Shell Key Ferry from Ft. DeSoto Boat Ramp in Tierra Verde, FL

Hubbard's Marina
4.9
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Cancellation Policy
Up to 24 hours before your scheduled admission.
Karen_C
3 days ago
A lovely way to spend a few hours or a day..stunning beach with lots of shells. The operator was friendly and helpful. A great trip enjoyed by the whole party.

This trip is one of a kind… If you want to travel to an uninhabited barrier island with white sand, warm water, and shelling galore, our ferry to Shell Key from the Fort De Soto boat ramp is a great choice for you and your family! Our ferry boat operates daily in the spring and summer and nearly every day in the fall and winter. This 20 minute trip offers great chances to spot dolphins, sea turtles and even manatees! We often spot sea birds on the ride to and from Shell Key! Shell Key is also home to a large nature preserve, where nearly half of the island is blocked to allow the native seabirds a section of undisturbed beach. Come out and enjoy a beautiful day of fun in the sun! For camping enthusiasts, we offer an overnight experience on Shell Key! All you need is your “camper” ferry ticket, a camping permit from Pinellas County, and all your camping gear to have an epic night under the stars! This is an unbelievably unique opportunity to camp out on a secluded island.

Departure Point

  • The ferry departs from the boat ramp before you enter Fort De Soto park. Please arrive 30-45 minutes prior to departure. As you pull in the boat ramp, take your first right and park in the far back corner.
Return Details
  • The ferry departs from the boat ramp before you enter Fort De Soto park. Please arrive 30-45 minutes prior to departure. As you pull in the boat ramp, take your first right and park in the far back corner.
Duration20 minutes

Additional Information

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Redemption InstructionsPlan to arrive 30-45 minutes in advance for check-in and boarding.Voucher InfoMobile or paper ticket accepted

The tour identified in this promotion is made available through Viator. Groupon is not affiliated with or sponsored by the Hubbard's Marina in connection with this deal. Please contact Groupon customer service for all inquiries related to this offer. Inquiries placed to Viator will be directed back to Groupon. This offer is not eligible for promo codes.

Need To Know Info

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Merchant is solely responsible to purchasers for the care and quality of the advertised goods and services. Offer is not eligible for our promo codes or other discounts. Learn about Strike-Through Pricing and Savings

Customer Reviews

4.9
based on Groupon 311 reviews
100% Verified Reviews
All Groupon reviews are from people who have redeemed deals with this merchant. Review requests are sent by email to customers who purchased the deal.
Reviewed on
Karen_C
A lovely way to spend a few hours or a day..stunning beach with lots of shells. The operator was friendly and helpful. A great trip enjoyed by the whole party.
Marichikogirl
The staff at Hubbard’s Ferry went above and beyond to make our visit special. We put the wrong address in Waze and ended up at the Madeira Beach location instead of Fort DeSoto. Dylan couldn’t have been kinder about putting the correct address in our phone so we could be on our way. Also he notified Marlon to help us get on the 12 pm ferry when we missed the 10 am by 5 minutes. Our first ferry over to Shell Key was a delight with Captain Greg and First mate, Leah. It was a beautiful day and we collected a ton of shells. On the trip home they offered a free service of making shell necklaces to the passengers. It was an excellent experience. Thank you to the staff.
C946PGteresab
Sierra & Cpt Greg were amazing. Cold & windy day. Still had an amazing day. Got lots of shells. Saw lots of beautiful birds $ dolphins. Sierra makes a necklace for you out of one of your shells but will tell you if it’s too fragile (rather than shatter it). She knows her stuff. She also has some premade, which we chose. Thanks again for helping us make memories! Yes we put the live critters back!
B9676POmaryh
Great experience! Capt Greg & Alia were very welcoming. The trip to the island is pretty quick but super pretty. The island itself was beautiful, tons of birds and shells. The weather was perfect. We would absolutely return!
richardaA9252AS
Captain Mike and First Mate Nick were fantastic!! Kept the crowd entertained during the boat ride to Shell Island. Made sure everyone knew the rules and regulations and also made it a very entertaining boat ride. Free shell necklaces were made on the ride back by Nick and the kids loved it. Very good experience and would definitely refer everyone to go to Hubbard’s Marina for some entertainment during your trip.

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