dolphin tours st petersburg

Call or Text 727-647-1538 [email protected]

WHY CHOOSE US?

Dolphin tour guarantee., see a dolphin or your next trip is free.

For more than 28 years local dolphins have become familiar with the sound of the Dolphin Queen and swim right up to our bow and play next to the boat, which is not the case with other tour boats. It is a unique and thrilling experience and happens every day. Our captains are St.Pete natives and ready to share their knowledge about local wildlife, Tampa Bay, and history of our great city.

Sit back and relax under the shady canopy, enjoy the splash free flat deck as we cruise around the bay and inlets. There are lots of seats to provide appropriate safe distance between passengers and our bathroom is convenient and accessible.

The MV Dolphin Queen is a large, stable catamaran allowing us to safely navigate the ever-changing water depths around the Bay. This vessel has passed all United States Coast Guard inspections, and our Captains are all certified by the US Coast Guard. Before each cruise, the MV Dolphin Queen is thoroughly disinfected for your safety and comfort.

We look forward to welcoming you aboard for an extraordinary expedition you will never forget.

Dolphin Tours

See dolphins up close and almost begging you to take their picture. That is what you will experience on the M/V Dolphin Queen – Guaranteed!

Sunset Tours

Sunset on the bay is the perfect ending to any day. Truly an experience not to be missed. Sit back and relax.

Knowledgeable guides help you learn more about the waters of Tampa Bay and how we can all enjoy and preserve this valuable resource.

TESTIMONIALS

Customer Satisfaction is our Mission.

This is an amazing experience that I recommend to everyone whether you're a local or tourist to do. Captain Christian and his helper McKenzie are friendly, professional, and they were highly knowledgeable about the area, dolphins, and the history of St. Pete. You are bound to see a dolphin and many more amazing views of the Tampa Bay area. This is definitely one of the top things to do in St. Pete!

A TAMPA/ST PETE MUST!!!! From our extremely hospitable and knowledgable crew to the special precautions taken for Covid, this cruise was well worth the comparable price! The cruise was around 2 hours and we came across a few dolphins racing against the boat at the start of our journey, a pod towards the end, and periodic sightings sprinkled throughout. We also saw manatees, stingrays, fish, and the appropriately named bird island. Our captain grew up in the area and told us interesting stories about the surroundings as we got a little tour of the beautiful homes on the water. Our first mate recently graduated after studying marine biology and gave us information about the dolphins, their calves, and answered any questions we had! The boat was COMPLETELY disinfected and they do not pack it to the brim. In fact, my group was alone in the am tour with plenty of space around the boat to walk around. Ultimately, we will be back and totally recommend for others to enjoy this beautiful boating adventure.

PRIVATE CHARTERS

Owner / operator.

Captain Christian is a 4th Generation St. Petersburg Native, and his parents are highly regarded for their 50+ years success in the yachting industry. As early as 8-years-old he began racing sailboats and has competed at the highest levels. While attending Old Dominion University he won a Collegiate National Sailing Championship. Throughout his teen years and early twenties Christian coached sailing and taught thousands of locals how to sail. Returning to the water after a successful career in medical sales Captain Christian is eager to contribute to St Petersburg, getting youth and others on the water. He brings a fresh outlook and energy with the commitment to provide an experience on the water which will be both entertaining and educational.

MEET OUR TEAM

Our qualified team assures a safe and memorable experience.

McKenzie Mungai

First Mate McKenzie comes to us with a Bachelor of Science in Marine Education & Conservation from Eckerd College in St. Pete. She will help develop the curriculum for our Eco Tours as well as expand the scope of dolphin education on our daily tours.

Captain Fred Debardelaben

Founded Pier Dolphin Cruises in 1992 and while cruising the waters of Tampa Bay he made friends with the pods of dolphins that follow the Dolphin Queen today. With his vast wisdom, Captain Fred will continue to help train new members of our team.

Wesley Obenshain

A fifth generation Obenshain First Mate Wesley has spent his life in and around the waters of Tampa Bay. From casting off the lines, helping to spot dolphins or serving you a beverage or snack, First Mate Wesley is onboard to make sure you fully enjoy your cruise.

Captain Mike Miller

Native to St. Petersburg Captain Mike spent 4 years in the US Navy as an Aviation Rescue Swimmer and finished his career in the US Coast Guard as a High Risk Training Instructor. Mike is an expert on local waters and a fantastic guide.

All Photos were taken by Dolphin Queen guests or team members.

Book Today! Reservations

St. Pete Dolphin Watching & Shelling Adventure

St. pete dolphin watching & shelling adventure.

6810 Gulfport Blvd. S. St. Pete, FL 33707

$60 ADULTS CHILDREN 12 & Under FREE

DEPARTURE TIME

SEE AVAILABILITY 9AM TO 10AM

THREE HOURS

DOLPHIN WATCHING ST. PETE

Shelling adventure.

Available Year Round  •  Discover dolphins, exclusive shells, and beautiful views with St. Pete Coastal Cruises

Escape the mainland and join Coastal Cruises for a perfect day of Dolphin Watching and Shelling in St. Pete! Our three-hour tour starts with a slow 45-minute dolphin-watching cruise along the intercoastal waterways in St. Pete amidst the multi-million dollar waterfront homes en route to one of our favorite local shelling islands in Florida.

Once stopped at Shell Island, guests will have up to an hour and a half to go ashore and enjoy the day the locals’ way swimming and exploring at one of these pristine shelling destinations!

Our boat has plenty of shade for those who aren’t quite as adventurous, so feel free to stay aboard, pick the crew’s brain on the local St. Pete area, take in the coastal views, or enjoy the satellite TV featuring your favorite game!

Don’t worry, we have plenty of adult beverages onboard to purchase to quench your thirst! The bar includes beer and RTD cocktails to enjoy.

Upon departing the St. Pete shelling islands, we will have an opportunity to once again search for dolphins along the 45-minute intercoastal route back to the marina.

Don’t miss out on this adventurous boat tour in St. Pete with Trip Advisor’s 2022 Traveler’s Choice Award winning vessel and top notch crew!

Recent Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What is your cancellation policy.

• Customer Cancellations : Must be requested via calling or emailing no less than 48hrs before trip departure for a full refund. No shows or late arrivals will be charged the full ticket price. 
• Weather Cancellations : If your trip’s departure may be impacted by weather, our captains will reach out via text with as much advance notice as possible. Should the trip be canceled, guests are entitled to be refunded, rebooked, or receive a gift card in accordance with the cancellation policy associated with their ticket.

Is there a bathroom on board?

