The summer wildlife action continues to keep things interesting around Boca Ciega Bay, Treasure Island, St. Pete Beach, Shell Key, Fort De Soto and Egmont Key. Whether you are joining us for our Dolphin Watching Nature Cruise and Eco Tour, 3 Hour Shell Key Shelling Trip, Shell Key Ferry, Egmont Key Ferry, family fun pirate ship cruise or one of our sunset cruises with complimentary beer and wine, there is an incredible variety of Florida wildlife to see while exploring the waters around Tampa Bay.
Our local bottlenose dolphins have been especially active lately, and we are seeing plenty of feeding activity throughout the protected back bay waters. One interesting behavior we have been watching is dolphins working the seawalls while hunting mullet, sheepshead and other local forage. Dolphins are incredibly intelligent predators, and they know how to use seawalls, shorelines, docks and other structures to help concentrate their prey. Watching a dolphin accelerate toward a school of fish and maneuver them against a seawall can make for an incredible show.
We are finding dolphins throughout Boca Ciega Bay and around John’s Pass, but they can also pop up just about anywhere during our island adventures. Guests heading toward Shell Key and Egmont Key have been enjoying plenty of opportunities to spot dolphins along the way, and even our family fun pirate ship cruise has been getting in on the wildlife action. That is part of what makes cruising these waters so enjoyable. You never really know what might appear around the next corner.
Sea turtles remain another huge part of the summertime wildlife scene. Sea turtle nesting season is in full swing, and we are seeing plenty of turtles along the beaches and around Shell Key and Egmont Key. We are also encountering turtles in the water while traveling to and from the islands. If you are exploring our local beaches, please be extremely mindful of marked sea turtle nests and give them plenty of room. Avoid disturbing nesting areas, never interfere with a turtle, and help us protect these incredible animals during this important part of their life cycle.
Our local seabird population is prolific right now as well. Boca Ciega Bay provides excellent habitat for an incredible variety of coastal birds, and our Dolphin Watching Nature Cruise and Eco Tour gives guests an opportunity to see many of them in their natural environment. Pelicans, cormorants, anhingas, egrets, herons, osprey and plenty of other species can be spotted around the mangrove shorelines, nesting islands, docks and seawalls. Many of the juvenile birds from this year’s nesting season are becoming increasingly independent, so there is plenty of feeding, flying and hunting activity to watch.
However, one of the more unusual sightings lately has actually been on land. We have even spotted peacocks roaming around some of the seawalls and waterfront areas during our dolphin cruises. They certainly aren’t what most people expect to see during a Tampa Bay dolphin watching cruise, but those unexpected encounters are part of the fun of exploring our local waterways.
Our sunset cruises have also been a great way to experience the area lately. Summer evenings around Madeira Beach and John’s Pass can produce some spectacular skies, and enjoying a Gulf Coast sunset from the water with complimentary beer and wine is tough to beat. Add the possibility of dolphins, seabirds, sea turtles or another surprise wildlife encounter, and every evening has the potential to become something memorable.
Meanwhile, our Shell Key and Egmont Key adventures continue to offer a completely different way to experience Florida’s Gulf Coast. Guests can spend time shelling, swimming, snorkeling and exploring these beautiful barrier islands while enjoying the wildlife and natural surroundings that make this part of Pinellas County so special.
From dolphins hunting along the seawalls and sea turtles cruising the coastline to prolific seabird activity and even the occasional peacock sighting, there is certainly no shortage of things to see right now. Come join us at Hubbard’s Marina and experience John’s Pass, Boca Ciega Bay, Shell Key, Egmont Key and the beautiful beaches of Tampa Bay from the water.
Royal Conquest Pirate SHip
Our Family Fun Pirate Ship Adventure continues to create unforgettable memories for families visiting John’s Pass. Every voyage is packed with excitement as our pirate crew leads guests through treasure hunts, pirate stories, sword fights, dancing, and thrilling water cannon battles.
Beyond the pirate fun, guests often enjoy unexpected wildlife encounters while cruising the protected waters around Madeira Beach and Treasure Island. Dolphins, seabirds, and even manatees regularly make appearances, making every pirate adventure a unique experience where you never know what surprises await around the next bend.
