St. Pete - Boat Tours
If you are coming to St. Petersburg, you will be spending a lot of time on the water. St. Petersburg and the surrounding area are known for their crystal blue waters and beautiful weather. Tourists and locals alike love their boats, and a boat tour is a perfect way to see the sights.
When you come here, you will want to choose the best boat tour for yourself and your family. There is no one best boat tour in St. Petersburg. Instead, there is a host of fantastic boat tours, each catering to a different type of sightseer. Here are some of the best St. Petersburg boat tours in each category.
Dolphin Watching
The St. Petersburg area is a playground for people, but it is also a favorite spot for dolphins. Dolphins call the area home, and that is good news for visitors to St. Petersburg. Here are some of our favorite dolphin watching cruises in and around the St. Petersburg area.
Dolphin Racer
This tour is aptly named. The Dolphin Racer is one of the most popular dolphin watching cruises in the St. Petersburg area, which experienced guides and lots of sightings. If you love dolphins, this is the tour for you.
Dolphin Racer welcomes guests of all ages, so feel free to bring the kids. Bring your camera as well, since dolphin sightings are quite frequent when out on the water. Feel free to bring a snack - and do not forget your sunscreen.
Island Boat Tours
Island Boat Tours is the home of the Calypso Cat, a well-equipped boat that has everything you need. The company offers dolphin watching tours for the whole family, with lots of sightings and fun.
In addition to its dolphin watching adventures, Island Boat Tours also offers snorkeling trips. If you have always wanted to get up close and personal with the fish, this is the tour for you.
Pier Dolphin Cruises
If you love dolphins, you will love Pier Dolphin Cruises. The company employs expert guides who know where to look, and their sharp eyes will help you find these playful but sometimes shy creatures.
Pier Dolphin Cruises has been named Tampa Bay's best sightseeing cruise so that you can book with confidence. Feel free to bring the kids, and pack a snack and plenty of sunscreen.
Cruising Florida Powerboat Academy
Cruising Florida Powerboat Academy offers many specialized tours, including destinations where dolphin sightings are common. If you want to see these playful creatures, the company's Boca Ciega Bay trip is a great place to start.
Boca Ciega Bay is a favorite spot for dolphins to frolic and play, and you just might see a few as you sail along. This is only one of the many trips the company offers, so feel free to choose your adventure.
Sightseeing
If you have never been to St. Petersburg before, you will want to take some time to get the lay of the land. Ironically, one of the best ways to do that is from the water.
St. Petersburg offers some wonderful sightseeing tours. Whether you are a first time visitor or a local hosting out of town guests, these sightseeing tours will give you exactly what you need.
Speed Boat Adventures
If you have a need for speed, this is your sightseeing tour. You will need to be quick to see the sights since they will be whizzing by very fast. Of course, that is the point of Speed Boat Adventures - and the thrill is part of the package.
Speed Boat Adventures takes you on a thrilling ride around the waters surrounding St. Petersburg, and it is fun for the whole family. Bring your thrill-seeking adventure and your need for speed - and get ready to have a great time.
Tampa Bay Yacht Charter
If you have always wanted to spend time on a yacht, now is your chance. Tampa Bay Yacht Charter welcomes visitors from around the world and offers one of the best sightseeing tours around.
Tampa Bay Yacht Charter offers a variety of tours, including specialized excursions for groups and families. Whether you want to enjoy the skyline from the water or head out for a dining adventure, you can do it with Tampa Bay Yacht Charter. The company provides everything you need for an exciting waterborne adventure.
Playin' Hooky Charters
Playin' Hooky Charters is perhaps the most family-friendly tour on our list. Everyone is welcome at Playin' Hooky, from the youngest kids to the oldest members of your multigenerational family. From the kids to the grandparents, everyone is welcome onboard.
You will want to pack your sunscreen before you come aboard. Be sure to bring your camera as well - you might spot a dolphin or two, and you will want to take lots of shots of the beautiful shoreline.
Cruising Florida Powerboat Academy
Cruising Florida Powerboat Academy offers something for everyone, including boat rentals so you can create your own adventure. The company caters to people of all ages, so feel free to bring everyone aboard.
You will want to pack your sunscreen and your camera, but Cruising Florida Powerboat Academy will provide everything else you need. Feel free to bring a snack and a bottle of water and get ready to have a great time on the water.
Simple Sailing
Simple Sailing is another solid choice for boat rentals and custom tours. The company is willing to work with you to create the perfect adventure, so just let them know what you need.
Simple Sailing also offers special event packages, including birthday party sailings, business events, and even wedding receptions. If you have something special in mind, just let them know.
Sea by Sailing
At Sea by Sailing, you can create your own adventure. The company offers yacht sailings to many area destinations, both nearby and far away. Whether you want to enjoy the skyline from close to shore or head out for a more extensive adventure, you can do it with Sea by Sailing.