Yes, there is a restroom on board that is cleaned and sanitized daily!

What time should we arrive?

Please plan to arrive no later than 20 minutes prior to your scheduled departure for boarding. 

Is there parking available?

Yes! We have designated free parking for all of our customers.

Are we allowed to bring food?

Yes! Guests are more than welcome to bring their own snacks or light fare to bridge the lunch hour.

How do we get off at the beach?

For our island stops, we use a series of steps from the front of our boat to the sand. Typically, you can step right from the boat/steps to the sand. However, on occasion it may be up to ankle deep.

What should we wear?

Guests who wish to swim during their island stop should wear their bathing suits on board as there are no changing facilities at the island. Swimwear is strongly encouraged for all guests as the water is refreshing and crystal clear. Be sure to pack a towel for the ride back!

Is your vessel handicap accessible?

Unfortunately we are not handicap accessible at this time. Guests with limited mobility (i.e. walkers, canes) should call our office prior to booking. A good rule of thumb is if the limited mobility passenger is able to make it up 2-3 standard stairs with assistance. Our crew is always here to help and eager to share our memorable trip with all!

$60 Adults - Children 12 & Under FREE

Duration: 3 Hours

• Dolphin Tours
• Eco Tours & Sightseeing
• Sunset Cruises
• Special Events
• Getting to the Boat
• Frequently Asked Questions

Se Habla Espanol

Why choose st pete tours.

We are a locally owned small business. We operate the charter business full time, and are available to our guests anytime.  Safety is our priority and we only utilize USCG Captains that hold a Master Mariner level credential. Our goal is to provide our guests a safe, fun and memorable experience. 

The trip can be customized in many different ways including:

• Wildlife Spotting (exotic birds, dolphins, manatees, fish, etc.)
• Visiting a waterfront restaurant/bar/grille for lunch
• Exploring/Shelling at barrier islands and beaches
• Swimming and lounging at a submerged sandbar for a fun and relaxing hangout
• Luxury Home tour that makes for a relaxing cruise while viewing historic homes.

Dolphin Tours in St. Petersburg, FL

Our trip in a minute.

VSPC is the official tourism marketing and management organization for St. Pete Clearwater.

Dolphins only jump and play with boats that have a single hull. Do your research when booking your next Dolphin cruise.

No one covers so much coastline scouting for dolphins to jump and play in our single-hull boat wake. A great photo opportunity! Once at Egmont Key, you are free to explore this tropical island with ruins dating to the 1700's a working lighthouse, shelling where an abundance of sea shells constantly wash onshore. Then we will take you snorkeling in the clear waters of Egmont key.

We have 4 single-hull boats going out twice a day, carrying 25 people each.

Pictures/Videos are worth a thousand words! Can't wait to see yours!

Replica Watches are becoming more and more popular, and these days it’s really hard to find a very good supplier. We recommend using our partners OpClock, where you can buy Rolex Replica , Patek replica , and other big brand replica watches

Dolphins jumping next to the boat in your own private dolphin watching show. The warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico and only our custom built boats have something to show you. Wild dolphins playing and having fun! No, this isn’t a theme park or an aquarium. These are dolphins doing what they love for your family to enjoy. Not just a 35 minute boat ride, a dolphin jumping, thrill of a lifetime. (Don’t believe me, watch our videos.) But wait, that’s only the beginning. Enjoy a half day experience like no other.

Ready to get wet?

Egmont Key snorkeling is particularly well suited for the novice, because the water is so frequently clear, calm, shallow, and full of life. People of all ages and experience levels will take home wonderful memories about their time in the water with us. Our tours always provide an experienced crew, the utmost discretion for safety. Our comfortable boats offer water-level entry, and in-water ladders for safely returning to the deck. All snorkelers are supervised in the water, and may come-and-go on-board as they please while at the snorkeling site feel at ease knowing your family isn’t just safe, but about to experience the time of their lives!

We disembark at Egmont Key State Park. Formally a haven of pirates, soldiers, and native americans. Explore the 150+ year old lighthouse. Discover Spanish-American history among war forts, gun batteries, jails, and armories. (Imagine showing your children a history lesson they will never forget.) The island’s trails snake from history to wildlife refuge to the beautiful palm tree lined secluded beaches. Play on the white sandy shoreline of this island, only accessible by boat. Collect prehistoric sharks teeth and seashells of all shapes and sizes unique to Florida’s gulf coast.

We’re not done yet! Surfs up!

Relax in the shade of our custom built boats as we scout Tampa Bay’s waters for more dolphin tales. (Once you’ve seen dolphins surf behind our boat you can’t get enough). Don’t just go on vacation, enjoy an experience that will make lifelong memories with the original and only Egmont Key snorkeling and dolphin surfing charter boat.

Rate & Tour Information

Departure location: 4630 29th ave s gulfport, fl 33711.

We are Family-Friendly and Welcome Children of All Ages. Our Coast Guard Certified Captains, crew and boats stay at the landing site for the duration of your visit to the island. A bathroom is available on board. More info on reservations and what to expect!

Located in Gulfport, FL, our central position offers convenient access to a variety of notable attractions. You can enjoy a cruise that might include views of Egmont Key, Fort Dade, Tropicana Field, The Don Cesar, The Tradewinds Resort, and the Bilmar Beach Resort, among others. Close by, you'll find the vibrant John’s Pass Village and boardwalk, the historic Fort Desoto Park, and the acclaimed Clearwater Aquarium. Our location also provides easy access to the beautiful Gulf beaches and the iconic Sunshine Skyway Bridge, ensuring a memorable experience whether you're sightseeing or just soaking up the Florida sun.

St Petersburg Dolphin Tours by YACHTFISH

With St Petersburg Dolphin Tours, you can embark on a scenic journey to find the ocean’s most joyful animal – Dolphins. From Tampa Bay to the gleaming turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico, enjoy incredible views all along the way! Dolphin sightings are guaranteed on our sensational boat tours.

With St Petersburg Dolphin Tours, you can get up close and personal with the Dolphins. You’ll have a fun-filled tour while we cruise miles of Florida’s prettiest waterways. Along the way, you can soak in the breathtaking picturesque diversity, from a boardwalk to the city center and crystal clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Not only will you see the cheerful Dolphins, but you will also spot other beautiful wildlife! Our expert guides have intimate knowledge of the water, animals, fish and the surrounding scenic lands. They will guide you on a once-in-a-lifetime experience, sharing fun facts and information. Meanwhile, you’ll be basking in the sun while soaking in the most stunning views of Dolphins playing in their natural habitat.

