Capt. Dylan Hubbard here checking in with another exciting week from the beautiful Gulf waters of central west Florida. From playful dolphins to migrating birds, the wildlife action has been incredible, and our guests have enjoyed unforgettable experiences on our dolphin tours, sunset cruises, island adventures, and family pirate ship cruises. Whether you’re exploring Egmont Key, Shell Key, or cruising the scenic bays of Madeira Beach, there’s no better time to get out and enjoy the magic of our local waters.
Pirate Ship Family Fun Cruises
Our family-friendly pirate ship cruises aboard the Royal Conquest have been an absolute hit lately, offering plenty of room onboard for sword fights, water gun battles, and good old-fashioned pirate fun. The crew’s interactive pirate show keeps everyone entertained while cruising the calm waters of Madeira Beach. On top of all the laughter and games, we’ve even had some great dolphin sightings during these trips, adding an extra bit of excitement to the adventure.
Dolphin Sightings and Marine Activity
Both our Dolphin Quest and our big blue boat on the Dolphin Watching Nature Cruise and Eco Tour have had incredible dolphin encounters this week. We’re seeing lots of our familiar local dolphins, and a few traveling pairs have returned to the area as well. Many have been especially playful, leaping alongside the boats and showing off their acrobatic skills in the upper Boca Ciega Bay. This time of year, with the cooler water and abundance of baitfish, our dolphin encounters have been especially frequent and up close.
Sunset Cruises and Evening Views
Our sunset cruises aboard the Dolphin Quest and the big blue boat have been nothing short of spectacular. The cool, clear evenings have provided vivid skies with rich golden tones fading into soft pinks and purples over the Gulf of Mexico. With dolphins playing nearby and free beer and wine for our guests, it’s the perfect way to unwind and take in the beauty of our coast.
Birdlife and Seasonal Visitors
The arrival of winter has brought an incredible display of birdlife to our coastline. White pelicans have returned in big flocks, gliding gracefully above the water and feeding in the shallow flats. Alongside them, bald eagles are becoming more common again, soaring high above the mangroves and barrier islands. Guests aboard our ferries, dolphin tours, and sunset cruises have been treated to regular sightings of these majestic birds, along with herons, egrets, and ospreys active throughout the bays.
Cruise News: Island Ferries
Guests aboard our Egmont Key ferry even got a rare treat recently, spotting a group of smaller sharks migrating out of Tampa Bay and cruising around the island. These smaller coastal shark species follow the seasonal baitfish movements and are fascinating to watch from the comfort and safety of our boats.
Shelling and Island Discoveries
For those who love exploring the islands, our Shell Key shelling trips and Egmont Key ferry rides have been outstanding lately. Shell Key has been loaded with beautiful shells, including plenty of sand dollars, while Egmont Key has delivered some incredible finds like large conch shells and even shark teeth. After the recent cold fronts, the rougher surf has stirred up the sandy bottoms, making it one of the best times of year for beachcombing and treasure hunting along our barrier islands.
