Private boat tours & water sports for Gulfport, St. Pete Beach & Treasure Island · Call or text Captain Allen
Captain Allen's Blog
Local insight on dolphins, shelling, water sports and sunset cruises around Gulfport and Tampa Bay, plus trip reports from days on the water.
Things to Do in Gulfport
Stay updated with the latest things to do in the Gulfport area with the Allen's Aquatic Adventures blog. We share insider tips about dolphin spotting, hidden shelling spots around Tampa Bay, seasonal water conditions, water skiing techniques and Egmont Key's history.
Our posts cover Tampa Bay boating activities, from early morning stops on a Shell Key shelling and island hopping tour to the conditions that make a great Gulfport sunset cruise. You will also find marine wildlife guides for a dolphin watching tour, wakeboarding tips for first-timers and the best photo opportunities around Gulfport.
Every post is written to help you make the most of your time on Tampa Bay, from a family outing or group charter to your first try on a tube. Want to experience these adventures yourself? Contact Allen's Aquatic Adventures at 727-709-0088 to plan your day in the Gulfport and Tampa Bay area.
Inside you'll find Tampa Bay boat tour tips, private boat charter planning advice and a growing Gulfport boat tour guide built from real trips, so you can plan your day before you ever step aboard.
Featured story
Fresh off the boat
A rundown of what you can do on a private boat tour in St. Pete, from passing under the Sunshine Skyway and watching dolphins to walking Egmont Key and shelling on Shell Key.
From the blog
Trip reports come straight from Captain Allen, with photos from the day.
A family guide to St. Pete Beach that goes past the sand: dolphin spotting, the Sunday markets, local history, water sports, evenings at Pass-a-Grille and a quieter day on Shell Key.
7 min read
A local's view of Tampa Bay from the water, covering the scenery, sandbars and hidden spots, wildlife sightings, family boating traditions and the community that grows around it.
7 min read
Explains what sets a private boat tour near St. Pete Beach apart, with the boat and captain to yourselves, activities from wakeboarding to sunset cruises, and island hopping to secluded beaches.
7 min read
Looks at private boat charters for families near Seminole, including activities that work for every age, the comfort of having the boat to yourselves, safety on board and what kids pick up along the way.
7 min read
Planning Your Trip
Answers whether boat tours from the Clearwater Beach area include island stops, covering which islands are worth the time, what happens once you land, gear to bring and common mistakes to skip.
Helps guests from Largo choose a charter length, comparing quick trips, half days and full days, what drives timing on the water and how to match the hours to your plans.
5 min read
Compares a private boat tour from the Seminole area with a crowded group cruise, weighing space, personal attention, price, health and proximity, and flexibility on the water.
7 min read
A timing guide for private charters near Clearwater Beach, covering peak and off-peak seasons, weather patterns, when wildlife is most active, event lead times and how early to reserve.
5 min read
Looks at why a private boat tour suits small groups coming from Largo, covering the captain's attention, privacy away from crowds, wildlife, what to confirm before booking and how the cost splits.
6 min read
Makes the case for a four-hour charter around Tampa Bay, explaining what you pay for, why half a day suits most groups, how the itinerary comes together and when you might want longer.
7 min read
Planning Your Trip
Explains how to plan a multi-stop boat tour around Tampa Bay, from choosing a boat and packing to reading weather and tides, with sample routes that include a finish at the John's Pass sandbar.
Explains why a private charter from Saint Petersburg suits groups, from celebrations and corporate outings to setting your own vibe, simple logistics and adventure levels everyone can agree on.
8 min read
Argues that Tampa Bay beats better-known Florida spots for sandbar hopping, with protected water, sandbars that shift with the tide, wildlife, a laid-back social scene and a long season.
6 min read
Weighs whether visitors to Saint Petersburg should book a private charter, covering the views from the water, setting your own plan, how groups split the cost, what to check and timing.
7 min read
Walks through customizing a boat tour around Tampa for a special event, including which celebrations fit the format, what customization looks like, timing, weather backup plans and guest logistics.
6 min read
Explains what a private charter near Madeira Beach adds beyond the boat ride, with routes you choose, hidden spots, a comfortable day on board, family fun and wildlife encounters.
4 min read
Sunset Cruises
Explains why couples book private boat tours around St. Petersburg, with a cruise built for two, room for your own food, drinks and music, scenic routes and sunset photos.
A planning guide for group charters near Madeira Beach, covering boat size and legal limits, building an itinerary, setting a schedule, budgeting beyond the boat and packing for comfort.