Florida’s Favorite Dolphin

Dolphins are incredible creatures. They have social skills and are highly intelligent, agile, happy, and playful. And they even share emotional similarities with humans.

St Petersburg Dolphin tours are geared toward finding Florida’s favorite Dolphin – the Bottlenose Dolphin. It’s the most common and well-known species of the Dolphin family. They usually live and travel in large groups that range from 10-30 members. Sometimes, you might even find them in a group as large as 1,000.

Fun Facts About the Bottlenose Dolphin

• Bottlenose Dolphins grow up to 13 feet long and 1,300 lbs.
• The average lifespan of a Bottlenose Dolphin is 40 to 60 years.
• Females give birth to a calf every 3 to 6 years, after a 12-month gestational period.
• They travel alone or in groups, with the average size being 12. However, some herds with hundreds of dolphins have been spotted before.
• They swim at about 12 miles per hour.
• Bottlenose Dolphins eat about 13-15 lbs of food per day, much of their diet consisting of fish, squid, shrimp, and more.
• They develop unique, individualized whistles to communicate with other dolphins.

The Heart of Florida

St Petersburg is the heart of Florida’s gulf coast with a calm ocean breeze, crystal clear waters, and boasting sunshine all year. Additionally, St Petersburg’s comfortable temperatures make it the perfect place for visitors any time of the year.

So embark on a St Petersburg Dolphin Tour with your friends and family to enjoy the beautiful Gulf of Mexico and the back inshore bays. If it’s the right season, we could even cruise to grass flats to look for grazing Manatees!

You will want to take advantage of this extraordinary opportunity! St Petersburg Dolphin tours are an experience you will never forget.

What Can I Expect On A St Petersburg Dolphin Tour?

We’ll start by picking you up from one of our convenient locations in Tampa, St. Pete Beach, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater Beach. Our St. Petersburg location is just a few steps away from Straub Park, surrounded by many fun destinations before the St Petersburg Dolphin Tour. You’ll have options to visit attractions like:

• Dali Museum
• Museum of Fine Arts
• St. Petersburg Museum of History
• Vinoy Hotel

Since we’re located downtown in the heart of Tampa Bay, you’ll find magnificent scenery in any direction we go. As we leave the Marina, you’ll get to see some beautiful landmarks in Florida:

• The Sunshine Skyway Bridge
• Fort Desoto Park
• Weedon Island Preserve
• Treasure Island
• Madeira Beach
• Indian Shores
• Indian Rocks Beach
• Pass-a-Grille Beach

Afterward, you’ll have a fantastic opportunity to explore the St. Petersburg Pier – filled with culture, historical landmarks, shops, galleries, bars, and restaurants. Many of our guests love to eat and drink at Fresco’s Waterfront Bistro or Sea Hags Bar & Grill, depending on which Marina you choose to start and finish. If you decide to plan one of our fishing excursions, they’ll even cook your fresh catch for you!

If you prefer to visit a beach before or after the Dolphin tour, we can make that happen! The Marina is just minutes away from two of the top-rated beaches in the country – Clearwater and St. Pete Beach. Or, if you prefer something a little more exciting, we can head to the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Tampa. You can customize your St Petersburg Dolphin Tour to ensure an unforgettable day.

YACHTFISH St Petersburg Dolphin Tours

St Petersburg is a place where you get to become one with nature. In addition, we have several convenient locations in St. Petersburg, St. Pete Beach, and Clearwater.

The Tampa Bay area is home to the Best Dolphin Tours, Manatee tours, and booze cruises in the US. We are also one of the leading companies nationwide that provide coastal and deep-sea fishing excursions. The adventure lasts all year long!

The Weedon Island preserve on the west side of Tampa Bay is a 3,190-acre aquatic upland ecosystem. The island supports a diverse population of birds and animals. It also is the spawning center for many fish that swim in St Petersburg and the Gulf of Mexico.

Whether you’re looking for Tampa Bay , Clearwater , St. Pete Beach , or St. Petersburg Dolphin Tours, YACHTFISH has you covered!

We have over 30 years of experience and top-of-the-line equipment to get you to the Dolphins. The YACHTFISH team guarantees an incredible experience on your St Petersburg Dolphin Tour.

Contact Us today to plan your St Petersburg Dolphin Tour!

How Much Does a Dolphin Tour Cost?

Available options.

2 hour 1/4 day trip

4 hour 1/2 day trip

6 hour 3/4 day trip

8 hour full day trip

• Rates are for up to 2 people and $50 for each additional person
• A 4% convenience fee will be applied to all credit/debit transactions.
• ☺Gratuity is not included

1-727-276-3032

Private sunrise, dolphin and island cruise.

Beat the summer heat and start your day with our private Sunrise Dolphin & Island Architecture Tour. On this trip, we depart and take a trip to Tampa Bay, where the sun will be rising from the East. Experience our playful Dolphins in their morning feed and hear the sounds of our local tropical birds singing and starting their day. Enjoy your coffee or favorite beverage as we cruise in and around many different islands on Boca Ciega Bay, listening to music and enjoying the tranquility of the sea at sunrise.

Operating Times: We depart at Sunrise, time TBD based on local sunrise time

Duration : 2 hours

Price : $265.

 PRIVATE GULF BARRIER ISLAND & DOLPHIN TOUR IN ST. PETERSBURG, FL

This is an all-in-one experience venturing on the beautiful waters of the Gulf of Mexico! From our abundant amount of marine life and tropical birds to the tranquility of white sand beaches on barrier islands, this is an opportunity to relax and rejuvenate. This tour includes:

-2023 26′ Sea Ray 230 SPX

– Bottlenose Dolphin and Marine Life Tour

-Island Architecture Tour of Vina Del Mar, Little Bird Key, Tierra Verde and Isla Del Sol Islands

-Swimming, Shelling and relaxing on either Outback Key, Shell Key and Tierra Verde

– Ice & Cold Bottled Water

– This is a BYOB trip so feel free to bring your favorite beverages and snacks 

-MARINE GRADE FUEL INCLUDED!

Operating Times: 10:00am -8:00pm

PRIVATE TWILIGHT TOUR IN ST. PETERSBURG, FL

Enjoy a private evening cruise on Boca Ciega Bay with this unique and special boat tour. On this private cruise, we will navigate in and around many different islands and experience views under our local iconic lit up bridges, beautiful waterfront homes and marine life. Pour yourself a cocktail, enjoy some music and sit back and enjoy the Tampa Bay area by night. This is a BYOB trip so feel free to bring your favorite beverages and snacks, we’ll provide the bottled water for you! 

