Yacht party cruise in St. Petersburg to Shell Key

Exciting Yacht Party Cruise in St. Petersburg to Shell Key for Up to 6 People at $765

This yacht party cruise offers an engaging 4-hour adventure starting from Gulfport, Florida, with a journey to the pristine Shell Key Preserve. Priced at $765 per group, it accommodates up to 6 guests, making it ideal for families, friends, or special celebrations. The cruise is designed to deliver both relaxation and fun, featuring a luxurious 36 ft. Power Cruiser, complete with state-of-the-art electronics, comfortable seating, and a full entertainment system.

Booking typically occurs about 44 days in advance, reflecting its popularity. The cruise includes a private experience, with the captain and crew providing personalized service. This tour suits those who enjoy water adventures, wildlife, and exclusive excursions, although it does not include alcoholic beverages, snacks, or lunch. It begins at the City of Gulfport Municipal Marina and offers a mix of on-board partying and exploring Shell Key’s untouched environment.

Key Points

• Private yacht cruise for up to 6 guests at $765
• Approximately 4 hours long, including travel and stay at Shell Key
• Includes stand-up paddleboard, splash pad, and wildlife viewing
• Departure point: Gulfport Municipal Marina
• No alcohol, snacks, or lunch included, but water and ice are provided
• Free cancellation available with 24-hour notice

The Nauti ‘N’ Free: A Well-Equipped Power Cruiser

The Nauti ‘N’ Free is a 36 ft. twin-engine Power Cruiser built in 2016. Its modern electronics and navigation systems ensure a smooth trip, while the interior features make the journey comfortable. The yacht boasts plenty of seating, a dining table, wet bar, and a sun pad on the bow perfect for lounging while enjoying scenic views.

For convenience, the yacht offers an air-conditioned cabin, a kitchen with two refrigerators, a grill, and a full bathroom. The Bluetooth sound system enables playing favorite music, adding to the lively atmosphere on board. The yacht’s design encourages both relaxation and partying, making it suitable for celebrating special occasions or casual outings.

Starting Point and Departure Logistics

The tour begins at City of Gulfport Municipal Marina, located at 4630 29th Ave S. The meeting point is straightforward and near public transportation options, making access easy. The group size is limited to 6, enhancing the feeling of an exclusive, private experience. The crew and captain are included and ready to make this outing memorable.

The cruise to Shell Key takes roughly 25 minutes depending on the crew’s pace, offering a quick but scenic ride across the water. The return to the marina marks the end of the 4-hour experience, with ample time to unwind and reflect on the day’s adventures.

Visiting Shell Key Preserve: Florida’s Natural Treasure

Shell Key Preserve is a 195-acre barrier island at the mouth of Tampa Bay, notable for being one of the largest undeveloped islands in St. Pete. Its lack of vehicle access preserves its natural state, making it a rare find for wildlife lovers.

This area hosts year-round bird populations, including reddish egrets, great blue herons, snowy egrets, and black skimmers. Visitors can also observe gulls, terns, and Wilsons plovers. The island’s shells remain largely untouched, providing an ideal spot for shell collecting and photography.

The island’s untouched environment offers a peaceful escape from more crowded beaches, with opportunities to swim, play on the splash pad, or paddleboard. Since the island has no vehicle access, it remains pristine and minimally disturbed, making it a valuable natural refuge.

The Activities at Shell Key: Swims, Shelling, and Wildlife

Once at Shell Key, the party continues on the yacht or extends onto the island. Guests can swim in clear waters, explore wildlife, or enjoy the floating splash pad and stand-up paddleboard provided. The island’s shelling opportunities are excellent due to the lack of overharvesting, so collectors should bring their favorite shelling tools.

The paddleboard and splash pad are perfect for active fun, while wildlife observation enhances the experience. The three-hour time at Shell Key allows ample opportunity to explore the island, take photos, or simply relax with the bottled water and ice-filled coolers provided on the yacht.

Onboard Features: Comfort and Entertainment

The yacht’s interior is designed for comfort, featuring an air-conditioned cabin and a full bathroom. Whether guests want to sit back and relax or dance to Bluetooth music, the sound system enhances the onboard atmosphere.

The wet bar and dining table are perfect for casual gatherings, though alcoholic beverages are not included and must be brought along if desired. The full kitchen, two refrigerators, and grill provide options for preparing snacks or meals if guests choose to bring them.

The Pacing of the Cruise: Balance of Relaxation and Adventure

The 25-minute cruise to Shell Key gives guests time to settle in and enjoy the scenery, while the three hours on the island allow for active exploration or leisurely lounging. The total duration of about 4 hours strikes a good balance, avoiding long waits but giving enough time for a fulfilling outing.

Guests have the flexibility to continue the party on the yacht or focus on shelling, swimming, and wildlife viewing. The crew ensures smooth transitions and provides safety, especially for water activities like paddleboarding.

Booking Details and Practical Tips

The tour is booked around 44 days in advance, so early reservation is advisable, especially during peak seasons. The private nature of the experience means no other groups join, providing a personalized outing.

The meeting point at the Gulfport Marina is easy to find, and the activity is suitable for most travelers, including those with service animals. Since most travelers can participate, the tour is accessible, but awareness of water-based activities is helpful.

Comparing Similar Tours: What Makes This One Stand Out

Unlike larger, less personalized boat trips, this private yacht experience emphasizes comfort, exclusivity, and customization. The inclusion of paddleboards and splash pads encourages active fun, while the wildlife focus at Shell Key offers a natural, serene environment.

Other tours in the area may include dinner cruises or dolphin watching, but this cruise’s highlight remains the combination of party atmosphere and natural exploration. Its shorter duration and private setting make it a great choice for groups seeking an intimate adventure.

Final Thoughts on the Shell Key Yacht Party Cruise

This private yacht cruise provides a balanced mix of relaxation, fun, and nature. The luxurious vessel with its modern amenities makes the experience comfortable, while the exploration at Shell Key offers a true escape into Florida’s natural beauty.

While alcoholic beverages and snacks are not included, guests are encouraged to bring their own to enhance the party atmosphere. The 4-hour experience is ideal for those wanting a short but memorable day on the water, especially for celebrating special occasions.

Reserved well in advance, this tour suits groups looking for an exclusive, water-based adventure that combines leisure, wildlife viewing, and active fun in a stunning natural setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and the tour’s features like paddleboarding and swimming are family-friendly.

Are alcoholic beverages allowed?
Alcoholic beverages are not included, but guests can bring their own if they wish.

What should I bring on the trip?
Bring swimwear, sunscreen, shells, snacks, and any personal water gear. The yacht provides water and ice.

Is the yacht accessible for people with mobility issues?
The available information does not specify accessibility features, so it’s best to contact the provider directly.

How long is the cruise to Shell Key?
The cruise takes approximately 25 minutes, depending on the crew’s pace.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

What weather conditions are required?
Good weather is necessary; if canceled due to poor conditions, a full refund or rescheduling is offered.

Is the tour private?
Yes, this is a private experience for your group only.

What wildlife can I expect to see at Shell Key?
Year-round bird species including reddish egrets, great blue herons, snowy egrets, gulls, terns, and Wilson’s plovers.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour starts and ends at the City of Gulfport Municipal Marina.