Come Aboard and Experience

Dolphin Watching Tours, Sunset Cruises, Island Shelling & Private Charters in St. Petersburg, FL

Salty Pelican Boat Tours provides boat tours and private charters in St. Petersburg, FL, creating unforgettable moments on the water for guests of all ages.

About Us

Built for St. Pete Adventures

At Salty Pelican Boat Tours, we’re more than just a local boat tour — we’re your guides to the natural beauty and coastal charm of St. Pete’s waters. From exciting dolphin sightings and dreamy Gulf sunsets to shelling adventures at Shell Key, every cruise is designed to create relaxed, memorable moments on the water for guests of all ages.

Locally owned and operated, we pair friendly service with engaging marine education and authentic coastal experiences. Whether visiting or a St. Pete local, come aboard and see the Gulf from a whole new perspective.

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Why Choose Us

Experience the Salty Pelican Difference

What sets Salty Pelican apart is the experience. Smaller groups and a knowledgeable local staff mean you’re not just along for the ride, you’re part of the adventure. It’s relaxed, unhurried cruising designed to help you truly connect with the beauty of the Gulf.

Our Boat Tours

Choose Your Gulf Adventure

Dolphin watching, sunset cruises, and sandbar adventures—each offering a comfortable, uncrowded experience with free parking, an onboard restroom, and a full-service bar. Choose the perfect cruise for your day on the water.

Dolphin Fun Tour

Enjoy a relaxing dolphin watching cruise through St. Petersburg’s beautiful waters, including Boca Ciega Bay, as you spot playful dolphins and local wildlife alongside scenic coastal views. Perfect for families, couples, and small groups, this comfortable, uncrowded experience (up to 17 guests) includes free parking, an onboard restroom, and a bar with cold drinks—everything you need for a fun, stress-free day on the water.

- Playful dolphins in their natural habitat
- Scenic views of Boca Ciega Bay
- Waterfront homes and coastal islands
- Local birdlife and marine wildlife

- 1.5-hour guided dolphin watching tour
- Comfortable seating for up to 17 passengers
- Onboard bathroom (restroom)
- Bar with cold drinks available for purchase
- Free parking at the marina

- Great for all ages — families, couples, and small groups
- Smooth, relaxing ride in protected waters
- Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and your camera
- Arrive 15–20 minutes before departure

Golden Hour Cocktail Cruise

Cruise St. Petersburg’s intracoastal waters during golden hour on our Dolphin Tails & Cocktails cruise—a relaxed, pre-dinner outing through Boca Ciega Bay with scenic views, dolphin sightings, and a fun, social vibe. Perfect for couples, friends, and small groups, this comfortable, uncrowded experience (up to 17 guests) includes free parking, an onboard restroom, and a bar with beer, wine, and seltzers—an easy, memorable way to kick off your evening.

- Dolphins in their natural habitat
- Scenic intracoastal waterways
- Boca Ciega Bay and surrounding islands
- Beautiful waterfront homes and coastal views

- 2-hour golden hour dolphin and cocktail cruise
- Comfortable seating for up to 17 passengers
- Onboard bathroom (restroom)
- Bar with beer, wine, and can drinks available for purchase
- Free parking at the marina!

- Perfect for couples, friends, and small groups
- Popular for birthdays and bachelorette outings
- Relaxed, social atmosphere (not a wild party cruise)
- Must be 21+ to consume alcohol
- Bring sunglasses and your camera
- Arrive 15–20 minutes before departure

Sunset & Dolphin Cruise

Unwind on a sunset cruise through St. Petersburg’s waters, including Boca Ciega Bay, where the sky lights up over the Gulf and dolphins and local wildlife often appear along the way. Perfect for couples, friends, and anyone looking to relax, this comfortable, uncrowded experience (up to 17 guests) includes free parking, an onboard restroom, and a bar with cold drinks—one of the best ways to take in a Gulf Coast sunset.

- Stunning Gulf Coast sunsets
- Dolphins in their natural habitat
- Scenic views of Boca Ciega Bay
- Waterfront homes and coastal islands

- 2-hour sunset and dolphin cruise
- Comfortable seating for up to 17 passengers
- Onboard bathroom (restroom)
- Bar with cold drinks available for purchase
- Free parking at the marina

- Perfect for couples, date nights, and small groups
- Smooth, relaxing ride in protected waters
- Bring a light jacket during cooler months
- Arrive 15–20 minutes before departure

Shell Key Adventure Tour

Explore Florida’s Gulf Coast on this Shell Key adventure, cruising through St. Petersburg and Boca Ciega Bay to Shell Key Preserve—a pristine barrier island known for white sand beaches, clear water, and incredible shelling. Walk the shoreline, collect shells, and spot dolphins and local wildlife in a comfortable, uncrowded setting (up to 17 guests) with free parking, an onboard restroom, and a bar with cold drinks.

- Shell Key Preserve and surrounding barrier islands
- White sand beaches and clear Gulf waters
- Dolphins and coastal wildlife
- Scenic views of Boca Ciega Bay

- 3-hour guided Shell Key adventure
- Time to explore and walk the island
- Comfortable seating for up to 17 passengers
- Onboard bathroom (restroom)
- Bar with cold drinks available for purchase
- Free parking at the marina

- Great for families, couples, and small groups
- Bring sunscreen, hat, and comfortable footwear
- Water-friendly shoes recommended for shelling
- Bring a bag or container for shells
- Arrive 15–20 minutes before departure

Our Schedule

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What Guests Love About Us

Our Private Charters

Experience the Gulf Your Way with a Private Charter

Frequently Asked Questions

Before You Come Aboard

Boat Tours

We recommend bringing refreshments, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a camera to capture the memories.

Absolutely! Our tours are designed to be fun and safe for guests of all ages.

Our tours often feature sightings of dolphins, manatees, and various bird species native to the area.

Our boat is equipped with life jackets, first aid kits, and our staff are CPR-certified. We are a Coast Guard Inspected vessel that requires yearly inspections. We prioritize your safety on every tour.

If weather conditions prevent us from safely operating, you may reschedule or receive a full refund. Cancellations must be made by phone at least 48 hours in advance for both private charters and daily tours.

Yes, there is ample parking available at our departure location for your convenience.

No, we do not provide any refreshments. We encourage you to bring your own.

Private Charters

Yes, our private tours accommodate groups of 1 to 17 passengers. For larger groups, please contact us for special arrangements.

Our boat is equipped with life jackets, first aid kits, and our staff are CPR-certified. We are a Coast Guard Inspected vessel that requires yearly inspections. We prioritize your safety on every tour.

If weather conditions prevent us from safely operating, you may reschedule or receive a full refund. Cancellations must be made by phone at least 48 hours in advance for both private charters and daily tours.

You can book a private tour using the booking buttons provided, or by contacting us directly.

Our private tours typically last between two to four hours, depending on your preferences.

Feel free to bring your favorite snacks and drinks along for the ride. We just ask that all beverages are in non-glass containers for safety. Bottled water, ice, and cooler space are provided, and you’re welcome to bring additional beverages, including alcohol.

Yes, we strive to accommodate all guests. Please contact us in advance to discuss any specific requirements.

Contact Us

Drop Us a Line

Have questions about our tours or ready to plan a private charter? We’re here to help. Reach out and we will get back to you as soon as possible.