Capt. Dylan Hubbard here with your latest update from the waters of central west Florida. This week has been full of activity across our tours and island adventures, with incredible wildlife sightings, great shelling conditions, and plenty of open space aboard our family friendly cruises. Whether you’re exploring Egmont Key, Shell Key, or enjoying one of our scenic dolphin or sunset trips, it’s a fantastic time to get out and experience the Gulf Coast’s natural beauty.
Pirate Ship Family Fun Cruises
Our pirate ship cruises aboard the Royal Conquest have been extra enjoyable this week with light crowds, giving guests plenty of room for sword fights, treasure hunts, and water gun battles when the weather warms up. The crew’s onboard pirate show has been a big hit with families, offering fun and laughter for kids and adults alike while taking in the sights of Madeira Beach and the surrounding waterways. It’s an adventure that combines storytelling, excitement, and the scenic backdrop of our beautiful Florida coast.
Dolphin Sightings and Marine Activity
The dolphins have been incredibly active lately aboard both our Dolphin Quest and the Dolphin Watching Nature Cruise and Eco Tour aboard the big blue boat. Guests have enjoyed fantastic up close views of playful dolphins leaping and feeding in the wake of mullet schools throughout the bays and near the passes. Cooler weather and shifting tides seem to have them especially energized and social this week.
Sunset Cruises and Evening Views
Our sunset cruises with free beer and wine have been absolutely stunning this week. The cool, crisp evenings and scattered clouds have created some of the most colorful and dramatic sunsets we’ve seen this season. Guests have enjoyed watching dolphins play in the fading light while relaxing with a drink in hand as the sun sinks over the Gulf of Mexico.
Birdlife and Seasonal Visitors
The bird activity this week has been exceptional. Large flocks of white pelicans have returned to our area for the winter, joining the resident brown pelicans that frequent our tours. Their bright plumage and synchronized flight patterns make for spectacular viewing as they glide low over the water. Bald eagles have also been increasingly common along the coast, with more arriving daily as the temperatures up north drop. Spotting an eagle soaring above Shell Key or perched along the mangroves is always a highlight for our guests.
Cruise News: Island Ferries
Guests aboard our Egmont Key ferry even got a rare treat recently, spotting a group of smaller sharks migrating out of Tampa Bay and cruising around the island. These smaller coastal shark species follow the seasonal baitfish movements and are fascinating to watch from the comfort and safety of our boats.
Shelling and Island Discoveries
If you’ve been hoping to find some special shells or shark teeth, now is the time to join us for a Shell Key shelling trip or hop aboard the Shell Key or Egmont Key ferries. The rougher weather behind recent cold fronts has stirred up the sea floor and pushed countless shells and shark teeth onto the beaches. Guests have been thrilled to find sand dollars, conch shells, and even some larger shark teeth scattered along the shoreline. Our knowledgeable crew members are always happy to help identify your finds and share a few shelling tips along the way.