Operating Times: We depart immediately following our sunset cruise, time TBD and communicated

Duration : 90 minutes (Call to book)

Price : $65.00pp (4 seat paid minimum, 100% private!) 

Dolphin & ISLAND Architecture Tour in St. Petersburg, Fl

Experience and observe the most common and our beloved Bottlenose Dolphin on this wonderful tour! These highly intelligent mammals are regularly spotted swimming around Boca Ciega Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. During our tour, you will boat in and around many different islands, experiencing beautiful oceanfront mansions and learning about our local history. This is a BYOB trip so feel free to bring your favorite beverages and snacks, we’ll provide the bottled water for you! 

Operating Times : 11:00-8:00pm

Duration : 85 minutes

Bottlenose Dolphin & Architecture Tour in St. Petersburg, Fl

Gulf Sunset & Bottlenose Dolphin Cruise in St. Petersburg, Fl

On this relaxed trip, we will cruise in and around many different Islands and Keys on Boca Ciega Bay in route to to the open Gulf of Mexico to experience a majestic, unobstructed view of our Florida sunset. This is a BYOB trip so feel free to bring your favorite beverages and snacks, we’ll provide the bottled water for you! 

  Operating Times: 11:00am -8:00pm

*(ALL SUNSET TOURS DEPART :45 MINUTES PRIOR TO THE SUN SETTING ON YOUR BOOKED DAY)

Duration : 90 minutes

Royal Conquest

Dolphin Quest

• Affiliate Partners
• Private Parties
• Event Calendar
• Daily Cruises
• Live Music Series
• Ghost Ship Royal Conquest
• Cosplay Cruise
• Lighted Boat Parade
• Sunset Cruise
• Field Trips
• FAQs for Educators
• School Events
• Team Building
• Leadership Event
• Holiday Parties
• Bachelor and Bachelorette Parties

Dolphin Cruise at St. Pete Beach

Hop on an exhilarating tour and witness the bottlenose dolphins of st. pete beach, florida.

It’s no surprise that it has long been considered one of the nation’s top vacation spots. St. Pete Beach is known for its beautiful white sand, stretching seven miles. It also has a family-friendly ambiance, perfect for children, teens, and adults. Surrounding the beach are some of the safest and most picturesque neighborhoods you’ll ever get to see.

Many people flock to St. Pete Beach in search of a one-of-a-kind experience, and that’s why it’s the place to be if you’re looking to see dolphins in the Sunshine State.

At Sunshine Scenic Tours, we have daily departures and exhilarating experiences to accommodate your travel itinerary. We offer exciting yet relaxing dolphin tours at St. Pete Beach for tourists and locals to witness majestic bottlenose dolphins swimming in the waters of Florida.

Why Go On a Dolphin Cruise Tour?

Going on a dolphin cruise at St. Pete Beach is an experience you shouldn’t miss when you’re in Florida. Dolphins are one of the most majestic and cutest animals in the water. Some days, they come to swim alongside our boat, playing in the waves like surfers. Have your cameras ready and hear their whistles and squeaks in person. If you are lucky and they’re feeling playful, they can perform acrobatic jumps and spins, flick their tails, snap their jaws, and do so much more.

If you’re still uncertain, here are a few more reasons you should go on a dolphin cruise at St. Pete Beach:

Fantastic Photo Opportunities!

Grab your cameras and smartphones to take wonderful photos or videos of the dolphins and the beautiful view of St. Pete Beach from afar. At Sunshine Scenic Tours, you’ll get plenty of chances to snap a shot of these gorgeous animals treading the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. You won’t be able to take your mind off the beauty that our dolphin cruise at St. Pete Beach offers.

It's Perfect for Relaxation

Dolphins are amusing creatures with their sweet, innocent faces. It’s no surprise that watching them is a big mood booster. Come and see for yourself, and join our dolphin tours at St. Pete Beach.

When you choose Sunshine Scenic Tours, you’re not only signing up for a day of dolphin sightseeing; you’re also granting yourself a day of rejuvenation. You’ll get a chance to clear your head and forget about the hustle and bustle of city life. Return to the shore feeling renewed, all thanks to the crisp sea breeze and magnificence of Mother Nature.

Share Unforgettable Moments With Your Loved Ones

Once you’ve tried our St. Pete Beach dolphin cruise, you may find yourself eager to come back again to relive the experience or share it with someone new! If you book a dolphin tour from us, we’ll make sure each experience is just as enjoyable as the last time, maybe even more! 

Spot a Baby Dolphin!

It’s not every day you see a dolphin, let alone a baby dolphin. Your time with Sunshine Scenic Tours might just give you that opportunity, so book a St. Pete Beach dolphin cruise in the springtime, when most baby dolphins are born. We know where the dolphin hotspots are! Give yourself the chance to watch baby dolphins swim with their mama.

Bottlenose dolphins are the dolphin species you’ll get to see at St. Pete Beach. They are among the most intelligent animals across the globe, and their demeanor is sure to fascinate you. They are very friendly, swimming near boats and getting up close with people during our St. Pete Beach dolphin tours.

Aside from bottlenose dolphins, you also have the opportunity to witness Florida’s rich wildlife during our tours.

There are schools of fish, both small and big, swimming in the waters. Looking skywards, you’ll see different bird species like ibises, herons, eagles, ospreys, and egrets.

Why Choose Sunshine Scenic Tours?

Eager to experience the best St. Pete Beach dolphin cruise? Look no further. At Sunshine Scenic Tours, we want our guests to have a great adventure.

St. Pete Beach dolphin tours are among the most mesmerizing adventures you can have in FL, especially during summer. We take tremendous pride in ensuring our guests have a blast with our fleet.

With our dolphin tours at St. Pete Beach, have peace of mind knowing that you will stay safe throughout the trip.

At Sunshine Scenic Tours, we prioritize everyone’s safety. Our ship undergoes inspection on a regular basis to ensure that it’s safe to cruise the waters of St. Pete Beach. Our ship is reliable and regularly maintained, complete with facilities and security features.

Convenience

We have many tours to offer that can be tailored to your preferences. Our packages are affordable and versatile, with inclusions and perks to make your decision stress-free.

Food and drinks are available onboard, so you don’t have to worry if you forget to bring some. We also have cushioned seats at the center and around the perimeter of our ship, so you’ll stay comfortable throughout our dolphin cruise St. Pete Beach.

Contact Sunshine Scenic Tours Today

Sunshine Scenic Tours is here to give you the best dolphin tours at St. Pete Beach. What are you waiting for? Call us for inquiries or reservations! If you are in the area, book a dolphin tour at St. Pete Beach with us now and prepare yourself for an experience you will never forget!

