Capt. Dylan Hubbard here with this week’s wildlife and island adventure update from the waters of central west Florida. As we move deeper into spring conditions around Tampa Bay and the Gulf beaches of Madeira Beach, Treasure Island, St. Pete Beach, Shell Key, Fort De Soto, and Egmont Key, the ecosystem is shifting in exciting ways. This is one of the most dynamic times of year to be on the water, and our guests are getting a front row seat to it all aboard our dolphin watching nature cruises, sunset cruises, shelling trips, pirate ship adventures, and island ferry runs.
Our local dolphin population is entering an especially exciting phase. We are seeing calves show up more frequently alongside their mothers, and one of our well known female dolphins appears ready to give birth at any time. It is always remarkable to witness the early stages of a calf’s life, watching them learn to surface, swim, and stay close to mom. Dolphin encounters have been steady, and this time of year often brings increased social activity within pods as calves begin interacting with the group.
Seabird activity is also ramping up. Many of the nesting islands we cruise past daily are coming alive with new life. Baby birds are becoming more active, and roosting behavior is increasing among several species. Osprey, pelicans, cormorants, and egrets are all engaged in nesting activity, and guests on our dolphin tours, pirate ship cruises, and island ferry trips are able to observe this seasonal transition unfold from a respectful distance.
As we look ahead, white pelicans will soon begin departing our area as they transition north for the warmer months. This makes now a great time to catch a final glimpse of these large, striking birds before they leave until winter 2026. At the same time, we are beginning to see early signs of manatees returning in greater numbers. A few have already been spotted moving through the passes, and over the coming weeks we expect their presence to increase as they spread back into the bays and nearshore waters.
Pirate Ship Family Fun Cruises
Our pirate ship cruises inside John’s Pass added even more excitement this week with special visitors from the Tampa Bay Rays. Both mascots joined us aboard the Royal Conquest, leading to epic sword fights, water gun battles, and nonstop family fun while cruising the pass and spotting wildlife along the way.
Cruise News: Island Ferries
Sea turtle sightings are increasing as well. Warmer water temperatures and calmer days have made turtles easier to spot on the surface while we cruise to and from Shell Key and Egmont Key. Guests aboard our dolphin tours and sunset cruises have been treated to more frequent turtle sightings, often catching them as they surface for air before slipping quietly back below.
Between dolphin calves on the way, active nesting seabirds, increasing sea turtle sightings, the last of the white pelicans, and the early return of manatees, this is a fantastic time to explore Florida’s Gulf Coast. Whether you are joining us for a dolphin watching nature cruise, a relaxing sunset cruise with free beer and wine, a three hour Shell Key shelling trip, a ferry ride to Egmont Key, or a family fun pirate ship adventure, there is no shortage of wildlife and natural beauty to experience.
We look forward to welcoming you aboard and sharing another memorable week on the water.
