you can see them all year.
A: You can get to Shell Island by boat or jet ski. The St. Andrews Shuttle to Shell Island costs $24.95 for adults, $17.95 for children ages 2 to 12, and free for infants ages 0 to 1. There are also several locations where you can rent a jet ski or pontoon boat.