Adult price at 29 USD

• BOOK A PRIVATE PARTY

Other Cruises

We are proud to offer a true Gasparilla style experience on the Royal Conquest Pirate Ship, a relaxing dolphin watching eco cruise with sunset options on the Dolphin Quest and a thrilling sightseeing adventure on the Shark Boat. Our cruises are great for anyone looking to have fun and to see the Tampa Bay area, visitors, and locals too! Join us on the best cruises in Tampa Bay.

Contact Details

• Location: 140 Boardwalk Pl W, Madeira Beach, FL 33708, United States
• Pirate Ship Cruise (727) 423-7824
• Dolphin Sightseeing (727) 392-7090
• Shark Boat Tours (727) 350-1706

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Shark Boat Tours

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• Anti-Discrimination

• ( 727) 871-2628

Egmont Key Boat Tours, Dolphin Cruises, Snorkeling, and More

Choose your adventure.

Snorkeling Adventure!

Dolphin Adventure

We know where the Wild Dolphins like to play and we’e excited to show you! It is such a wonderful experience to view wild dolphins playing in their natural habitat! Come with us as we go in search of Wild Bottlenose Dolphins!

Shelling Adventure!

Shelling at Egmont Key & Shell Key is Florida’s best kept secret! Our tropical island destination is covered in white sand, beautiful shells, and sand dollars. Our tropical island destination is covered in white sand, beautiful shells, and sand dollars.

Find Shark Teeth!

We find shark teeth from the extinct Megalodon on Egmont Key! The shark’s teeth come in lots of color shades and sizes. How many will you find?

Egmont Key Adventure!

This exquisite island is home to white pristine beaches, shelling, nature trails for hiking, and warm Gulf water inviting you in for swimming and snorkeling.

Sunset Dolphin Tour

Your tropical vacation is not complete with out a Florida sunset. Enjoy an evening of relaxation whereyou can  unwind to the sights and sounds of the ocean.

Shell Key Adventure

Shell Key is also amazing for bird watching, dolphin watching and wildlife sightings of all kinds.

Ash Scattering

Scattering Ashes Is A Beautiful Way To Remember Your Loved One. We Provide An Elegant And Affordable Celebration Of Life.

Private Tour

Private Charters are available for individual, group, or corporate events. There are endless opportunities for private-charter fun.

Gift Cards Available!

Let us lead you on a day of adventure and discovery.

We’ve been providing boat tours to Egmont Key and the beautiful Gulf waters for over 15 years!

We are Island Boat Adventures! Our Crew is dedicated to making sure your vacation the best experience possible. We bring people together and show them a great time! We love the Ocean and we love showing our customers the wonders of nature through our tours.

Whether you come for the snorkeling, shelling, or just to relax on the pristine white sand beaches, you’re sure to be wowed by our adventures. We love what we do! We bring people together and show them a great time! Come as a guest and leave as a friend is our motto! See you soon!!

Reviews from Google

September 2023

My husband and I went on the snorkeling trip to Egmont yesterday. We had a great time. The snorkeling spot they picked was great. Really was an enjoyable day and I would recommend the trip to friends. Professional, safe, fun...

This is our 2nd trip with this crew. Our family is from Iowa and this team never disappoints. So much to see and do. Highly recommended. Thanks for the great experience.

This was a great first time experience snorkeling! The captain extended our tour until we were able to see the dolphins. He is very knowledgeable and would even help people getting shells😁

Great time! The captain was fun, engaging, and had so much knowledge about the island and Florida! Definitely recommend!

Overall best snorkeling trip I have been on, great for anyone, beginners and couples especially. Boat trip was enjoyable and the island/snork. spot was much less busy than expected. John was awesome and on point, as well as being very knowledgeable and nice.

My wife and I took a trip with Captain John this past Saturday and had a wonderful time. The ruins of the gun batteries were so cool to scuba dive around, the fish were out in force, and the water temperature was perfect. Captain John was not only entertaining but also very knowledgeable about the surrounding shores and their histories.

We had a great time and getting to see the tortoises and dolphins were some of the highlights of our trip. We would highly recommend you check them out if you are thinking about snorkeling in this area!

Why Choose Our Tours

• USCG Inspected Vessels
• All of our Captains are eperienced USCG Merchant Mariners.
• We offer a variety of adventures.
• We offer Private boat tour options.
• Snorkel gear is provided in the cost of the trip for the day.
• Life preservers are provided.
• Adult beverages welcome aboard
• We have coolers with ice on board.
• Island Music

Calypso Cat

Calypso Cat! The Coolest Cat On The Beach!

Calypso Cat is a 45′ Corinthian Catamaran. She is United States Coast Guard certified. She has all of the latest electronics and U.S.C.G safety equipment. The Calypso Cat is powered by twin 4 stroke outboard engines that are eco-friendly! The Calypso Cat holds 49 passengers comfortably. Calypso Cat is 80% shaded. She is complete with a clean bathroom, fresh water shower, coolers with plenty of ice, and island music with a full music entertainment system and speakers throughout the length of the boat for your listening pleasure.

• Vessel is U.S. Coast Guard inspected.
• U.S.C.G. licensed captain always on board.
• Vessel is fully equipped: All new life jackets, radar, marine radio, EPIRB & navigation equipment.
• Bathroom, showers and fresh pressurized water on board.
• Full music entertainment system with speakers through out the length of the boat for your listening pleasure.
• Calypso Cat is equipped with a sturdy ladder that lets you enter and exit right onto the beach.

Calypso II is a 28’ Carolina Skiff. She is United States Coast Guard Certified. She has all of the latest electronics and USCG safety equipment requirements. Calypso II is powered by a single 200hp 4 stroke engine that is eco-friendly. The Calypso II holds up to 15 passengers comfortably. Calypso II is shaded.

• Music system on board.

You never know what you might see on our sunset trips! If you look close you can see bats flying around eating insects. #islandboatadventures #sunset #mangroves #shellkeypreserve

Join us for a dolphin watching, Island hopping, shelling and snorkeling trip. It’s the best way to cool down and beat the summer heat! #summer #summervibes #vacation #florida #stpetersburg #tampabay

We got to see the baby dolphin again!

