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Dolphins, snorkeling, boat tours in St. Petersburg, Florida?

My boyfriend and I just turned 24 and we are taking our first Florida vacation. We are looking for some great places to visit around St. Petersburg Florida. We plan on visiting the Florida Aquarium, Adventure Island Water Park, and we are making the long trip from St. Petersburg to Orlando for Sea World! What I am really interested in though is swimming with the dolphins or at least a boat tour to see them, I want to find a place to go snorkeling and maybe scuba diving, anything on the water. I really like the idea of the guided boat tours and kayaking or rafting. I have looked in the St. Petersburg area online for these kinds of things and Im just not finding a lot very close. We dont want to spend our entire vacation driving. Does anyone have any suggestions on some great things to do in the St. Petersburg/St.Pete Beach area? Remember water is key and the distance is important too :) Thanks for the help! I should probably mention that I am on my boyfriends profile. I forgot to log him out. Its a girl guy thing not guy guy thing :)

Public Comments

1. There are Dolphin boat tours that leave out of Clearwater Beach. But I don't believe they allow you to swim in the waters. Clearwater/St. Pete is not good for snorkeling. You will enjoy fising as the water is calm, but it's too murky for snorkeling. You mentioned going to Orlando - I have to suggest Discovery Cove. It's on my list of must do's this summer! I have a few friends who have been & absolutely loved it. It's a little pricey, but they all said it was worth it & more! Here you can snorkel & swim with the dolphins. All of them have commented that it's like being on your own private island. Discovery Cove limits the amount of visitors per day, so it's not at all crowded. http://www.discoverycove.com/default2.aspx I love Busch Gardens. I know they usually pair up with Adventure Island for tickets.
2. http://www.orlando-tours.com/tours/tourType.cfm?ttid2=1487 have fun