Capt. Dylan Hubbard here with another exciting update from the waters of central west Florida. Springtime has fully arrived around Tampa Bay, and the wildlife activity across Madeira Beach, Treasure Island, St. Pete Beach, Shell Key, Fort De Soto, and Egmont Key has been absolutely incredible lately. Whether guests are joining us aboard our dolphin watching nature cruise and eco tour, enjoying a relaxing sunset cruise with free beer and wine, heading out on a three hour Shell Key shelling trip, taking a ferry ride to Egmont Key, or climbing aboard the family fun pirate ship adventure, there is no shortage of amazing wildlife encounters and beautiful scenery to enjoy.
One of the biggest highlights lately has been the abundance of baby dolphins around the area. We are seeing multiple local dolphin pods traveling with brand new calves, and many of our trips are getting opportunities to watch these little ones swimming tightly alongside their mothers. Watching young dolphins learn how to navigate the water, surface properly, and interact socially within their pods is always a memorable experience for our guests. These sightings have been happening across a wide variety of our cruises, especially within the calm back protected bay waters around Boca Ciega Bay and the beaches near John’s Pass.
Cruise News: Island Ferries
Seabird activity is also reaching another exciting stage of the season. Many of the nesting islands we pass during our dolphin tours and island trips are full of juvenile birds becoming more active and beginning to leave the nests. Pelicans, egrets, cormorants, and other coastal species are busy feeding growing chicks, and guests are enjoying excellent birdwatching opportunities while cruising around Shell Key and Egmont Key.
Our local osprey nest that we have been monitoring closely over the past several weeks is also nearing a major milestone. The young osprey are now growing quickly, looking strong, and getting close to the point where they will soon leave the nest and begin learning how to hunt for themselves. It has been incredible watching their development from tiny chicks into nearly full grown birds throughout the season.
Manatee sightings continue increasing as water temperatures warm steadily. These gentle giants are now becoming much more common throughout the area as they return from their wintertime stay in Florida’s warmer spring systems. We are spotting them more frequently along the beaches, around the passes, and throughout the back bay waters. As spring progresses further, we also expect to start seeing more mating activity among the manatees along our coastline.
Sea turtle sightings are becoming more regular too. Guests aboard our dolphin tours, island ferry trips, and shelling adventures are spotting turtles surfacing more often while cruising through the calm bay waters and nearshore Gulf areas. With warming water temperatures and sea turtle nesting season approaching, we expect these encounters to become even more frequent over the coming weeks.
Between the baby dolphins, active seabird rookeries, returning manatees, increasing sea turtle sightings, and beautiful springtime conditions, this is one of the most exciting times of year to explore the waters around Hubbard’s Marina. Every trip offers a different experience and another opportunity to connect with the incredible wildlife and natural beauty of Florida’s Gulf Coast.
