St. Petersburg: Full-Day Private Catamaran Charter

Imagine drifting across the calm waters of Tampa Bay, the sun warming your shoulders, with the gentle hum of a luxury catamaran beneath your feet. This 7-hour private cruise offers a chance to explore some of Florida’s most scenic spots—from Egmont Key to Fort De Soto—all while enjoying the comforts of a well-equipped boat and personalized service. Led by Captain Brian and crew, this experience is tailored for groups of up to 12, making it perfect for families, friends, or intimate celebrations.

What we particularly love about this cruise is the thoughtful inclusion of snorkel gear, paddleboards, and floating mats—all ready for your spontaneous underwater adventures or lazy floating sessions. Plus, the charcuterie board and music make relaxing on deck feel effortless. The option to add photography or celebration packages sweetens the deal for those wanting a more customized experience. Our one consideration? Since it’s a full-day outing, you’ll want to prepare for a fair bit of sun exposure and bring your own essentials like sunscreen and hats.

This cruise suits travelers who crave a luxurious yet laid-back day on the water, with diverse activities that cater to both adventure seekers and those looking to unwind. If you’re comfortable with a flexible schedule and enjoy the idea of having a private boat all to yourselves, this trip is likely to be a highlight of your Florida trip.

Key Points

• Private Group Experience – Perfect for families, couples, or small groups seeking exclusivity.
• All-Inclusive Comfort – Snorkel gear, paddleboards, towels, and music included for a hassle-free day.
• Multi-Destination Itinerary – Visits to Egmont Key, Fort De Soto, Pass-A-Grille, with scenic viewpoints.
• Activities for All – Snorkeling, paddleboarding, dolphin watching, plus relaxing on deck.
• Flexible Add-ons – Photography, celebration setups for special occasions.
• Value for Cost – An all-day private cruise offering a well-rounded mix of adventure and leisure.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Tampa Bay on a Private Catamaran

This full-day private catamaran cruise is a thoughtfully curated experience that allows you to enjoy Tampa Bay’s highlights at your own pace. From the moment you meet at the dock (located conveniently in front of Doc Fords Rum Bar & Grille), you’re in for a smooth, personalized adventure. Captain Brian and his crew are known for their friendly approach, eager to share their knowledge of the area and ensure your comfort.

The boat itself, a luxury Bali 4.2 catamaran, offers stability and spaciousness, making it ideal for groups up to 12. Its design emphasizes comfort and performance—so whether you’re lounging on deck, snorkeling in clear waters, or paddling around, you’ll find it easy to relax and enjoy.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The cruise is divided into several scenic segments, giving you a well-rounded look at the Tampa Bay area. First, you’ll spend about 2 hours sailing through Tampa Bay, soaking in panoramic views of the city skyline and the Skyway Bridge—an impressive feat of engineering that makes for a stunning photo backdrop. During this time, you can chat with your crew or simply enjoy the breeze.

Next, you’ll cruise into Tampa itself for about 2.5 hours of sightseeing, dolphin watching, and exploring the waterfront. This part of the trip offers close-up views of the cityscape and a chance to see dolphins in their natural habitat—a favorite for many travelers, according to reviews. One guest remarked, “We loved the way the captain pointed out local landmarks and kept us entertained with stories about the area.” The relaxed pace here is perfect for snapping photos or just soaking in the scenery.

After this, the boat heads back into Tampa Bay for another 2 hours of sailing, giving everyone plenty of time to unwind, enjoy some refreshments, or take advantage of the included paddleboards and floating mats. The itinerary is flexible, allowing your group to customize the experience based on your interests—whether that’s more snorkeling, lounging, or exploring nearby islands like Egmont Key.

Finally, your return route brings you back to the dock, where the experience wraps up. The overall flow balances adventure and relaxation, with enough variety to satisfy diverse preferences.

Destinations and Highlights

Egmont Key is often considered the star attraction of this cruise. It’s a protected island with a historic lighthouse, pristine beaches, and clear waters—ideal for snorkeling and exploration. Visitors often mention feeling like they’ve stepped into a secluded paradise, away from the busier mainland.

Fort De Soto, another stop, offers a mix of historic sites, wide sandy beaches, and calm waters. It’s well known for its family-friendly atmosphere and excellent facilities, including picnic areas and calm bays perfect for paddleboarding.