The highlight of the company is its collection of fantastic yachts. If you want to sail like the rich and famous, Sea by Sailing can make it happen. The company offers everything you need, but be sure to bring your sunscreen.
Florida Yacht Center
Florida Yacht Center offers yacht sailings and rentals throughout the state of Florida. In addition to St. Petersburg, the company has yachts available in Miami, Palmetto, Clearwater and more. No matter where you want to sail from, or where you want to go, Florida Yacht Center can probably accommodate you.
Florida Yacht Center provides everything you need to have a great time, but you might want to bring some warm clothing for those breezy summer nights. Be sure to bring your sunscreen as well, and a camera to capture the memories.
Private Luxury Yacht Charter
Sometimes you want a general sightseeing cruise, and sometimes you want pure luxury. When you crave pampering and indulgence, just book a cruise in the Private Luxury Yacht Charter.
This adventure is offered by Cruising Florida Powerboat Academy, one of the unique operators in the area. In addition to their luxury sailings, the company provides lessons and expert guidance, so you can learn to sail and maybe even buy your own boat. In the meantime, the private luxury yacht charters offered by Cruising Florida Powerboat Academy is a helpful introduction to the world of high-end sailing.
Dining Cruises
The city of St. Petersburg offers fine dining and beautiful waters, so why not combine the two? A dining cruise is a perfect way to see the sights and enjoy some great food at the same time. Here are some of the best dining cruises in and around St. Petersburg.
Each of the dining cruises on our list provides top quality food served right on the water. If you have any dietary restrictions or individual preferences, check with the cruise operator to see if they can accommodate you. Most cruise operators around St. Petersburg will be happy to work with you and your dining preferences.
Starlight Sapphire Dining Yacht
The Starlight Sapphire Dining is one of the most popular dining cruises in St. Petersburg, and for a good reason. Starlight Sapphire offers fully catered meals, augmented by unparalleled views of the St. Petersburg skyline.
The company offers specialized cruises, including birthdays, weddings, business events and more. If you have special dietary restrictions like vegan, vegetarian or gluten-free, just let the company know when you book your cruise. They will do their best to accommodate your wishes and create the perfect seaside meal.
Cruising Florida Powerboat Academy
While not technically a dining cruise, Cruising Florida Powerboat Academy does offer an excellent restaurant where you can grab a delicious bite to eat. The Getaway Restaurant is always a favorite spot for sailing enthusiasts, and a great place to start your own waterborne adventure.
Sunset Cruises
Sunset is the perfect time to see St. Petersburg. As the sun goes down, the lights of the city come on, and you can see it all from the deck of a specially appointed cruise ship. Here are some of our favorite sunset cruises in and around St. Petersburg.
Sailing Florida Charters
Sailing Florida Charters has been in business for more than 20 years, making it one of the oldest and most respected companies in the area. The company offers a wide variety of charters, including fishing adventures, sightseeing tours, and their well-loved sunset cruises.
There is no better time to see St. Petersburg than at dusk. The sun going down provides a beautiful cap to your day, and Sailing Florida Charters is always ready to help. You can book passage on a regular cruise or get a custom quote and book your own adventure.
Island Ferry of St. Pete
It is hard to categorize the Island Ferry of St. Pete, since the company offers some different adventures. Island Ferry of St. Pete does indeed offer sunset cruises, with spectacular views of the nighttime skyline, but that is just the beginning.
Island Ferry of St. Pete also offers dining cruises, with delicious food and accommodations for special dietary restrictions. The company also provides wildlife adventures and snorkeling for the nature lover. No matter what you want to do, Island Ferry of St. Pete is genuinely one of the best.
St. Pete Private Sunset Cruise
If you are looking for something a little more luxurious, this is the cruise for you. The exclusive St. Pete Private Sunset Cruise is offered by Sailing Florida Charters, one of the oldest and most well-respected charter companies in the St. Petersburg area.
The owners of Sailing Florida Charters provide everything you need, starting with the spectacular views of St. Petersburg at sunset. Be sure to bring your camera to capture all those beautiful memories.
Each of the boat tours on our list offers something special, from the chance to see St. Petersburg at sunset to the opportunity to spot wild dolphins at play. The great thing about St. Petersburg is its variety - there is indeed something here for everyone.
If you are looking for a kid-friendly getaway, then a general sightseeing cruise is probably your best bet. Each of the sightseeing companies on our list is kid-friendly, and they welcome guests of all ages.
If you are looking for something a bit more romantic, St. Petersburg by sunset is always an excellent choice. From luxury adventure to more affordable options, each of the sunset cruises on our list is truly something special.
Keep in mind that tipping is voluntary on all of the cruises and adventures on our list. Tipping the captain and crew is a great way to show your appreciation for their knowledge and hard work. The crews of these amazing ships work hard to keep their guests happy and safe, so bring a few extra dollars to thank them as you disembark.