Dolphin Diaries
Hello from the beautiful Gulf Coast! Capt. Dylan Hubbard here, bringing you the latest updates from Hubbard’s Marina. As always, we’ve been having some incredible experiences on our Dolphin Watching Nature Cruises, Eco Tours, Sunset Cruises, Shell Key Shelling Trips, and Island Adventures. We’re excited to share what we’ve been seeing and doing this past week on the waters of Pinellas County. Whether you’re looking to spot dolphins, find rare seashells, or simply enjoy the beauty of Florida’s coastline, there’s something special waiting for you at Hubbard’s Marina.
Active Dolphins and Playful Calves
Our Dolphin Watching Nature Cruises have been filled with excitement lately, especially with the recent birth of baby dolphins. These little ones are getting older and becoming more active, and it’s been a joy to see them starting to learn how to hunt by playing catch with their older dolphin counterparts. Watching these family groups interact and feed together is one of the highlights of our daily cruises around Boca Ceiga Bay, Treasure Island, and Madeira Beach. It’s a perfect time to join us and witness these incredible creatures in action.
Manatees and Wildlife Sightings
Manatees have been showing up often, making appearances during our dolphin tours, shelling trips, and island trips. We even had a manatee spotted on one of our recent sunset cruises—a truly magical moment for our guests. These gentle giants are always a crowd favorite, and we’re thrilled to have so many opportunities to see them up close as they graze along the shallow waters of Egmont Key and Shell Key.
Cruise News: Island Ferries
Spotted Eagle Rays and Other Marine Life
On a recent Shell Key Adventure, we were lucky enough to come across a big group of spotted eagle rays. These graceful creatures glided through the water, showing off their spectacular wing-like fins as they moved across the seafloor. It’s always a special experience to encounter these majestic rays, and they’ve been a popular sighting for our guests on the island trips and eco tours.
Great Shells and Rare Finds
It’s been a great week for shelling at Shell Key and Egmont Key! Guests have been finding some amazing treasures on the beach. A family from Ohio was thrilled to discover a large conch shell on Egmont Key Island—a rare and exciting find. In addition to the conch shell, we’ve been seeing an abundance of sand dollars at Shell Key Island, with many guests walking away with these beautiful keepsakes from their trip. There’s nothing quite like the joy of finding a rare shell along the shores of our pristine islands.
Island Adventures and Eco Tours
Our Shell Key Shelling Trips and Egmont Key Ferry trips have been fantastic, with plenty of snorkeling opportunities, beautiful beachcombing adventures, and encounters with manatees, dolphins, and other incredible wildlife. Our guests have been especially lucky with the great shelling conditions, and the water clarity has been excellent for snorkeling and exploring the underwater world around these pristine islands. Whether you’re seeking a quiet day on the beach, a bit of shell hunting, or some time in the water with the wildlife, our island trips offer something for everyone.
Sunset Cruises with Free Beer and Wine
Our sunset cruises have been particularly stunning, with breathtaking views as the sun dips below the horizon over the Gulf of Mexico. Guests have been enjoying the tranquility of the evening while sipping on free beer and wine as part of the cruise experience. It’s the perfect way to unwind and take in the beauty of the coastline with friends and family. The sunset views from Madeira Beach, Treasure Island, and St. Pete Beach make for an unforgettable experience that you won’t want to miss.
Water Clarity and Upcoming Weather
We’ve been experiencing great water clarity lately, which has made for fantastic viewing on our dolphin watching cruises, snorkeling trips, and island tours. The clarity has been exceptional, giving guests excellent visibility both above and below the water. However, as we move into the warmer months and the rainy season approaches, we expect the clarity to decline. If you’ve been waiting for the perfect time to experience the beauty of our waters, now is the time to book your adventure with us before the rains affect the conditions.
Book Your Next Adventure with Hubbard’s Marina
With so much to see and do, there’s never been a better time to plan your next adventure with Hubbard’s Marina. Whether you’re excited to see dolphins, explore the islands, or join a relaxing sunset cruise with free drinks, we have something for everyone. We look forward to welcoming you aboard for another unforgettable experience on the water.