Pass-A-Grille is a charming beach town with a laid-back vibe, boutique shops, and waterfront cafes. It’s a perfect place to stretch your legs, grab a drink, or just watch the sunset.

The Skyway Bridge viewpoint provides a striking visual experience, especially during sunset or golden hour, adding a picturesque ending to your day.

What It’s Like Onboard

Guests consistently praise the well-maintained boat, with many noting how spacious and comfortable it is for a boat of its size. The music system adds to the relaxed vibe, while the included towels and sunscreen remove some of the packing stress. Snorkel gear is available for those eager to explore underwater, with clear waters making for good visibility—“we saw plenty of fish, which was a pleasant surprise,” one reviewer shared.

The crew’s attentiveness was another frequent compliment. They’re praised for being friendly, informative, and fun, striking a good balance between guiding the group and giving everyone space to enjoy their time.

More Great Tours Nearby

Food and Extras

The charcuterie board is a thoughtful touch, offering a variety of cheeses, meats, and crackers—perfect for grazing as you cruise. Beverages are available onboard, and you can bring your own drinks if you wish. For those wanting a special occasion, the photography or celebration packages are popular options, helping you preserve memories or create a festive atmosphere.

Practical Considerations

Since this is a full-day tour, it’s wise to bring sun protection, hats, and water. The boat provides towels and sunscreen, but packing extra isn’t a bad idea if you want to maximize comfort. The group size (up to 12) keeps the experience intimate and manageable, avoiding the crowds often associated with larger tours.

The cost reflects the private, all-inclusive nature of the experience, offering excellent value for a personalized day on the water. The flexibility to reserve now and pay later adds peace of mind, especially if you’re planning in advance.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This cruise is ideal for families, couples, or small groups looking for a luxurious yet relaxed outing. It’s perfect if you enjoy customized experiences and want to explore Tampa Bay’s highlights in comfort. It suits those who appreciate a mix of activity and leisure, with enough room for spontaneous adventures or quiet moments.

If you’re celebrating a special occasion—a birthday, anniversary, or just a memorable day out—adding a celebration package can elevate the experience further. However, if you’re seeking a quick, more budget-friendly tour, this private cruise might feel a bit pricier, but the personalized service makes the cost worthwhile.

This full-day private catamaran cruise offers an authentic, flexible way to experience Tampa Bay’s best sights while enjoying the comfort of a well-equipped boat and attentive crew. Its ability to combine sightseeing, active fun, and relaxation makes it a standout choice for those wanting to make the most of their Florida visit. The personalized nature of the tour, along with its inclusions, delivers excellent value for anyone seeking a luxurious day on the water with plenty of options to tailor the experience to your desires.

Whether you’re celebrating a special day, eager to see dolphins and islands, or simply want a peaceful retreat on the bay, this cruise provides a comfortable, memorable way to explore Florida’s Gulf Coast.

What is the duration of the cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 7 hours, giving you plenty of time to explore, relax, and enjoy all the activities onboard.

Where do we meet for the tour?
You’ll meet at the public day dock directly in front of Doc Fords Rum Bar & Grille, located beside the St. Pete Pier. The coordinates are 27.77289390563965, -82.626220703125 for easy finding.

Is this experience suitable for children?
Yes, the cruise’s relaxed and activity-rich environment is suitable for families with children, especially since paddleboards, snorkeling gear, and float mats are included.

Can I bring my own food or drinks?
While the tour provides a charcuterie board and beverages, you’re also welcome to bring your own drinks. A celebration package can be added for special occasions.

What should I bring on the day?
Bring sun protection (sunscreen, hats), a towel, and any personal items you might need. The boat supplies towels and sunscreen, but extra protection is always good.

Is this a group or private experience?
This is a private group experience, limited to your party of up to 12 people, making it ideal for personalized service and privacy.

Are there any additional costs?
All major activities and amenities are included. Additional costs may apply for optional add-ons like photography packages or celebration setups.

What activities are included?
Snorkeling, paddleboarding, dolphin watching, relaxing on deck, and exploring destinations like Egmont Key and Fort De Soto are part of the experience.

This detailed review aims to give you a clear picture of what to expect, helping you decide if this private catamaran cruise fits your Florida adventure plans. It’s a balance of comfort, adventure, and authentic exploration—one that can create cherished memories on Tampa Bay.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby