Bright Businesses: Shell Key Shuttle

ST. PETE BEACH- Ever have the fantasy of spending a day on a tranquil island with just the birds, breeze, and waves? Shell Key Shuttle provides eco-tours to the small barrier island just south of Pass-A-Grille. The 10-minute boat ride transports passengers to the key where they can collect shells, relax on the beach, or snorkel. The shuttle service departs from Merry Pier in Pass-A-Grille.

Captains Kiven and Nancy Davidek bought the shuttle services in 2009 from Captain Alva Sholty who owned it for 20 years.

"I've lived here my whole life. One day my wife Nancy and I saw in the paper that (Sholty) was trying to sell the shuttle business. My wife and I already had our captains licenses ...(Merry Pier) is not a bad place out here with the birds. I can fish between trips. Before I was in a cubical for 24 years as a commercial artist," Captain Kiven Davidek said.

The shuttle schedule varies by the season. Passengers can stay on the island for just a couple of hours or the whole day (six hours), since the shuttle goes back and forth. The shuttle service supplies: big beach umbrellas, bags for shells and masks and snorkels. Sunset cruises and private charters are other options.

The 1,800 acre Shell Key Preserve protects marine life including shorebird nesting sites. Not all of the island is open to the public. The map attached to this story shows where visitors can explore. There are no restroom facilities on the island.

If you go:

Hours: Daily from 10 a.m. until 4:15 p.m. and sunset cruises three times per week. The schedule varies by season, so please call to confirm.

Cost: $25 for adults, $12.50 for children

Address: 801 Pass-A-Grille Way at Merry Pier in St. Pete Beach

Phone:727-360-1348