The Best Cruises & Boat Tours

Adventure meets nature during Hubbard’s Marina fishing charters and party boats in Madeira Beach. Private charters and fishing trips range from 5 hours all the way up to 44 hours (wow!) and include both near-shore and off-shore opportunities. Private sightseeing charters are perfect for simply relaxing and taking in scenic water views during a day on the water. 

If you don’t go on a dolphin-watching cruise, did you really visit Florida? Little Toot Dolphin Adventure in Clearwater Beach — named among the top sailing and day cruise experiences (No. 4 in the U.S.) in Tripadvisor's Travelers' Choice Awards for 2026 — has a knack for finding playful dolphins that jump and play behind the boat on almost every trip.

Tour the waters surrounding St. Pete-Clearwater aboard a floating tiki bar, thatched roof and all. Florida Tiki Tours in Madeira Beach navigates John’s Pass and Boca Ciega Bay in tiki boats for up to six people (a larger tiki boat can even accommodate up to 18 people). From sunset cruises to full-day tours, relaxing on the sandbar or spotting dolphins, gather your friends, BYOB and board a tiki boat tour for a unique way to navigate local waters. 

Other tiki boat options in the area include St. Pete Tiki Tours for relaxing Gulf views, Cruisin’ Tikis in Clearwater or Totally Tiki Tours in St. Pete, which departs from the St. Pete Pier for an awesome experience in Tampa Bay.

If you're chasing sunsets over open water, Suncoast Sailing is for you. Book passage on the Suncoast Horizon, Treasure Island's iconic schooner and the only gaff-rigged schooner in the Tampa Bay region, for a front-row seat to some of the area's most famous sunsets. Day cruises and private charters are also available.

All aboard Tropics Boat Tours, a tropical-themed, double-decker catamaran for daily cruises or chartered events from Clearwater Beach. Enjoy a full bar while cruising the emerald-green waters of the Gulf with plenty of chances to spot dolphins along the way.
 

For those who've ever dreamed of playing the role of a swashbuckling pirate, Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruise lets you and the family live out the adventure on an actual pirate ship. This fun-filled family cruise is a must when at Clearwater Beach.

No matter what type of cruise you're looking for, or where you'd like to sail from, chances are StarLite Cruises has the perfect boating excursion for you. From dinner cruises on a yacht, to dolphin watching tours, to party cruises and full-day group excursions, this family-owned business has grown from a single vessel to become the largest daily excursion fleet in Florida. 

With two locations (at the St. Pete Pier and in Tierra Verde), Tampa Bay Watch is a beacon of environmental hope and learning in our community. Their wildlife boat tours are sure to please with kid-friendly excursions where you might see dolphins and other marine life up-close, all while learning about our beautiful and delicate marine ecosystem. Tours are wheelchair-accessible with advance notice.

Take in the views from Yacht StarShip Dining Cruises in Clearwater and choose from a brunch cruise complete with bottomless mimosas, a sumptuous meal, dancing and live music or a sunset dinner cruise, which features an open bar, a buffet dinner, entertainment and stunning coastal views.

Experience a bit of history when you cruise with St. Nicholas Boat Line, an iconic family-owned business in Tarpon Springs. During this unique tour, which departs from the Sponge Docks, you’ll learn about the history of sponge diving in the region and see a live sponge harvesting demonstration.

The Pelican in St. Pete offers a choice of boat tours “from pier to paradise.” Departures from the St. Pete Pier include sunset cruises, dolphin cruises, and day trips to Egmont Key. Just sit back, relax with a drink and take in the views, keeping an eye out for dolphins and other wildlife along the way.

Don't miss a chance to get out on the water with Get Up and Go Kayaking in Tierra Verde. The company offers guided clear kayak tours of Shell Key Preserve, and was named the No. 1 nature and outdoors activity in the U.S. and No. 2 in the world for 2026 by Tripadvisor's Travelers' Choice Awards! Also check out their unique nighttime tour, complete with color-changing, waterproof LED lights that light up the water below for a cool way to spot marine life. 

What’s cooler than cruising around on the world’s largest speed boat? Cruising around on the world’s largest speed boat at sunset with dolphins jumping in your wake. Sea Screamer is sure to delight kids and adults alike during this wet and wild ride.

Board the Paddle Pub, a pedal-powered pontoon boat for a fun way to tour the scenic waterways of Clearwater Beach. Simply choose your tour, grab your friends, BYOB, and let the fun begin! Led by a captain and (rest assured) also powered by an engine, your tour will stop for an island swim during the day or to enjoy sunset views at night.

Ready your sea legs and leave the land lubbers behind. Board the Pirate Ship in Madeira Beach and get ready for its entertaining crew to take you on a pirate cruise that you and your family will never forget. Start practicing your best "arrrrgh" and get ready for pirate games, dolphin spotting and other family fun.

Dolphin Landings Charter Boat Center offers sailing aboard large ocean ketch vessels. There’s nothing like taking in an unforgettable sunset with the wind in your sails. Choose from dolphin-watching, sunset trips, island adventures, or fishing trips and look forward to an experience like no other.

If you’re the adventurous type, the Dolphin Snorkeling Cruise is for you. This half-day dolphin-watching excursion takes you out to Egmont Key State Park, a deserted island in the mouth of Tampa Bay. There you can snorkel the often clear and calm water. Look for fish and explore the island’s abandoned forts left over from the Spanish-American War.