5 min read
Explains the seasonal and daily patterns behind dolphin sightings around St. Petersburg, with spring, fall and early mornings leading the way, plus photo tips and a packing list.
4 min read
Shares what locals enjoy most about private boat tours from Madeira Beach, including routes away from the crowds, Shell Key stopovers, quiet escapes and favorite photo spots.
4 min read
Shows how a private boat charter from St. Petersburg works for families, with safety built in, routes that fit everyone, water sports for kids who want more and sunset cruises to end the day.
4 min read
Explains why tubing works for families from Seminole, with rides for every age, safety first, confidence that builds with each run and tips for a smooth day on the bay.
4 min read
News
Captain Allen's Aquatic Adventures was voted Best of Florida for tours and guides. The post covers what sets the private charters apart and why locals and visitors keep coming back.
Describes an island-hopping day near Shell Key for guests from Belleair, with quiet sandbars, a cruise past the Egmont Key lighthouse, frequent dolphins and tips on what to bring.
4 min read
Compares wakeboarding and water skiing for first-timers from Seminole, explaining how each sport differs, how to start with confidence, the gear involved and what surprises most beginners.
5 min read
Makes the case for Egmont Key as a stop for guests coming from Belleair, with the Fort Dade ruins, wildlife, snorkeling and shelling, and wide beaches without condos or vendors.
4 min read
Local advice for seeing dolphins from Seminole, covering the early morning window, where dolphins tend to gather, how to listen for them, tips for photos and habits locals avoid.
4 min read
A first-timer's guide to water skiing for guests from Belleair, covering the right gear, safety habits, how to get up on the first attempts and what tends to surprise beginners.
4 min read
Dolphins & Wildlife
Looks at why families return for dolphin tours near Treasure Island, from comfort on board and a guide who keeps kids engaged to wild dolphins surfacing just feet away.
A packing list from locals who ride St. Pete Beach sunset cruises often, covering drinks, snacks, layers for the evening breeze, camera gear and small details people tend to forget.
5 min read
Practical tips for parents planning a child's first snorkel near Treasure Island: start in calm shallow water, get gear that fits, practice first, turn it into a hunt and keep the session short.
4 min read
Covers the wildlife guests often spot on boat rides near St. Pete Beach, including dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, rays and shorebirds, along with the best times to look and how to watch respectfully.
4 min read
Covers the moments that surprise guests on boat tours near Treasure Island, from dolphins and manatees close to the boat to clear snorkeling water, local stories and unexpected finds.
4 min read
Breaks down the best times to see dolphins around Treasure Island, from calm early mornings to seasonal changes, tides and weather, plus the signs to watch for once you are on the water.
4 min read
Dolphins & Wildlife
Sets expectations for a private dolphin tour out of Gulfport, including why a smaller boat helps, the best times to see dolphins, other wildlife nearby and tips for the trip.
Covers snorkeling spots around Treasure Island that a small private boat can reach, the best times for clear water, what to bring and the fish, rays and turtles you may see.
2 min read
Explores what makes Shell Key one of Florida's top shelling spots, how Gulf currents and timing shape what washes up, and the stories behind the shells collectors find there.
4 min read
A family list of water activities near St. Pete Beach, from dolphin watching and snorkeling to shelling on Shell Key, tubing, wakeboarding and a sunset cruise to close the day.
3 min read
A family snorkeling guide for St. Pete Beach covering shallow first-timer spots near Shell Key, the marine life kids can expect, what to pack and how to keep it fun for different ages.
2 min read
A checklist for choosing a boat tour company around Treasure Island, covering safety training, boat upkeep, flexible booking, reviews, clear pricing, smart questions and red flags.
2 min read
Sunset Cruises
Covers timing for a Treasure Island sunset cruise, including the golden hour before sunset, the best times of year, weather patterns that make for better skies and what to bring along.
A guide to shells found around Shell Key, from tiny coquinas to large lightning whelks, with the best times to search, where to look, seasonal tips and how to preserve what you keep.
2 min read
A beginner's guide to wakeboarding in Gulfport, covering why calm water helps new riders, the basic skills you will learn, what to wear and mistakes first-timers can skip.
2 min read
Explains what makes dolphin cruises near Gulfport special, with wild bottlenose dolphins that often jump in the wake, calm morning conditions, viewing locations and behaviors to watch for.
