Fort DeSoto Ferry to Shell Key Preserve

Shell Key Ferry

Departs: 9 am from Fort DeSoto 

Returns: 12 pm Adults: $20.00; Children: $10.00

(11 & under)

 

Includes all the free shells you can carry! A short ferry ride from Ft. DeSoto is the Shell Key Preserve, a natural and uninhabited barrier island. Landing on the south end of the island is a unique trip for this area. White sand, warm waters are just the fix for sunbathing, swimming, superb shelling, bird and dolphin watching or just loafing around. Over night camping is allowed with a no cost permit.  Shell Key is comparable to Sanibel and Captiva.

 

A family run ferry in this area since1928, chosen by the county in 2002 to be the ONLY official ferry service to and from Egmont Key &  Shell Key Preserve. You begin and end your adventure at the historic Fort De Soto Park, a military outpost constructed during the Spanish American War, listed in the “National Register of Historic Places.” Explore the fort still equipped with 12-inch rifled mortars and two British breech-loading 6-inch Armstrong rapid-fire guns. The park has been rated the Number One Beach in the entire United States.

Pinellas Counties largest Park includes 1,136 acres made up of five interconnected islands. Travel to an uninhabited barrier island with white sand, warm water, and shelling galore is yours for the day. This trip is one of a kind and unique to this area.

See our photo gallery

Have a group of 10 or more?

Click here to view our group rate discounts.

Group rates quoted are for regularly scheduled daily cruises. Open to the general public. All Cruises are subject to availability, weather and minimum number of fares. Gratuity of 15% suggested on groups of 10 or more.
 

Helpful Cruise Hint...

- SUNSCREEN for our Florida-intense sun!
- Hats advisable.
- Carry a drink when hiking on the island,
  and watch the time.
- Be back to the ferry boat a few minutes before
  boarding time.
- Proper footwear recommended for wading & hiking.
- Bring cash for the snack bar for drinks and snacks.
- Make the beautiful sights memorable...bring a camera
  and binoculars.
- Clothing required on ferry boat and on the island.
- Reference books available aboard on sea life, wildlife,
  and history.

We’re here all year! Please call for departure times. Reservations are suggested. A minimum number of fares required on all tours. Schedule, Prices and fuel charges subject to change without notice.

Information and reservations (727) 398-6577

Fort DeSoto Ferry Service

Located at Fort DeSoto County Park
3500 Pinellas Bayway S.
Tierra Verde, FL 33715

Ferry tickets available on ferry at a first come, first serve basis or call office for advance reservations. Cash or credit cards are accepted. Once in park, simply follow the signs to the information kiosks for boarding locations. Cruises do not run in bad weather. For daily cruise information call: 727.867.6569