We have been seeing millions of minnows at Egmont key, attracting more fish and birds! #minnows #egmontkey #florida #stateparks #outdoors #sunshine

What better way to spend the day than with Island Boat Adventures! #vacation #island #snorkeling #dolphins

Here at Island Boat Adventures we have been loving the warmer weather! Our snorkeling, shelling, and dolphin trips are the perfect way to stay cool during the summer heat. Book a trip with us and enjoy the island breeze. #egmont #shellkey #summer #florida #island #snorkeling #adventure

All of our trips are tons of fun, but did you know they are also that they are informative and educational! What better way to learn about Florida’s marine ecosystem than being in it! #educational #marinelife #ecosystem #florida #snorkeling

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Half Day Egmont Key Boat Tour Includes

DOLPHIN SHOW, SNORKELING,

SHELLING & EXPLORING EGMONT KEY

727-320-5610

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Our Trip In A Minute

Dolphin Watching, Snorkeling, Shelling, Sightseeing, Island Adventure ½ day Egmont Key Cruise Four fun filled family activities for one low price!

No one covers so much coastline scouting for dolphins to jump and play in our single-hull boat wake. A great photo opportunity! Once at Egmont Key, you are free to explore this tropical island with ruins dating to the 1700's. lighthouse, or shelling where an abundance of sea shells constantly wash onshore. You can also snorkel among the fish or grass flats or dive for dollars and shells.

Our Boats Leave From 4630 29th Ave S, Gulfport Fl 33711

Join us for an afternoon of sun, dolphins, snorkeling, shelling and adventure… oh, and did we say dolphins? All ages are welcome. The trip is 4 hours.

Call 727-320-5610 for reservations.

Welcome to our dolphin and snorkeling cruise, the best dolphin cruise experience on the west coast of Florida close to St Pete Beach. Our family-friendly cruise to Egmont Key features a scenic trip on the Gulf of Mexico along St. Pete Beach, across the mouth of Tampa Bay and to the historic site of FortDade. Our boats leave from 4630 29th Ave South, St Petersburg Florida 33711. We serve St Petersburg, St. Pete Beach, Treasure Island, Madeira Beach, Indian Rocks Beach, Sand Key and Clearwater Beach and all of the Tampa Bay area.

We are the oldest and largest Egmont key, snorkeling, dolphin boat company. We love dolphins, beaches, shells, and boats as much as you.

Map for Waverunners, Parasail & Fishing

From the quirky to the quixotic, St. Petersburg has a colorful history dotted with eccentric mayors, racial strife, environmental calamities and loads of wacky publicity stunts.

Do you know, for instance, what happened to the only passenger on the first train to arrive in what is now the city of St. Petersburg in 1888? How about why local police raided City Hall in 1921? Or which sitting president was the first to visit the Sunshine City?

While researching St. Petersburg history as part of the Editorial Board’s coverage of the Historic Gas Plant and Tampa Bay Rays stadium deal, I took a lot of notes. Rather than waste those notes, why not turn them into a fun quiz about St. Pete history? Special thanks to local authors Jon Wilson, Rick Baker, Raymond Arsenault and Will Michaels, whose history books provided the spark for many of the questions.

How many questions can you get right?

At the start of the Civil War, how many families lived on the southern end of the Pinellas peninsula?

b. Two, but they still feuded about where to draw the property lines.

During the Civil War, which occupations in St. Petersburg were exempt from Confederate conscription?

a. Local mayors

c. Salt workers

d. Cattle ranchers

e. Orange farmers

Answer: b. and c. Clergy for religious reasons. Why salt workers? Salt was an important commodity for preserving food during the Civil War. It was so important that the Union Army destroyed — or tried to —several salt evaporation operations in the Tampa Bay area.

In 1868, how much did Rosa Read pay to buy 96 acres near Clam Bayou on Boca Ciega Bay?

a. Three dozen mullet, a mule and four homemade mosquito swatters.

c. Six pounds of hard candy.

d. A year’s worth of haircuts.

How much did Abel Miranda pay for the Rosa Read property the following year?

a. 10 crates of oranges and a copy of the novel “The Last Chronicle of Barset” by Anthony Trollope.

c. Three horses, one of which died a day later from equine piroplasmosis.

d. Two year’s worth of haircuts.

In 1876, how did mail get to the local post office?

a. By shallow draft schooner from Cedar Key.

b. By “the walkers,” who carried the mail from Tampa, each covering about 10 miles of the weekly route.

c. Carrier pigeon

d. Trick question. There was no local post office.

City leader Peter Demens’ train line arrived in St. Petersburg in 1888. What was it called?

a. The Pinellas Peach

b. The Apple Line

c. The Palm Express

d. The Orange Belt

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The first train ever to arrive in St. Petersburg carried only one passenger. What happened to him?

a. He was attacked by a swarm of mosquitos and contracted yellow fever. Despite the early setback, he settled in the Mirror Lake era, where he stayed for the next 40 years until his death.

b. He was elected mayor two months later.

c. A shoe salesman, he took one look at the ramshackle community and got the next day’s train out of town.

d. He made a fortune by growing pineapples around what is now Lake Maggiore. The good times ended in financial disaster after a hard freeze in the winter of 1905.

There were no bridges across Tampa Bay when the Tampa and Gulf Coast line linked Tampa to St. Petersburg, so it had to snake around the top of the bay. How long did the 64-mile train trip take?

d. 12 hours

e. It never actually made it to St. Petersburg

Answer: d. The line was nicknamed the “Tug and Grunt” and carried 1,500 people to St. Pete on its first run in 1914.

In the early 1900s, Edwin H. Tomlinson dug an artesian well near Third Avenue South and Waterfront Park dubbed the “Fountain of Youth” for its alleged restorative powers. People drank the water and used it for bathing. In 1971, what was found in the water in higher than usual quantities?

c. E. coli bacteria

e. Vitamin C, and a little bit of vitamin B

Answer: d. The alkali metal is used in medicine to treat bipolar disorder and some other mental illnesses.

In June 1909, what dried up in St. Petersburg?

a. The oil that for decades bubbled up near what is now Tropicana Field.

b. Salt Lake, now Lake Maggiore, sending alligators, turtles and other wildlife scrambling for new homes.

c. All of the city’s reserve funds, spent on a scheme to include a team of dancing elephants among the city’s tourist draws.

d. Sponges. The city’s botched effort to wrest away the “Sponge Capital of the World” title from Tarpon Springs imploded when a particularly low tide in Tampa Bay uncovered all of the “planted” sponges, killing all of them.

On Feb. 16, 1912, how did W.L. Bonney raise $186.75?

a. He told tourists he was William H. Bonney, also known as notorious gun fighter Billy the Kid.

b. The pilot charged people to watch him fly a Wright biplane along the city’s waterfront.

c. An archer, he fired arrows into apples held up by a steady-handed spider monkey.

d. He told the manager at the First Bank of St. Petersburg that he was the new mayor and needed the money for the city’s newest road project. He wasn’t the mayor, but he got the money.