2 min read
A spring break pitch for a private boat tour out of Gulfport, close to Treasure Island, with options from wakeboarding, tubing and snorkeling to dolphin tours and a relaxed island getaway.
3 min read
A planning guide for a St. Pete sunset cruise, with suggested departure times by season, a packing list, popular viewing spots including Boca Ciega Bay and wildlife you may see.
2 min read
Water Sports
Lists reasons to try wakeboarding in Gulfport, from protected bays and warm water to the fitness benefits and why it is a cost-effective water sport to pick up.
A starter guide for families learning to wakeboard in Gulfport, covering gear, calm local spots, five skills for new riders, family safety and the speeds that help beginners stand up.
2 min read
A list of snorkeling spots near Gulfport, including Boca Ciega Bay, Clam Bayou, Fort De Soto Park, Egmont Key State Park and Shell Key Preserve, with notes on the marine life at each.
3 min read
Trip report · August 27, 2024
After a busy summer, Captain Allen looks back on a season of watersports, snorkeling, dolphins and sunset cruises, and notes that each boat tour can be customized to the activities you want.
Trip report · June 11, 2024
A recap of a busy few days on the water, filled with Egmont Key trips, shelling at Shell Island, dolphin sightings and watersports runs behind the boat.
Trip report · June 11, 2024
A brief recap from April 7, 2024, when guests spent their day on the water with Captain Allen snorkeling and doing watersports behind the boat.
Trip report · May 15, 2024
With the weather finally cooperating, recent trips mixed watersports, snorkeling, dolphin tours and manatee sightings, then finished with a Gulf Coast sunset and a bridge tour.
A short update from Captain Allen as air and water temperatures warmed up, calling the week ahead the best weather of the year for a private boat tour out of Gulfport.
1 min read
Trip report · April 13, 2024
An Easter weekend recap from March 30, 2024, a day packed with snorkeling, jumping off the old fort, tubing and a sunset bridge tour to close it out.
Trip report · April 6, 2024
Another windy day on April 5, 2024, but Captain Allen and his guests made the best of it, reaching some beautiful spots for snorkeling and a round of watersports.
Trip report · March 31, 2024
On Easter Sunday 2024 Captain Allen ran two trips, and every guest who tried wakeboarding got up on the board, a few of them on their very first try.
Trip report · March 23, 2024
On a windy March 23, 2024, the group cruised the Intracoastal to see waterfront homes, then headed to Shell Island, where a large group of manatees was back out in the Gulf.
Trip report · March 17, 2024
Captain Allen teamed up with another local captain for a double boat trip of snorkeling and shelling, then headed back out for snorkeling and watersports while the water was clear.
A short trip report from a day on the water when dolphins were jumping right near Captain Allen's boat during a private tour out of Gulfport.
1 min read
Trip report · March 14, 2024
A quick report from a day when one group spent their trip water skiing, wakeboarding and tubing, and everyone ended up on their feet and riding.
Trip report · March 12, 2024
A short post on a day of tubing, snorkeling and shelling with Captain Allen, with a note that every living creature the guests found was put safely back.
A photo post from Captain Allen's Sunset Bridge Tour, the evening cruise that watches the sunset near Bunces Pass and then heads to the illuminated Sunshine Skyway Bridge.
1 min read
Trip report · March 11, 2024
Despite the wind, guests snorkeled at Egmont Key among fish and sea urchins, found a huge lightning whelk on Shell Key that was put back in the water, and finished with tubing.
Trip report · March 9, 2024
A cloudy, windy start on March 9, 2024 did not stop the day: the group still got out for snorkeling and a round of watersports on a private boat tour.
Trip report · March 5, 2024
Two trips on March 5, 2024: the first group went snorkeling and shelling, and the second took a guided Egmont Key tour, went shelling and cruised the Intracoastal.
Trip report · February 22, 2024
On a warm February 22, 2024, Captain Allen ran two trips with guests visiting from Wisconsin, and both groups went snorkeling and shelling even though the water was still chilly.
Trip report · February 20, 2024
On February 20, 2024 Captain Allen took guests out to Egmont Key for a guided tour of the island, and a few dolphins came over to play in the boat's wake on the way.
Trip report · February 18, 2024
Despite an overcast, chilly February 17, 2024, a group of repeat guests went out and handled every watersport on the list: water skiing, wakeboarding, kneeboarding and tubing.
Trip report · March 10, 2023
A short recap of a private boat tour spent wakeboarding, water skiing and tubing, with Captain Allen noting open dates for the coming weekend and the week after.
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