Capt. Dylan Hubbard here with another detailed look at what we’ve been experiencing on the water around central west Florida. Each week brings a mix of exciting wildlife encounters, educational moments, and powerful reminders of how connected we all are to the marine environment. Guests joining us along the beaches and islands of Tampa Bay, including Madeira Beach, Treasure Island, St. Pete Beach, Shell Key, Fort De Soto, and Egmont Key, have been treated to a wide variety of memorable sights while dolphin watching, shelling, camping, and cruising.
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.
Dolphin Sightings and Marine Activity
Dolphin activity has remained steady over the past week, with good numbers of dolphins hunting together in smaller, coordinated groups throughout the area. These feeding groups are often focused and efficient, moving with purpose as they work baitfish through the bays and near the passes. Once located, they tend to stay active, making for rewarding viewing during our dolphin watching nature cruises and eco tours.
Wildlife conservation continues to be an important and sometimes emotional part of our work. While we were able to successfully help coordinate the rescue of a baby dolphin discussed in prior reports, we unfortunately encountered another dolphin calf that was entangled in fishing line. Despite promptly reporting the situation, updating its location multiple times, and working through the proper channels, assistance was not able to arrive in time and the calf ultimately passed away. This was incredibly difficult for our crew to witness and reinforces just how critical proper fishing line disposal and quick response are to protecting marine life.
Bird activity has been especially noteworthy lately. We are passing a newly established osprey nest daily on our dolphin tours, pirate ship cruises, and shelling trips. We are monitoring the nest closely and coordinating with local agency partners to keep them updated on its progress. We are hopeful to see baby osprey in the nest soon and look forward to watching them learn to fly in the coming weeks. In addition to the osprey, the area is full of seabirds right now, including cormorants, anhingas, egrets, pelicans, and an increasing number of winter visitors like white pelicans and bald eagles.
Cruise News: Island Ferries
One of the most unique encounters this week occurred during a three hour Shell Key shelling trip. On the return ride from the island, we spotted a seven foot pygmy sperm whale. Guests were able to capture photos and videos while we carefully observed the animal and reported its unusual behavior to Mote Marine Laboratory and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in an effort to prevent a potential stranding event. Encounters like this are rare and provide an incredible educational opportunity for everyone on board.
Island adventures continue to be very productive. Egmont Key has delivered an outstanding week for shark tooth hunters, with guests finding a wide range of teeth including megalodon teeth, great white shark teeth, and many smaller assorted finds. Shell Key has also been producing excellent shelling, with sand dollars, whelks, and conch shells found throughout the week. Shell Key camping has been growing in popularity as well, with many groups enjoying overnight stays, quiet evenings, and early morning exploration on the island.
Between consistent dolphin encounters, rare marine mammal sightings, active birdlife, productive shelling, island camping, pirate ship adventures, and sunset cruises with free beer and wine, there is no shortage of opportunities to experience the natural beauty of Florida’s Gulf Coast right now. Each trip offers something different, and every day on the water brings new moments to learn from and appreciate.
