This was our 30 th trip. For $20 more they will take you on a snorkel tour. Jupiter Island. The closest boat ramps, trailer parking and restroom facilities are at Fort De Soto Park. This pristine island is a sheller's paradise and may be crowded on weekends. Our ferry boat operates daily in the spring and summer and nearly every day in the fall and winter. Can you walk to Shell Key from Fort Desoto? Getting to Egmont Key Take the Egmont Key Ferry from the Bay Pier inside Fort De Soto Park to the island. The island Ferry offers wildlife tours, snorkeling tours and more. The largest park within the Pinellas County Park System, Fort De Soto park consists of 1,136 acres made up of five interconnected islands (keys). Because of the rods/reels we were using were to catch big fish, you could barely tell you had one of our snapper or porgies on the line. This trail is great for paddle sports. Great atmosphere and son much. It serves as an important study area for these species. Plan on starting your wildlife viewing from the boatdolphin sightings are common. It is like you are swimming in a pool it is so crystal clear. Enjoy covered, comfortable seating or the open air on the deck. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Hope this helps! 6.8 mile, 12-foot-wide asphalt recreation trail connects the campground with the North and East Beach Swim Centers and the historic fort. Return details . I wanted to spend day at shell beach ; need time please and thank you , its late notice ( or call me? Where: Shell Key is an uninhabited barrier island that is located between Fort Desoto Park and Pass-A-Grille. You pay as you board the boat. Over 7 miles of waterfront, includes almost three miles of beautiful white sandy beach. What are class rapids or on the Toccoa River? The crew was very friendly and very knowledgeable . Bay Pier at Fort De Soto Park will be closed to the public through Winter 2023 as Pinellas County completes the Bay Pier Replacement Project. As the official Shell Island Ferry service of St. Andrews State Park, the Shell Island Ferry has been ferrying guests between the St. Andrews State Park Marina and Shell Island for many years. Ferry My parents , grand kids and great grand kids all had a wonderful time . Hubbard's does a great job. We didnt know what to expect with this so we went planning to spend a few hours on the island. 775-746-2508, or text. Hubbard's Ferry (previously Tampa Bay Ferry) is family owned and operated since 1928. Whether you are enjoying the beach, exploring the fort, or paddling out on the water there is an activity here for everyone. 2. See a problem in your community? I'm only giving Hubbard's Marina a rating an average rating. The lighthouse was built in 1858. No motorized vehicles allowed. Required fields are marked *. Hubbard's Marina not only allow kids to join in on the fun, they welcome it! Shell Key Preserve is a natural and uninhabited barrier Island off Fort Desoto near St. Petersburg, Florida. This is a paddle route meant for kayaking, canoeing, or other forms of paddling- it is not a hiking route. A ferry also departs from the Fort DeSoto bay pier to Shell Key, a barrier island between Mullet Key and Pass-a-Grille in St. Petersburg. If you collect shells regularly (or even just snap pics of them for your IG feed), then you probably have visited beaches that offer just as many shells without the extra step of hopping on a boat to visit. Other attractions on the island include fishing, two piers, trails for hiking, cycling and kayaking, the ferry to Egmont Key State Park and Shell Key, beaches, picnics, 800' boat launch, camping, playgrounds, dog parks, the Quartermasters Museum and much more. The National Weather Service gives this area their lowest hazard rating of No unusual risk from rip currents. Nevertheless, weak swimmers or families with small children should remain vigilant. See crystal-clear water, diverse marine life, and the underwater world below your clear kayak. Once you get there it is all worth it, as it is the most beautiful water Ive ever seen. He has competed in numerous competitions and has won several medals. The ferry service does not include camping permits so campers must obtain permits from the county website before booking passage to the island. You will need a ferry ticket to "camper" Shell Key and a permit from Shell Key for camping. Board our ferry at Fort De Soto boat ramp, at the historic Fort De Soto, a military outpost constructed during the Spanish American Ware. I have read that it is a 10 mile trip, beginning and ending at the Boat Ramp. Report it to Pinellas County Government using the web page below or via our mobile app. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. We are pleased to offer our citizens, businesses and visitors online access to permitting, inspection scheduling, fee payments and other services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The breakfast sandwiches were AMAZING and eating in their air conditioned area in the middle of the boat helped pass the time on the way out. The oldest continuing ferry to Shell Key, the Shell Key Shuttle takes visitors from Merry Pier in Pass-a-Grille Beach to the North Public Use area. This trail is great for paddle sports. Or can we show up and pay to get on the ferry on Saturday? Well worth the price. Mobile parking now offered at Fort De Soto, Park and boat ramp patrons may now use their mobile phones to make convenient parking payments at most parks and boat ramps using the Flowbird mobile parking app. July 21, 2022 by Arnold Lynn. 1901 Pass a Grille Way Located at Pass A Grille Marina, Next to the Warf Resturant, St. Petersburg, FL 33706-4141. Shell Island can only be accessed by boat, and the Shell Island Shuttle is the easiest, safest, and quickest way for visitors to reach Shell Island. Located in Pinellas County, between Fort Desoto Park and Pass-A-Grille Beach, you can load your kayak or boat off State Road 679 by taking the Pinellas Byway South through Terra Verde. 3 out of the 4 of us were 1st timers, so was a little unsure of how a large tour would go. 2. Beach named Fort De Soto the nations No. All you have to do is pack your tent and gear for an amazing night under the stars. The only way to get to Shell Key is by boat. You can rent sit-on-top kayaks, which are easier to get on and off, or sit-in kayaks with recessed cockpits that lower your center of gravity. The Ferry will drop off campers and return at set times the following day to pick them up. Where: Shell Key is an uninhabited barrier island that is located between Fort Desoto Park and Pass-A-Grille. Island Ferry offers the finest Shell Key kayaking tours in St Pete! In 2005, Dr. 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! Enter your email address to stay updated on the latest county news, events and opportunities. Shells, both large and small, can be found along the gulf side of the park from the fishing pier to the tip of North Beach. Can you snorkel there and are there rip currents? Parking will be reduced in this area due to construction. Snorkeling is certainly allowed although you will mostly find sandy bottom without many features. We often spot sea birds on the ride to and from Egmont Key Island aboard the Hubbards Ferry, our big blue boat. Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records. As I mention earlier, when taking a kayak out, be sure to review your map prior to departure. The Capt and First Mate (Sal / Rob) were great but when the grouper weren't biting we should have targeted another species, trolled or done something else. Location. 1,184 reviews. The trip between is a great chance to spot dolphins, sea turtles and even manatees! Every trip we make we meet a new friend is made. 3500 Pinellas Bayway S. Tierra Verde, FL 33715. Don't go if you don't want to make friends but if you do you will meet someone from other cities and even other countries. Egmont Key Ferry from Fort De Soto Park. Relax on the beautiful beach. As the official Shell Island Ferry service of St. Andrews State Park, the Shell Island Ferry has been ferrying guests between the St. Andrews State Park Marina and Shell Island for many years. Fort De Soto Boat Ramp, 3500 Pinellas Bayway South, FL, 33715, United States 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! 4. 5. The water seemed calm enough to paddle to it, and circumnavigate Fort De Soto. 1. In 1941 the property was sold back to the federal government for $18,404 to be used as a gunnery and bombing range during World War II. It is listed in the "National Register of Historic Places" and Pinellas County's largest park. 1-mile nature trail in the Arrowhead Picnic area, and a 3/4 mile nature trail in the Soldiers Hole area provides a glimpse of some the native fauna and flora. How far from Maderina Beach? Located north of West Palm Beach, Jupiter Island is on the Atlantic side of Florida. Since 1999, the Shell Island Ferry, which is officially the Shell Island Ferry service provided by St. Andrews State Park Marina to Shell Island has been transporting guests there for many years. How far from Maderina Beach? We want to go to the shell beach as visitors. Nonetheless, its beaches, lighthouse and the ruins of long gone Fort Dade welcome visitors to walk the grounds and discover the past. The Topwater Kayak Outpost at Fort Desoto Park offers canoe and kayak rentals to both newbies and experienced paddlers. Instead, contact this office by phone or in writing. Shell Key is an uninhabited barrier island that is part of a preserve north of De Soto's North Beach accessible only by water. Take a run over to Egmont Key. We are the only official ferry service to and from Egmont Key and Shell Key. If you want to travel to an uninhabited barrier island with white sand, warm water, and shelling galore, our ferry to Shell Key Skip to main content More travel Most of the ferries will take walk in customers, but it would be first come first serve. Upcoming Road Closures Due to Permitted Special Events All roads will be open by 9 a.m. Here is a short list of popular shuttles , Location: Pass-a-Grille BeachWebsite: www.shellkeyshuttle.com. Please arrive 30-45 minutes prior to departure. Ferry service to Egmont Key; Ferry service to Shell Key; Concession/snack bar/souvenir shop; Quartermaster Museum; 6.8 mile, 12-foot-wide asphalt recreation trail connects the campground with the North and East Beach Swim Centers and the historic fort. All their employees made a point to express to our kids that not only were they not in the way, but that they were so excited they were a part of the tour. Part nature preserve, part desert island, Shell. for schedule check their website hubbardsferry.com Follow our journey through Florida as we explore all of Florida's popular destinations and hidden gems. Shell Island can only be accessed by boat, and the Shell Island Ferry is the easiest, safest, and quickest way for visitors to reach Shell Island. The closest boat ramps, trailer parking, and restroom facilities are located at Ft. DeSoto Park. Is there a ferry from Fort Desoto to Egmont Key? The ferry ride to the island is about 60 minutes and offers great chances to spot dolphins, sea turtles, and sometimes even manatees! 