Dolphin Diaries
Greetings from Hubbard’s Marina! Capt. Dylan Hubbard here, bringing you all the exciting updates and wildlife sightings from this past week. As always, we’ve had plenty of amazing experiences on our Dolphin Watching Nature Cruises, Eco Tours, Sunset Cruises, Shell Key Shelling Trips, and Island Adventures. There’s always something special happening on the waters of Pinellas County, and we’re excited to share the highlights of our week with you.
Pelican Rescue and Wildlife Care
This week, during one of our Dolphin Watching Nature Cruises and Eco Tours, we had the opportunity to rescue a pelican that had sustained an injury to one of its wings. Our crew was quick to act, safely bringing the pelican on board and making sure it received the proper care. It’s moments like these that remind us of the importance of being aware of our surroundings and helping out local wildlife whenever we can. We were able to get the pelican the help it needed, ensuring a safe release back into the wild once it was healed.
Cruise News: Island Ferries
Egret Rescue at Shell Key Island
On another adventure, we came across an egret that was entangled in fishing line at Shell Key Island. With the help of our crew, we safely rescued the bird, removed the hook and line, and ensured the egret was free to return to its natural habitat. It’s always heartwarming to be able to lend a helping hand to the wildlife in our area, and we’re proud to do our part in protecting these beautiful creatures.
Manatee Sightings at Egmont Key
Guests on our Egmont Key Island trips were treated to a special sight this week when we spotted a few manatees cruising by the island. These gentle giants are always a favorite among our guests, and it’s always exciting when we get to see them up close. Whether you’re exploring the historic Egmont Key Lighthouse, enjoying the fort, or snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters, you never know when a manatee might swim by. These moments truly add to the magic of our island adventures.
Shelling and Souvenir Necklaces
This past week has been fantastic for shelling at both Shell Key Island and Egmont Key Island. Our guests have found some incredible shells, with many people discovering rare and beautiful treasures. In fact, our crew has been getting creative, making custom shell necklaces for guests using the shells they find on their trip. It’s a unique way for visitors to take home a piece of the experience, and we’ve had a lot of fun crafting these one-of-a-kind souvenirs for our guests.
Turtle Sightings and Nest Marking
Several turtles were spotted during our island trips this week, and we had the chance to work with local researchers to mark their nests for study. It’s always an incredible experience to spot these ancient creatures, and knowing that we’re contributing to their conservation through nest monitoring makes these sightings even more special. Our guests were able to witness firsthand the importance of protecting these amazing creatures and the efforts being made to ensure their future.
Gopher Tortoise Study with Eckerd College
We are excited to announce that we’re working with Eckerd College on a gopher tortoise population study out at Egmont Key. As part of the study, we filmed some gopher tortoise educational material that will be available soon on our YouTube channel. Gopher tortoises are a key species in the local ecosystem, and we’re proud to be a part of this important research and education project. Stay tuned for the release of the video, where you’ll learn more about these fascinating creatures and the conservation efforts taking place at Egmont Key.
Sunset Cruises with Free Beer and Wine
Our sunset cruises have been especially beautiful this week, with breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico as the sun sets over the horizon. Guests have been enjoying the stunning scenery while sipping on free beer and wine. The sunsets over Madeira Beach, Treasure Island, and St. Pete Beach are always a memorable experience, and there’s no better way to end the day than with a relaxing cruise on the water.
Book Your Next Adventure with Hubbard’s Marina
With so much to see and do, there’s never been a better time to book your next adventure with Hubbard’s Marina. Whether you’re interested in dolphin watching, shelling at Shell Key and Egmont Key, enjoying a sunset cruise, or exploring the unique wildlife that makes this area so special, we have something for everyone. Our knowledgeable crew is here to make your experience unforgettable, and we look forward to welcoming you aboard soon.
Visit Hubbard’s Marina to book your next adventure today. We can’t wait to see you on the water!