Why did police raid St. Petersburg City Hall in November 1921?

a. The building was overrun by three wild hogs. The cops were called to shoo them back outside.

b. To seize the mayoral election ballots that the mayor refused to turn over.

c. They were tipped off that notorious bank robber Byron Camp was working as a mail clerk in the building. It turned out to be a different Byron Camp.

d. The mayor was throwing an illegal Prohibition era booze party.

Answer: d. Mayor Noel Mitchell was later removed in a recall vote.

Also in November 1921, Virginia Burnside became the first woman elected to …

a. St. Petersburg City Council.

b. the nation’s first mosquito control board.

c. judge the city’s famous annual bathing suit contest.

d. the city’s “wild hog capture and eradication” committee.

In 1922, what was added to Mayor Frank Pulver’s duties?

a. Dog catcher

b. City bathing suit inspector

c. He was paid an extra dollar a week to clean the city’s first public bathroom, which happened to be at City Hall.

d. He was allowed to give out 25-cent citations to anyone who spat bubble gum onto the city’s walkways.

Answer: b. Not kidding. He judged the bathing suit contest in an effort to promote the city.

In 1924, what was the combined membership of the city’s five shuffleboard clubs?

d. More than 10,000

Answer: d. That’s a lot of people firing snuggles, hooks and hammers.

The Coliseum opened in November 1924. Which one of these five things did not happen at the dance hall and performance venue, which is still open today?

a. A woman often stood outside with religious pamphlets to warn patrons that they were about to enter a den of sin.

b. The venue once hosted a horned toad race.

c. Famous wrestler Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka grappled a bear in a caged ring.

d. Louis Armstrong canceled a gig at the venue because “it was all for whites.”

e. The Boston Celtics played a game there, as did tennis stars Poncho Segura, Jack Kramer and Bobby Riggs.

Answer: c. While Snuka was a real wrestler, he did not fight a bear at the Coliseum.

What is one common answer to how the Manhattan Casino in “The Deuces” neighborhood got its name when it opened in 1925?

a. The original developer was from New York City.

b. At the time, St. Petersburg was a segregated city. Some African Americans idealized New York City as being free of legal segregation, and thus the venue was named after that ideal place.

c. The venue had no name when it opened. The first customer ordered the eponymous drink — whiskey, sweet vermouth and bitters — and the rest is history.

d. The first general manager preferred the tomato-based clam chowder named after Manhattan, over the creamier New England variety.

On Nov. 22, 1925, 90 of the 134 pages in the Sunday St. Petersburg Times were filled with what?

a. News of Babe Ruth’s visit after recently winning a World Series with the New York Yankees.

b. A list of everyone in the city who had fallen behind on their property taxes.

c. Real estate advertising; most of the ads were for empty lots.

d. Photos and stories about how the city had seemingly landed a Major League Baseball franchise, only to have hopes dashed a few days later when the franchise instead went to Philadelphia.

What was city leader Walter P. Fuller referring to in 1926 when he said, “We just ran out of suckers.”

a. People to buy all of the real estate for sale. The city’s, and much of the state’s, real estate markets collapsed that year.

b. The candy suckers promised to anyone who attended a rally to protest Major League Baseball choosing Philadelphia over St. Petersburg.

c. He was referring to the failed attempt by city residents to set a Guinness World Record for consuming the most RC Cola through a straw in an hour.

Answer: a. The city’s total assessed property value eventually slides from almost $162 million to a low of $67 million in 1936 and does not fully recover until 1950.

How did the city’s Million Dollar Pier — completed in 1926 — get its name?

a. A couple years earlier, St. Petersburg City Manager Claude Dynamo said the design looked like “a million bucks” and the name stuck.

b. It cost $998,729.18.

c. The pier actually cost $213,452, but city leaders thought a million-dollar price tag would garner more publicity.

d. It actually cost $1.83 million, but city leaders hated the idea of publicizing the massive cost overruns.

Answer: b. That’s about $37 million in today’s dollars.

What were the Sunshine Babies?

a. A Negro League baseball team based in St. Petersburg.

b. The girls featured in ads that ran all over the United States promoting the city’s tourist attractions.

c. After the city’s streak of 546 days of at least some sunshine ended in 1936, city publicist John Lodwick featured several toddlers in an ad campaign that boasted the kids “never have known a cloudy day” for the first 18 months of their lives.

d. The young women who were often admonished for wearing revealing swimsuits on the city’s beaches.

Answer: a and c.

What stood out about St. Petersburg Federal Savings & Loans, opened in 1936?

a. It was founded by three sisters and run nearly entirely by women.

b. It handed out chocolate chip cookies to anyone who deposited more than $500.

c. It was the first air-conditioned building in the city.

d. A visor-wearing chimp was trained to take depositors’ money and put it in the cash drawer.

Answer: a. By the early 1960s, it was the second largest of five S&Ls in the city. (The city’s first air conditioned building was the 2,300-seat Florida Theater, which opened in 1926.)

Also in 1936, St. Pete reportedly became the third city in the country to install parking meters. How much did an hour cost?

b. 10 cents

c. 25 cents

d. Nothing — the meters never worked properly.

Answer: a. (Oklahoma City, the city often credited with employing the first parking meters, also charged 5 cents.)

What was the population of St. Petersburg in 1950?

Answer: c. The current population is about 262,000.

What were The Harlem, Newkirks, El Rancho and Geech’s?

a. Eating spots in The Deuces around 22nd Street South.

b. Skateboarding moves created by local skater club The Flying Crazies.

c. The name of the first four winning boats in the National Offshore Speed Boat competition held off of St. Petersburg’s pier.

d. Nicknames that Mayor Al Lang gave to his four favorite horses.

What was Charlie Williams best known for in St. Petersburg?

a. Caught the first home run at the New York Yankees first spring training game in St. Pete in 1925.

b. The first driver to kill a pedestrian in St. Petersburg.

c. His collection of four tigers, three orangutans and a pair of black bears that he kept in his backyard in the city’s Bayboro area.

d. Bolita kingpin of St. Petersburg,

Answer: d. He was eventually shot to death, gangland style, in 1953.

Which of these things happened on the day the Sunshine Skyway bridge opened in September 1954?

a. A small powerboat struck one of the bridge’s main pillars, doing little damage but foreshadowing a future tragedy.

b. Someone flew a Piper Cub airplane under the bridge.

c. The mayor was late for the ribbon cutting.

d. A four-car pile up occurred, clogging the bridge for more than two hours.