2.25-mile recreational canoe trail. Duration: 2 - 2.5 Hours (Daytime) | 1.5 - 2 Hours (Nighttime) Adventure through Shell Key Preserve in your 100% clear kayak! more. Can you get in the water at Letchworth State Park? Dolphin Watching Nature Cruise and Eco Tour Half Day Fishing Experience in Madeira Beach Alligator Attraction-Wildlife Discovery Center. Shell Key can be accessed by kayaks that can be rented. Re: Shell Island via Fort Desoto. But, as I did not get in the water until 2:00 pm on a late June Florida day, that . Captain Art was very knowledgeable. Annual park attendance averages more than 2.7 million visitors. Each of the ferries have different policies. As you pull into the boat ramp, take your first right and park in the far back corner. You'll paddle along mangroves, enjoy white sand beaches and sandbars, and explore a secluded beach. Shell Key Shuttle departures: 10:00 AM 12:00 Noon 2:00 PM Return when you wish: 12:15 PM 2:15 PM 4:15 PM (Schedule may vary, please call to confirm) Round Trip fares are $25.00 for adults $12.50 for children 12 and under (plus tax) Parking passes for the meters may be purchased when checking in for the shuttle. Amenities: Beautiful beaches; Bird watching - Designated as one of the state's most important areas for shorebird nesting and wintering. How long does it take to kayak from Fort Desoto to Shell Key? Explore Fort DeSoto Park and ride the ferry to Shell Key for the ultimate beach day! 123K views, 426 likes, 147 loves, 244 comments, 1.6K shares, Facebook Watch Videos from Zack Perry: LIVING IN PARADISE Explore Fort DeSoto Park and take the ferry to Shell Key for the ultimate. Administration, 12520 Ulmerton Road Please contact the Ferry providers directly or visit their websites for costs and schedules. The only way to get to Shell Key is by boat. 1. Piers & Boardwalks, Points of Interest & Landmarks, Boat Tours, Eco Tours, Sightseeing Tours, Dolphin & Whale Watching, Nature & Wildlife Tours. All tours are fully narrated, informative and fun, providing insightful information about the key and the wildlife you might spot along the way, including dolphins and rare birds. The 12-inch mortar battery, located at the fort for which the park was named, was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. In addition, Fort Dade controlled the channel on the other side of Egmont Key as well. Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. Take an adventurous ride to beautiful Egmont Key on a 46-foot, U.S. Coast Guard Certified Tour Boats ferry. For more information, visit the project page. The Egmont Key Ferry transports visitors from Fort DeSoto Park, the most southern point of Pinellas County, to Egmont Key State Park. If you take the last exit which is Skyway lane I believe and then turn left at the bottom of the exit you will find Maximo park and their ramp is free and not as crowded. The Shell Key Ferry will take day visitors and campers to the South Public Use Area of the island. The Egmont Key ferry launch has been temporarily relocated to the boat ramp at the north end of the park. We booked a 12 hour private charter, spending a lot of money. This adventure tour strolls past the multi-million dollar mansions of the West Shore enclave of Tierra Verde, then continues through . Fort De Soto was named Americas Top Beach for 2009 by Tripadvisor, the worlds largest online travel community. Have a glass of wine or beer and make new friends Hope see you in next October and sit down and make a new friend. Hi My family would like to visit in August Week of the 8th we have questions, #13 of 122 Boat Tours & Water Sports in St. Petersburg. Shell Island can only be accessed by boat, and the Shell Island Ferry is the easiest, safest, and quickest way for visitors to reach Shell Island. We recently took our 6 and 8 year old along on a half day deep sea fishing trip with Hubbard's Marina and had such an amazing time. For example, Hubbards ferry suggests that you order tickets in advance. Kayaking St. Petersburg, Floridas Fort Desoto Park. Whether you are sitting on the beach or kayaking near the still waters edge at Fort De Soto, you find yourself absorbed in the abundance of natural beauty as far as the eye can see. The Hubbards Ferry departs from the boat ramp at Fort Desoto. We are going to be launching at Maximo park which is just off of I-275 before you go over the Skyway. Our bicycle tour to Fort DeSoto is a 15-mile guided tour, originating from the Tierra Verde Marina Resort, heading down toward Fort DeSoto Park. Refreshments and snacks are available on . I joked with Bobbie at the end that they all deserve a jewel in their crown for their constant patience and graciousness while running back and forth around the boat getting lines untangled, helping people if they got stuck on the bottom, taking fish off, etc. Do you have to make reservations in advance? Location: Pier 32 Marina Resort, Tierra VerdeWebsite: https://www.islandferry.biz/. The ferry to Egmont Key runs twice each day during the regular season It returns back to Fort DeSoto at 2:00pm and 3:00pm. Another amazing example of the importance of the parks natural ecosystems is the more than 328 species of birds that ornithologists have documents over a 60-year span. Chat live with the county information desk. Two fishing piers each pier has a food and bait concession Gulf & Bay Pier Hours: 7 a.m. sunset. Fort De Soto Park Kayaking In The Shell Key In Pinellas County, Florida, you can kayak through the pristine waters of Fort De Soto Park. The tours will operate in the protected waters and mangroves tunnels of the Shell Key Wildlife Preserve in Pinellas County. Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, A good experience not a great experience for the price, Ask TravelingGraces1 about Hubbard's Marina. Or head over to the flats off the east tip of the park, put the anchor down, and do some fishing. 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