Capt. Dylan Hubbard here with your latest update from the waters of central west Florida. The changing seasons are bringing exciting shifts in wildlife activity across Madeira Beach, Treasure Island, St. Pete Beach, Shell Key, Fort De Soto, and Egmont Key, and our guests are getting to experience it all firsthand. From playful dolphins to migratory birds, there’s plenty to see this time of year while cruising, shelling, and exploring the beautiful beaches just west of Tampa Bay.Â
Seasonal Changes and Cold Front EffectsÂ
The recent cold fronts have stirred up plenty of excitement both in the water and along the coast. These fronts are pushing an abundance of shells, shark teeth, and other treasures up onto the island shorelines, making it a perfect time to visit Shell Key and Egmont Key. Guests joining us right after the weather passes have had some of the best shelling experiences of the season. The winds and tides combine to uncover new finds daily, and our boats, designed for comfort and stability, make it easy to reach these islands even when conditions are brisk.Â
Dolphins, Manatees, and RaysÂ
The dolphins have been exceptionally active around the cold fronts, taking advantage of large schools of mullet flushing from the back bays. This makes them more concentrated in certain areas and a little trickier to find at first, but once spotted, they’re often in large, energetic groups, feeding and leaping with excitement. Our guests on the dolphin watching nature cruise and eco tour have been treated to incredible displays of dolphin activity up close.Â
Manatees, on the other hand, are beginning their gradual migration north toward the freshwater springs for the winter months. While we’re seeing fewer of them locally, there are still occasional sightings of individuals or pairs cruising along the beaches as they make their way out of the area.Â
Large groups of rays have also been a common sight while traveling to and from the passes and islands. Watching them glide through the shallow waters in formation is always a highlight for our guests and photographers.Â
Sunset Cruises and Island AdventuresÂ
Our sunset cruises with free beer and wine continue to be a favorite way to enjoy this time of year. The cooler temperatures and the shifting cloud patterns around the cold fronts have created absolutely stunning skies. The combination of fiery sunsets reflecting off the calm Gulf waters makes for the perfect end to a day of exploration.Â
Whether it’s an early morning shelling trip to Shell Key, a ferry ride to Egmont Key, or an evening on the water watching dolphins play as the sun dips below the horizon, there’s no shortage of beauty and adventure to enjoy right now.Â
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Cruise News: Island Ferries
Bird Activity and MigrationÂ
One of the most exciting shifts this time of year is in the bird population. Our beautiful white pelicans have officially returned for their winter stay, delighting visitors with their graceful flights and bright plumage. These migratory birds are a special treat to see around Shell Key and Egmont Key, often resting in large flocks near the sandbars and mangroves. Â
We’re also starting to see more bald eagles in the area as northern populations head south for the winter. Spotting an eagle soaring over the coastline or perched near the bay always adds a special touch to our island and eco tours.Â
Meanwhile, manatees and seabirds aren’t the only wildlife we’ve been working with lately. Our dedicated crews have been continuing their wildlife rescue efforts each week. Over the past several days, we’ve helped multiple pelicans, a heron, and an anhinga, freeing them from fishing line and debris before safely releasing them back into the wild.Â
Plan Your Next AdventureÂ
With fewer crowds and so much wildlife activity, this is one of the best times of year to visit us at Hubbard’s Marina. From dolphin watching and bird spotting to shelling, snorkeling, and sunset cruising, each trip offers a new glimpse into the diverse ecosystem of Florida’s Gulf Coast.Â