Which of these celebrities came to the Sunshine Skyway opening ?

a. Miss Greece, Rika Dialina

b. Dick Clark of American Bandstand

c. “The Duke” himself, John Wayne

d. A 9-year-old Jimmy Buffett

What did about 100 tourists find at their hotel doors after getting off a cruise ship in Guatemala in November 1955?

a. A box of Florida oranges.

b. Armed guards sent to quickly return them to the ship after a presidential coup.

c. Children singing “Old Folks at Home,” Florida’s state song.

d. Copies of the St. Petersburg Times.

Answer: d. In the city’s long tradition of relentlessly promoting itself as a tourist mecca, public relations ace Jack Bryan arranged fast transport of the papers via South American Airlines.

Which of these things were said or written about St. Petersburg?

a. “I tell young people who want to make money to get out of St. Petersburg as fast as they can.”

b. “We are an organization which will stop at nothing to rid the town of St. Petersburg, Florida, of the elderly people which have tried to inhabit it.”

c. “Lonely and bored old people pass the time listlessly on a St. Petersburg, Florida, sidewalk.”

d. “I believe you’ll agree St. Petersburg has the poorest streets of any in the state and probably the biggest traffic problem of any city its size.”

e. “I don’t want to be the person who integrates St. Petersburg.”

f. All of the above.

Answer: f. Who said it? a. Writer and political gadfly Thomas Dreier. b. The Scarlett Torch Gang, a group that shot out windows with pellet guns and vowed to rid the city of its elderly in the 1950s. c. Life Magazine photo caption from 1959. d. Developer Joe Brow sometime around 1957 or 1958. e. City Manager Ross Windom, who served for 10 years before resigning in 1959.

The soil in the Goose Pond area, which was filled in to create Central Plaza and other developments, was so fertile for growing vegetables that one farmer said:

a. “Even a toad-brained bumble butt could grow potatoes in that bog.”

b. “Seeds love that soil like Florida boys love their mamas.”

c. “You could throw a stone in there and it would grow.”

d. “To a city man, that soil smells foul. To a farmer, it smells like money.”

What was Goose Pond also known for?

a. Drowning cattle that got sucked down into the muck.

b. Being home to the largest illegal moonshine still in the city.

c. A 13-foot alligator everyone called New Boots.

d. Catching fire during dry spells.

Around 1955, what did the St. Petersburg Times call “a community health and economic disaster”?

a. An outbreak of yellow fever.

b. The revealing nature of women’s swimsuits on local beaches.

c. A particularly thick invasion of mosquitos.

d. The number of pedestrians killed by drunk drivers.

Answer: c. The invasion of flying insects was so bad that some people sold their relatively new homes and moved back north.

In 1956, who was given what is believed to be the city’s only ticker-tape parade?

a. Elvis Presley

b. Col. Paul Tibbetts, the B-29 pilot who dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima.

c. “Whirley” Shirley Fry, a city resident and Wimbledon tennis champion.

d. Clayton Moore and Jay Silverheels, better known as The Lone Ranger and Tonto from the popular 1950s TV show.

In 1957, city officials asked nationally known architect Victor Gruen to devise a plan to revitalize downtown. What was one of the hallmarks of his plan?

a. Cutting away parts of the waterfront to install canals like the ones in Venice, Italy.

b. Eliminate all auto traffic from downtown by installing a loop road around the district.

c. Thinking he’d been hired by the city in Russia, he suggested heated underground tunnels.

d. Creating a “saints walk,” with public art all over the city glorifying saints from various religions.

Answer: b. City leaders considered his plan too radical.

By 1960, what percentage of St. Petersburg homes had air conditioning?

Answer: b. Hardier folk, for sure.

The Impacs, a successful St. Petersburg band, got to:

a. Open for Elvis Presley at the Florida Theater.

b. Play non-stop for 24 hours in an attempt to set a world record.

c. Tour with Dick Clark, host of American Bandstand.

d. Play a song underwater in scuba gear in an episode of the popular TV show Flipper.

What was one of the reported reasons the New York Yankees moved its spring training from St. Petersburg to Fort Lauderdale in 1962?

a. Star player Mickey Mantle preferred the view of the Atlantic Ocean to that of the Gulf of Mexico.

b. Fort Lauderdale offered to pay for all the team’s baseball bats.

c. St. Petersburg’s downtown hotels still refused to desegregate, forcing the baseball team to house its Black players at separate hotels.

d. Fort Lauderdale’s mayor was dating the daughter of one of the team’s owners.

Answer: c. The Yankees were immediately replaced in St. Petersburg by the newborn New York Mets, managed by Casey Stengel.

What did Delian Apollon do on Feb. 13, 1970?

a. Became the last person to shoot a bear within city limits.

b. The ship ran aground in Tampa Bay triggering a massive oil spill.

c. Became the first woman to win the city’s annual swimsuit competition wearing a string bikini.

d. The dolphin beached itself at the top of Coffee Pot Bayou after getting tangled in a discarded tire. The good Samaritans that worked to free the dolphins named it Delian Apollon for its Greek god-like struggle to survive.

Answer: b. The oil washed up along St. Pete’s waterfront, from Weedon Island to Pinellas Point.

Who was the first sitting president to visit St. Petersburg?

a. George Washington, on a fishing trip with Thomas Jefferson and John Adams in the winter of 1795.

b. John F. Kennedy, who according to the guest book, stayed at the same area hotel in 1962 that happened to also be hosting an “M. Monroe.”

c. Richard Nixon, who held a massive political rally at the Bayfront Center in 1970.

d. Gerald Ford in 1975. He famously stumbled on the stairs of the local convention center, a gaffe actor Chevy Chase replicated to comedic effect on a new show called “Saturday Night Live.”

Answer: c. If you guessed “a,” maybe try fewer history quizzes and more history books.

After 17 years, what finally was completed in 1987?

a. The repainting of the Sunshine Skyway bridge.

b. Interstate 275 from the Howard Frankland Bridge to the new Sunshine Skyway.

c. The concrete “dolphins” that protect the Sunshine Skyway from ship collisions.

d. The city’s downtown condominium tower committee. The members completed their work and disbanded the committee after concluding “it’s highly unlikely that the downtown core will ever have enough condo towers to justify the existence of this committee.”

What did a 1988 Tampa Tribune editorial compare to a “particularly pinched Albanian village?”

a. Kenneth City

b. Pinellas Park

c. Treasure Island

d. The city of St. Petersburg (during its ill-fated attempt to lure the Chicago White Sox baseball franchise).

Answer: d. Ouch!

That’s it for the quiz. Enjoy a few more archival photos and images.

Editor of Editorials

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