Boat tours at the Gulf

[sweetheart2576]

We are looking into some boat tours near st. pete/clearwater beach/treasure island area. Tropical Island getaway is one that we are looking into. The boat tour goes to Egmont Key and you can snorkel and tour the ruins. Prices are $30 for adult $20 for kids. My daughter really wants to see a dolphin in the wild. It sounds really nice. HAs anyone Ever done this one or any others in the area? How about the seascreamer, that is another one we area looking into.

http://www.seascreamer.com/

http://www.tropical-island-getaway.com/

 

[Jamieb]

I have been looking for the same thing since we will be there in July. I am sort of leaning towards a sunset cruise as well.

There are a couple of places I know that do dolphin cruise but you stay in the boat. We did one from the St. Pete pier which was ok. We saw a few dolphins when we toured the ship yards. Then they take you around Snell island and all the expensive homes.

I am pretty sure the Florida Aquarium also does a dolpin cruises towards the end of the day. I don't remember is aquarium admission is required though.

 

[sweetheart2576]

Bumping it up

 

[sweetheart2576]

one more time

 

[dajim]

We did the seascreamer 3 years ago, and thought it was great. Saw lots of dolphins. 4 or 5 would be playing and jumping in the wake, and the crew is very good about getting the kids to the front to get a good view. I'd do it again.

 

[sweetheart2576]

Thanks for your reply. Do you get soaked on it? It looks like soo much fun and my daughter will be excited if we get to see dolphins.

 

[floridafam]

Here is a link that may help.

http://www.floridastateparks.org/activities/boating.htm#tours

We love Caladesi Island and Honeymoon Island. I'm not sure if any of these cruises are specifically to spot dolphins, though.

They also have cruises near Clearwater Beach that guarantee you will see a dolphin.


If you're ever in the area, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium is nice. They take in injured dolphins and help them get better. There is one that will be there for the rest of his life. They are amazing creatures and my kids love to see them up close.

My DH was swimming in the Gulf last year and he could actually hear a pod of dolphins close by that were talking to eachother. It was amazing.

 

[dajim]

Some of the seats were getting quite wet for a while, but they slowed down to minimize the wet seats. I was near the back and stayed dry.