9 Boat Tours in Tampa & St Petersburg That Earn the Road Trip

1.Calypso Queen Tropical Party Buffet Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,136 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $58Our pick

Board the Calypso Queen at Clearwater Beach Marina for a two-hour lunch or dinner cruise. You get a tropical buffet, rum punch, beer, house wine, and soft drinks. Day trips feature captain commentary, while evening sailings add a live DJ and dancing. Parking costs extra, and tropical cocktails and desserts are sold separately.

“Such a nice experience for me and the wife will do again , drinks and environment was good along with the food”

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2.Island Sunset and Skyway Light Show – 3hr Boat Cruise in St. Pete

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,871 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $80Top rated

Spend about three hours on the water with Coastal Cruises, passing waterfront mansions, Gulfport, and several bridges before stopping at Sand Dollar Island for sunset and shell hunting. Guides such as Captain Paul, Dillon, Gavin, Chase, and Noah share local facts, serve drinks, and help with photos before the boat returns beneath the Sunshine Skyway Bridge lights.

“Tony and Justice were awesome. We had a great experience and would definitely recommend this to others thinking about signing up for this excursion!”

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3.Small Group 2 Hour Dolphin Cruise with Snorkeling to Shell Key

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,523 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $75

Watch for dolphins and manatees on a two-hour cruise from Tierra Verde Marina Resort, then visit Shell Key for beach shelling and shallow-water snorkeling. The 25-foot pontoon carries no more than six people, with bottled water, gear, ice, and free parking included. Captains such as Noel, Megan, and Dave add local wildlife knowledge.

“We took this tour at the end of June. There was limited amount of sea life. …2 dolphins and 2 sea manatees. The sea life and shelling wasn’t as great as on our Hilton Head trip during the same month last year. The captain was very nice and we had the pontoon completely to ourselves… the reason for the 3 stars. But 2 members had to miss the tour at the last minute due to our granddaughter contracting a virus with a high grade fever. The tour company refused to accommodate us and change the tour to a later date. We did book the tour through Viator who also refused…”

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4.Guaranteed Dolphin Sighting Tour on Tropics Boat Tours

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 947 reviews · 1 hour 45 minutes (approx.) · from $37

Cruise from Clearwater Beach with The Tropics Boat Tours for about 1 hour 45 minutes in search of wild bottlenose dolphins. Your captain and crew share facts about marine life, the Gulf Coast, and waterfront mansions. Brad and Regan have earned special praise for their friendly commentary, though dolphin sightings are guaranteed through a free return ride, not always on the first trip.

“Had a blast highly recommend.. got to see a lot of dolphins and the crew is very knowledgeable about the area”

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5.Clearwater Beach: Dolphin & Island Sandbar Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 767 reviews · 2 hours · from $28Best value

Spend two hours cruising from Clearwater Beach with a USCG captain and English-speaking guide. Look for dolphins, hear local stories, then stop at One-Tree Island for a short swim. Bring your own drinks and snacks, use the onboard coolers, and expect free ice cream for children.

“The ride and the captain it was amazing seeing the dolphins”

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6.Sunset Celebration Cruise on Tropics Boat Tours

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 739 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $37

Cruise from Clearwater Bay into the Gulf of Mexico aboard Tropics Boat Tours for about two hours. The crew shares local facts, music may set a lively mood, and a Champagne toast marks sunset. Beer, wine, soft drinks, and light snacks cost extra. Dolphins are possible but never promised.

“Informative and funny tour guide with fantastic sites to see worth going and a beautiful sunset of course”

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7.2 Hour Sunset Cruise in Clearwater, Florida

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 646 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $39

Spend about two hours cruising Clearwater’s Intracoastal Waterway and the Gulf of Mexico aboard a 46-foot Coast Guard-inspected boat. Captains Tracy or TJ and crew members such as Tiffany may point out local sights and help spot dolphins. Beer, wine, seltzers, and soft drinks are sold onboard, with a champagne toast for passengers 21 and older.

“I was disappointed that the crew was not at all focused on safety. The boat ride would have been more enjoyable for me if the upper deck had not been overcrowded with more people up there than were technically allowed per the signs prominently posted. It just felt like a free for all and I blame the crew for not managing that better.”

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8.Mega Bite Dolphin Tour Boat in Clearwater Beach

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 545 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $28

Ride Mega Bite, a 50-foot shark-themed boat, for about an hour around Clearwater Beach. The captain creates a large wake that can bring dolphins close, while the crew points out homes, islands, and local sights. Bring sealed snacks and drinks, use the onboard cooler, and consider a sunset departure for better views.

“Very nice staff loved it… We came from Chicago and would definitely come back the view was so perfect…”

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9.Clearwater Evening Yacht Cruise with Optional Dining

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 464 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $40

Spend about three hours aboard the 115-foot StarLite Majesty, sailing Tampa Bay from Clearwater. Your $40.77 booking covers the cruise and entertainment, but dinner and drinks cost extra. Choose from an onboard menu, watch the waterfront from the outer deck, then enjoy live music, dancing, or a quiet stroll under the stars.

“Arrive on time because the ship leaves promptly. The service and staff were very hospitable and accommodating. The ride was smooth and views incredible. Worth the admission and entertainment.”

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