GULFPORT BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Private 4‑Hour Shelling and Dolphin Tour to Shell Key — Gulfport’s secluded sweep of sand, shells and sea life
A private, four-hour boat excursion from Gulfport to Shell Key focused on shelling, snorkeling from shore and watching dolphins, manatees and shorebirds.
Private 4‑Hour Shelling and Dolphin Tour to Shell Key — Gulfport’s secluded sweep of sand, shells and sea life.
This private Shell Key Dolphin Shelling Tour ferries small groups from Gulfport to a stretch of largely untouched barrier island beach where tides replenish treasures daily and wildlife — playful dolphins, slow-moving manatees and an array of shorebirds — forages in clear, warm water. Local guides lead snorkel-and-beach sessions, leaving time to hunt for rare shells or simply relax on white sand.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A daily bounty of rare shells
Because Shell Key sits just inside Bunces Pass and feeds into the open Gulf, shifting tides deposit an astonishing variety of shells each day — from sand dollars and fighting conch to the much‑coveted Junonia — and visitors may keep empty shells that contain no living creatures.
Dolphins, manatees and birdlife on the move
The clear, warm waters around Shell Key are favored feeding and breeding grounds; visitors should watch for dolphins and manatees frolicking near the shallows and a variety of coastal birds along the shoreline.
Snorkel from shore and beachcombing in calm water
Guides give access to pristine, unspoiled beaches where you can snorkel from the shoreline, relax on sandbars or comb the surf for unique finds — ideal for explorers of all ages.
What the day feels like
What the four hours feel like
Over a private, guided four‑hour outing you’ll board in Gulfport and head for Shell Key, where the crew sets up short shore snorkels, guided shelling walks and wildlife watches; the pace balances active searching with long windows for watching dolphins and birds or simply lounging on a quiet beach.
THE SHELLS
A daily bounty of rare shells
Because Shell Key sits just inside Bunces Pass and feeds into the open Gulf, shifting tides deposit an astonishing variety of shells each day — from sand dollars and fighting conch to the much‑coveted Junonia — and visitors may keep empty shells that contain no living creatures.
THE WILDLIFE
Dolphins, manatees and birdlife on the move
The clear, warm waters around Shell Key are favored feeding and breeding grounds; visitors should watch for dolphins and manatees frolicking near the shallows and a variety of coastal birds along the shoreline.
THE BEACH
Snorkel from shore and beachcombing in calm water
Guides give access to pristine, unspoiled beaches where you can snorkel from the shoreline, relax on sandbars or comb the surf for unique finds — ideal for explorers of all ages.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who gets the most out of this private outing.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The outing is a four‑hour private tour.
Bring lunch, drinks (adult beverages are permitted) and towels.
Meet at 4630 29th Ave S., Gulfport, FL 33711. Base price includes six passengers; additional seats are $50 per person up to a 12‑person maximum.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The tour runs four hours.
Where do I meet for the tour?
The meeting point is 4630 29th Ave S., Gulfport, FL 33711.
How many people can join?
Pricing includes six passengers; additional passengers may be added at $50 each up to a maximum of 12 people.
Can I bring food and alcohol?
Yes — bring lunch and drinks; adult beverages are permitted.
Can I keep the shells I find?
You may keep found beach treasures provided they are not alive or contain living creatures.
What wildlife might we see?
Expect to see dolphins, manatees and a variety of shorebirds in the waters and along the shoreline.