Capt. Dylan Hubbard here with another weekly update from the waters of central west Florida. Every week on the water brings new lessons, new wildlife encounters, and new memories for our guests as we explore the beaches and islands of Tampa Bay, including Madeira Beach, Treasure Island, St. Pete Beach, Shell Key, Fort De Soto, and Egmont Key. From dolphin watching nature cruises to shelling adventures, sunset cruises, and family-friendly pirate ship trips, there is always something special happening at Hubbard’s Marina.
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
This week was a powerful reminder of how important stewardship and awareness are on the water. We recently called in a dolphin calf that was entangled in fishing line. Working closely with local wildlife officials, we were able to help coordinate the rescue and successfully remove the entanglement. Seeing that calf swim away freely again was an incredible moment and a great example of why responsible boating and proper disposal of fishing line matter so much.
Dolphin activity has remained strong, although conditions have made them a little more challenging to locate at times. With baitfish moving around heavily, the dolphins are hungry and actively feeding. When we do find them, they tend to be concentrated in tight groups and very playful, often putting on great shows for our dolphin watching nature cruise and eco tour guests aboard both the Dolphin Quest and our big blue boat.
Cruise News: Island Ferries
Island adventures have been just as exciting. Egmont Key delivered a fantastic week of shark tooth hunting, with several larger teeth found by guests exploring the shoreline. Sea turtle sightings also made for a special surprise on our three hour Shell Key shelling trip as we headed back from the islands. At the Shell Key ferry boat ramp, we even encountered a group of manatees cruising through the shallows while guests were boarding, offering a peaceful and memorable start to the day.
One of our favorite traditions continued this week as well. When guests bring a special shell back on board from Egmont Key or Shell Key, our crew offers to turn that find into a custom shell necklace during the ride home. We made a lot of these keepsake necklaces this week, giving families a unique souvenir and a lasting reminder of their island adventure.
With dolphin rescues, shark teeth, manatees, sea turtles, and unforgettable family moments all in one week, it’s a great time to get out on the water. Whether you’re joining us for a dolphin watching cruise, a sunset cruise with free beer and wine, a Shell Key shelling trip, an Egmont Key ferry, or a pirate ship adventure, there is no shortage of experiences waiting for you at Hubbard’s Marina.
We look forward to seeing you on the water soon and helping you make memories that will last a lifetime.
