The 9 Boat Tours in Tampa That Earn Their Price

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. Enjoy a tropical buffet, rum punch, beer, wine, and Pepsi products while the captain shares local stories. Evening sailings add a live DJ and dancing, with frozen drinks and other bar purchases available.

“We had a great time. The food was good, and the staff was friendly. The view was beautiful and relaxing. I'll be back!”

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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 three hours cruising St. Pete’s waterfront, Shell Key Preserve, and Gulfport before walking Sand Dollar Island at sunset. Your crew may include Paul, Chase, Gavin, Noah, or Dillon, with shelling, dolphin-spotting areas, onboard drinks, and a colorful Skyway Bridge light show.

“Relaxing evening cruise. White sands, sea shell hunting, cruising and then awesome light displays. Our Captain made sure to turn the boat different ways so that everyone on the cruise could get good pictures.”

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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

Cruise Boca Ciega Bay with a captain such as Megan, Noel, or Dave, watching for dolphins, manatees, rays, and seabirds before stopping at Shell Key. Walk ashore to snorkel in shallow water, swim, and hunt for shells. The 25-foot pontoon carries no more than six people.

“Had a wonderful time! Our guide was great and informative and he really seems to enjoy what he does. We got to see dolphins and manatees.”

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4.Guaranteed Dolphin Sighting Tour on Tropics Boat Tours

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

Set out from Clearwater Beach with The Tropics Boat Tours for a 1-hour-45-minute cruise led by the captain and crew. Watch for wild bottlenose dolphins, hear local stories, spot waterfront mansions, and enjoy music, drinks, and snacks. Sightings come with a free return ride if needed.

“We had an excellent time on our dolphin tour!! We saw so many dolphins, groups, singles and even jumping dolphins!!! Also, we saw a fever of sting rays!!! Even the captain and employees were excited taking pics it was such a rare event to see the sting rays. Highly recommend!!!”

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5.Clearwater Beach: Dolphin & Island Sandbar Cruise

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

Cruise from Clearwater Beach with guides such as Matt, Eliza, Mark, and Zach, watch for dolphins, hear local stories, then swim at One-Tree Island. Bring your own drinks and snacks, use the onboard restroom, and enjoy free ice cream for children.

“Matt and Deana were awesome and the trip even though a tiny bit chilly this time of year was super fun. Loved seeing the dolphins!”

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6.Sunset Celebration Cruise on Tropics Boat Tours

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

Board Tropics Boat Tours at 25 Causeway Blvd for a roughly two-hour catamaran ride from Clearwater Bay into the Gulf of Mexico. Expect sunset commentary, music, a Champagne toast, a bar with drinks for purchase, and possible dolphin sightings. Crew members including Reagan, Zach, and Captain J are praised for keeping the trip lively.

“We had a great time. The crew was nice and friendly. Beautiful sunset from the water. Recommend for a big group”

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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 aboard a 46-foot Coast Guard-inspected boat with Captain Tracy, Captain TJ, or another local crew member. Cruise the Intracoastal Waterway and Gulf, watch for dolphins, enjoy commentary, and raise a complimentary champagne toast at sunset if you are 21 or older.

“Got to see lots of dolphins and the sunset was great. Drinks could have been cold, but can’t complain about it with the view.”

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8.Mega Bite Dolphin Tour Boat in Clearwater Beach

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

Ride the 50-foot shark-themed Mega Bite for about an hour from 25 Causeway Boulevard. Captain and crew create a wake that can draw dolphins close, while sharing Clearwater facts and pointing out homes, islands, and landmarks. Cushioned seats, shade, a restroom, cooler, and BYOB snacks make it easy for families.

“Very friendly staff. Helpful that the man at the ticket office called before arrival to make sure we got the needed code for parking. Only bad thing is we didn’t see any dolphins. Staff was courteous enough to give us free pictures for compensation because we didn’t see any dolphins. Adding to that $3 for a Michelob Ultra was a good price.”

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9.Clearwater Evening Yacht Cruise with Optional Dining

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

Board the 115-foot StarLite Majesty at Clearwater’s 25 Causeway Boulevard for a three-hour Tampa Bay cruise. Choose a reserved table or outdoor deck, buy a three-course meal and drinks onboard, then enjoy live music, dancing, and waterfront views.

“It was a great experience with great food great service, beautiful scenery. The atmosphere was great.”

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