8 Fun St. Pete Boat Tours
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If you’re planning a trip to St. Pete and want to experience the city from a whole new perspective, you have to get out on the water. From dolphin cruises and sunset sails to sandbar adventures and private charters, there are so many St. Pete boat tours that show off just how beautiful this coastal city really is.
Living in Tampa Bay, I’ve been on my fair share of boat days, and trust me—seeing St. Pete’s turquoise waters, waterfront homes, and local wildlife from the deck is easily one of the best things to do in St. Pete!
Best St. Pete Boat Tours
1. Evening Yacht Tour with Starlite Cruises
If you’re looking for a fun and unique night out in St. Pete, an evening sail on the StarLite Sapphire Dining Yacht is the way to go! This 113-foot yacht has an open-air observation deck for soaking in the views, plus a climate-controlled cabin if you want to keep things cool inside.
With a DJ keeping the vibes high and a dance floor ready for action, this cruise is perfect for a romantic date night or a fun evening with friends. You can also purchase dinner and drinks on board, making it a full-on experience from start to finish.
🍽️ Dinner Cruise
Cruise and dine on the waters surrounding St. Pete with StarLite!
Click herе to bookI haven’t done the St. Pete cruise yet, but I did the Tampa one and had the best time! The energy was amazing, the food was delicious, and the whole experience felt so special.
2. Blind Pass Boat & Jet Ski Rental
If you’re looking for a St. Pete boat tour that’s equal parts adventure and party, Blind Pass Boat & Jet Ski Rental is where it’s at! We packed so much into one day—dolphin sightings, exploring Shell Key, jello shots at a local bar, and even grabbing a hot dog from a boat that literally pulled up next to ours (peak boat day energy).
Captain Justin was the ultimate local guide, taking us to all the best spots and making sure the vibes were right. The boat was huge—we had a crew of about 20, and it was such a fun time!
3. Egmont Key Tour with The Pelican
The Egmont Key Tour with The Pelican is the only charter that runs from downtown St. Pete to Egmont Key, giving you two full hours to explore this stunning island.
Once you step off the boat (into shallow water, so be ready for that!), you’ll have time to roam pristine beaches, check out the historic lighthouse, wander the eerie yet fascinating ruins of Fort Dade, and spot incredible wildlife. The Pelican stays on the island, so if you need a quick break from the sun, there’s a bathroom and some shade available.
The total trip lasts four hours, with an hour ride each way from the St. Pete Pier. You can bring your own food and drinks, and they also provide bottled water and snorkeling gear so you can really make the most of your island time. If you’re searching for an epic day trip from Tampa, this is it!
Book your Egmont Key tour here!
4. Sunset Cruise with The Pelican
If you want to experience the most magical sunset views, The Pelican’s 2-hour sunset cruise is where it’s at. Leaving from the St. Pete Pier, this adults-only cruise takes you under the iconic Sunshine Skyway Bridge and out to Paradise Island, setting the scene for an unforgettable evening.
The best part? You get all the dreamy sunset vibes while cruising through the bay with a drink in hand. Whether you’re on a date night, celebrating with friends, or just vibing with the ocean breeze, this one is a must!
5. St. Pete Pier Tiki Boat Cruise
I will never say no to a tiki boat cruise, and this one at the St. Pete Pier Tiki Boat Cruise is hands down one of my go-to boat tours in St. Pete! It’s 90 minutes of pure fun, where you can soak in skyline views, spot dolphins and manatees, and just enjoy the water on a floating tiki bar.
You can bring your own drinks, snacks, and music, making it the perfect way to kick back and relax with your crew. The boat fits up to six people, so grab your besties and hop aboard for a sunset cruise or a daytime adventure. I do this at least a couple of times a year, and it never gets old!
Want to see what it’s like? Check out my tiki boat vlog from our trip!
Book your tiki boat tour here!
6. Private Boat Island Cruise with Captain de Jong Charters
If you’re looking for a more intimate boat tour in St. Pete, a private boat island cruise with Captain de Jong Charters is the perfect option! Leaving from downtown St. Pete, this two-hour cruise can fit up to six people, making it perfect for a chill outing with friends or family.
You’ll cruise to Coffee Pot Bayou, a dreamy spot known for its bird sanctuary and frequent dolphin sightings. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can snorkel with the provided gear, or just kick back and enjoy the peaceful ride.
Plus, complimentary bottled water, soda, and snacks are included! If you want to extend the adventure, there are longer tours that include tubing and even exploring Egmont Key.
7. Barrier Island Beach Day with Salt and Mist Sea Tours
For a laid-back beach day on a secluded island, Salt and Mist Sea Tours delivers big time. This 3-hour all-inclusive tour takes you to a gorgeous barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico, where you can swim, shell, and soak up the sun without the usual crowds.
As you cruise, you’ll get a peek at some insane waterfront mansions and celebrity homes (seriously, these houses are next level).
Plus, spotting dolphins, sea turtles, and other marine life is almost guaranteed! Since every tour is customizable, you can tailor the experience to exactly what your group wants.
8. Private Charter with Well Played Charters
If you’re planning a day out on the water and want something that feels a little more personal, but luxurious, Well Played Charters is such a fun option. We did a private charter with them and had an absolute blast! Their fleet is beautiful, and the crew truly caters the experience to whatever kind of day you’re looking for—whether that’s relaxing, exploring, or partying it up with friends.
We spent the day island hopping, swimming, eating, jumping off the boat, and even spotting dolphins along the way. They have 4-, 6-, and 7-hour charter options, so you can really make it your own kind of adventure. And the best part? You can use code WELPLYD-010 to get some money off your trip!
Whether it’s a birthday, bachelorette party, or just an epic day on the water, this yacht is the way to celebrate.
Which of these St. Pete boat tours are you going to experience first?!
No matter what kind of vibe you’re going for, this list of fun St. Pete boat tours has something for everyone! Whether you’re sailing into the sunset, spotting dolphins along the coast, or just taking in the salty breeze with good company, there’s something about being out on the bay that never gets old. I hope this guide helps you find the perfect boat tour for your next day on the water—what kind of adventure are you booking first?
Before you go, be sure to follow me on Insta @guidedbydestiny and check out some of my other Florida blog posts:
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