Aqua Sol Adventures-4.5 hour Private Snorkeling,Dolphin,shelling

Discover an Exclusive 4.5-Hour Private Snorkeling and Shelling Adventure in St. Petersburg

This private tour offers an engaging 4 hours and 30 minutes on the water, led by Captain Scott and his team, exploring some of the most scenic spots near St. Petersburg, USA. For $525 per group (up to 6 guests), you experience a personalized journey through the Gulf’s clear waters, with all snorkeling gear provided. This tour is perfect for families or small groups seeking a flexible, customized day of snorkeling, dolphin spotting, and shelling.

The adventure takes you from a convenient meeting point at 4630 29th Ave S, Gulfport, and includes visits to Egmont Key, Shell Key, Outback Key, and Passage Key. Travelers will appreciate the private nature of the trip, allowing for a relaxed experience and the freedom to bring along food and beverages, including alcohol. While weather-dependent, the tour emphasizes safety and flexibility, with options for rescheduling or full refunds if needed.

Key Points

• Private tour with up to 6 guests provides a personalized experience
• Duration of around 4.5 hours ensures plenty of time for snorkeling and exploring
• All snorkeling gear included, with the option to bring your own food and drinks
• Visits to Egmont Key, Shell Key, Outback Key, and Passage Key highlight the area’s best spots
• Captain Scott and his team are praised for their professionalism and friendliness
• Free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the trip

Explore the Scenic Locations of Egmont and Shell Keys

This tour’s itinerary focuses on visiting several of the Gulf’s most inviting islands and sandbars. Egmont Key is known for its historic ruins of a previous fort, alongside pristine beaches perfect for shelling. Shell Key stands out for its endless sand dollars and abundant shells, making it a favorite for shell collectors. The waters around these islands are clear and inviting, ideal for snorkeling and spotting marine life.

The tour also includes Outback Key and John’s Pass Sandbars, where the calm waters provide excellent opportunities for relaxing and enjoying the scenery. The route is flexible, and the captain may adjust stops based on weather conditions or group preferences, ensuring a tailored experience each time.

Snorkeling and Marine Encounters near Passage Key

A highlight of this adventure is the opportunity to snorkel in the incredibly clear waters of Passage Key. Known for its visibility and vibrant marine life, Passage Key offers a fantastic underwater experience. The snorkeling gear is provided, and novice snorkelers are welcome, as guides are available to assist.

Dolphin sightings are common along this route, adding excitement to the trip. The tour’s focus on marine wildlife and shallow, calm waters makes it suitable for families and less experienced swimmers, ensuring everyone can enjoy the water safely.

Shelling at Shell Key and Outback Key

One of the tour’s most distinctive features is shelling at Shell Key, where endless sand dollars and shells are collected along the shoreline. The guides are happy to help you find the best spots for shell collecting, and the area is renowned for its abundance of shells.

Shell Key is a protected area, so visitors must respect local regulations, but the abundant shells and peaceful environment make it an ideal spot for relaxing and collecting keepsakes. The trip to Outback Key offers a chance to explore more remote and quiet beaches, with fewer crowds.

Visiting the Ruins and Historic Sites of Egmont Key

The tour includes a stop at Egmont Key, where the ruins of Fort Dade await exploration. The island’s history as a military installation adds an educational element to the trip. Visitors can walk among the remnants of the fort and enjoy scenic views from the island’s elevated points.

The combination of historic ruins and beautiful beaches makes Egmont Key a well-rounded stop, offering both cultural interest and outdoor recreation. The island’s tranquil beaches are perfect for a break from snorkeling or shelling.

Dining, Beverages, and Onboard Comfort

Guests are encouraged to bring their own food and beverages, including alcohol, to enjoy during the trip. The 2019 Robalo R272, a spacious 27-foot center console boat with twin 200 engines, ensures comfortable travel over the water. The boat’s size and layout allow for plenty of space for lounging, eating, and relaxing, even with larger groups.

Since the tour is private, personalized service is a key feature, and guides are attentive to your needs. The boat’s mobile ticket system simplifies the check-in process, and the weather policy ensures safety, with options for rescheduling if conditions are poor.

Logistics: Meeting Points and Timing

The tour begins at 8:00 AM from the designated meeting point in Gulfport. All start times are subject to availability and must be confirmed directly with Captain Scott. The tour runs from late May through early June 2026, making it accessible for most of the year.

Transportation to the meeting point is straightforward, with proximity to public transportation options. The private nature of the tour means only your group participates, adding to the relaxed and personalized atmosphere.

Weather and Cancellation Policies

The tour requires good weather conditions; if canceled due to poor weather, guests are offered an alternative date or full refund. Cancellation is free if done at least 24 hours before the scheduled start, providing peace of mind for planning. Changes within 24 hours of the trip are not accepted, so timely communication is advisable.

Customer Satisfaction and Praised Aspects

The tour consistently receives high praise, with a perfect 5.0 rating based on 3 reviews. Positive comments highlight the great day on the water, the professionalism of Captain Scott and his team, and the ability to customize the experience. Reviewers emphasize the friendly guidance, the abundance of shells, and the opportunity to spot dolphins, making this a memorable outing.

One review notes that even with a storm approaching, the captain made extra efforts to maximize the time in the water, demonstrating flexibility and commitment to guest enjoyment.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most

This private, family-friendly trip is ideal for small groups or families seeking a relaxed, personalized day on the water. It suits those interested in snorkeling, shelling, and dolphin watching, with ample opportunity to explore historic sites. The flexibility to bring food and drinks onboard makes it suitable for picnics or celebrating special occasions.

While physically accessible for most, the tour is best for those comfortable with boat travel and light walking on island terrain. Its intimate nature and focus on scenic, calm waters make it a top choice for a stress-free Gulf Coast adventure.

The Sum Up: An Enjoyable, Flexible Gulf Adventure

The Aqua Sol Adventures 4.5-hour private snorkeling and shelling tour offers a personalized, flexible experience tailored to small groups or families. With visits to Egmont Key, Shell Key, and Passage Key, travelers enjoy snorkeling, dolphin sightings, and shell collecting in some of the area’s most beautiful spots.

The professional guides, especially Captain Scott, emphasize safety and guest satisfaction, ensuring a smooth, enjoyable day. The ability to bring your own food and beverages, plus the comfortable boat, make this tour both practical and fun.

This tour is well-suited to those looking for a relaxed, personalized Gulf Coast outing that balances adventure, history, and nature. Its high customer ratings and flexible booking policy make it a trustworthy choice for a memorable day on the water.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is family-friendly and suitable for most travelers, especially those comfortable with boat travel and light water activities.

Can I bring my own food and drinks onboard?
Absolutely. Guests are encouraged to bring their own food and beverages, including alcohol, to enjoy during the trip.

What happens if the weather is poor?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to adverse conditions, guests are offered a full refund or the option to reschedule.

How long in advance should I book?
The tour is most commonly booked about 33 days in advance but can be scheduled sooner based on availability.

What makes this tour different from other Gulf Coast excursions?
Its private, customizable nature, all-inclusive snorkeling gear, and visits to several island stops set it apart, offering an intimate and flexible experience.