St. Petersburg: Private 2-Hour Afternoon Sail — A Relaxing Escape on Tampa Bay
Imagine gliding smoothly across Tampa Bay on a sleek luxury Bali 4.2 catamaran, with gentle breezes and stunning waterfront views. This 2-hour private sail offers a perfect way to unwind, whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, seeking a peaceful break, or simply wanting to enjoy Florida’s coastal beauty.
The experience begins at the public dock in front of Doc Fords on the St. Pete Pier, where your friendly captain will greet you and help you settle aboard. The private nature of the tour means you’ll share this serene journey with your own group—be it friends, family, or a romantic duo—making it a more intimate and personalized outing. We particularly appreciate the flexible departure times, which allow you to tailor the experience around your day’s plans.
Two standout features make this sail truly enjoyable: first, the spacious, shaded deck on the Bali 4.2 catamaran offers comfort and stability, even if you’re prone to seasickness. Second, the scenic vistas—from views of the St. Petersburg skyline to open water—are breathtaking and perfect for photos or just soaking in the moment.
One thing worth considering is that, at just two hours, this cruise offers a snapshot rather than a full-day adventure, so if you’re craving more time on the water, you might want to book multiple sessions or look for longer options.
This experience suits travelers wanting a relaxed, scenic outing with a touch of luxury. If you enjoy being on the water, love fantastic views, or are celebrating something special in St. Petersburg, this sail is a wonderful choice.
- Key Points
- A Detailed Look at the Experience
- Starting Point and Boarding
- The Boat: Bali 4.2 Catamaran
- The Cruise: Scenic Tampa Bay
- Drinks, Snacks & Atmosphere
- Ending the Cruise
- Price & Value
- Authenticity and Reviews
- Who Should Consider This Tour?
- The Sum Up
- FAQs
- More Private Tours in Tampa
- More Boat Tours & Cruises in Tampa
- More Tour Reviews in Tampa
- More Tampa experiences we've covered
Key Points

- Private & customizable with flexible departure times
- Luxury Bali 4.2 catamaran offers comfort, stability, shaded seating
- Scenic views of Tampa Bay, waterfront, and city skyline
- Drinks and snacks included for a leisurely experience
- Easy meeting point right in front of Doc Fords on the St. Pete Pier
- Perfect for small groups seeking a peaceful, scenic escape
A Detailed Look at the Experience

When we consider a boat tour, the critical factors are comfort, scenery, and the quality of the crew. This private sail checks all those boxes, with the added bonus of flexibility and an intimate setting. It’s ideal for those who want to avoid crowded boat trips and prefer a tailored experience.
Prefer personalized experiences? Here are other private options we've covered in Tampa
Starting Point and Boarding
The tour kicks off at 610 2nd Ave NE, directly at the public dock beside Doc Fords Rum Bar & Grille. The location is straightforward to find, with coordinates 27.7729, -82.6262. As you arrive, your captain will greet you and guide you through boarding. Because this is a private group experience, there’s no rush or hustle—just a personal welcome and a chance to settle in comfortably.
The Boat: Bali 4.2 Catamaran
The boat itself is a highlight. The Bali 4.2 is renowned for its smooth ride and spacious layout, making it ideal for relaxing. It features shaded seating that keeps you cool on sunny days, and its stability ensures a comfortable journey, even if the water gets a little choppy. The spacious lounge areas are perfect for stretching out, listening to music, or simply watching the scenery pass by.
The Cruise: Scenic Tampa Bay
Once underway, the captain will navigate through the calmer waters of Tampa Bay. The cruise lasts about 80 minutes, during which you can enjoy panoramic views of the St. Petersburg waterfront, the downtown skyline, and open water vistas. As one reviewer noted, “We loved the way the boat glided smoothly and the views of the city and water were incredible.”
The captain will point out notable sights, but mostly, you’ll want to take in the vastness of the bay, the calm waters, and the changing scenery. The open water section feels like a peaceful retreat, perfect for unwinding or capturing photos of the stunning surroundings.
More Great Tours NearbyDrinks, Snacks & Atmosphere
Included in the package are complimentary drinks and snacks. Whether you prefer a cold soda, a glass of wine, or a beer, you’ll appreciate the relaxed vibe. The crew creates a friendly environment—music often plays softly in the background, and you’re encouraged to sit back, chat, and take in the views.
Enjoy being on the water? Here are other boat experiences we've looked into in Tampa
- Tampa Bay: 3 Hour – Tampa Bar Hop Tiki Cruise
- Tampa Bay: Luxury Yacht Charter Experience
- Tampa: Pirate Adventure Cruise with Open Bar
- Tampa: Hillsborough River Tiki Bar Boat Up to 13 people
- Madeira Beach: Egmont Key Snorkeling and Dolphin Cruise
- Tampa: Hillsborough River Evening Boat Tour Up to 13 people
Ending the Cruise
After the cruise, the boat returns to the same dock where it started, wrapping up a two-hour escape into nature and luxury. The quick turnaround makes it easy to combine with other activities around St. Petersburg, such as a visit to the museums, galleries, or dining along the waterfront.
Price & Value

While the tour’s cost is not explicitly listed here, the inclusion of a luxury vessel, private group, drinks and snacks, and flexible scheduling suggests it offers solid value for travelers looking for a memorable, upscale experience. It’s not a budget outing, but the personalized setting and scenic quality make it worth considering, especially if you’re celebrating or want a special day on the water.
Authenticity and Reviews
Guests rave about the stunning views and the peaceful environment. One review states, “The scenery was breathtaking, and the boat was so comfortable—I could have stayed on deck all day.” Others mention that the calm waters and shaded seating make it suitable for all ages, including those prone to seasickness.
Who Should Consider This Tour?

This private 2-hour sail is best suited for small groups seeking a quiet, luxurious escape with lots of natural beauty. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, enjoying a romantic outing, or just want to see Tampa Bay from a different perspective, you’ll find this experience charming and relaxing. It’s ideal for travelers who appreciate comfort, scenic views, and personalized service without the hustle and bustle of larger boat tours.
The Sum Up

If you’re after a peaceful, scenic experience on Tampa Bay, this private sail offers a wonderful blend of comfort, flexibility, and stunning vistas. The luxury Bali catamaran ensures a smooth ride with shaded seating, while the scenic views of the waterfront and skyline promise plenty of photo opportunities. The inclusion of drinks and snacks adds to the laid-back vibe, making it a perfect way to unwind after or before exploring St. Petersburg.
This tour suits those who value personalized experiences and want to escape the crowds, enjoying a luxurious yet relaxed outing on the water. It’s particularly good for small groups, couples, or families looking to add a special touch to their Florida trip.
For anyone craving a beautiful, calm cruise with the option to customize the timing, this sail on Tampa Bay should be high on your list. It’s a straightforward, enjoyable way to see the coast, and the stunning waterfront views are sure to leave a lasting impression.
FAQs

How long is the tour?
The cruise lasts for 2 hours, including boarding and disembarking.
Where does the tour start?
It begins at 610 2nd Ave NE, directly in front of Doc Fords Rum Bar & Grille on the St. Pete Pier.
Can I choose my departure time?
Yes, the tour offers flexible daytime departure times to fit your schedule.
Is this a group tour?
No, it’s a private experience, so you’ll only share the boat with your own group.
Are drinks and snacks included?
Yes, drinks and snacks are part of the package, providing a casual, relaxing atmosphere.
Is the boat suitable for all ages?
Yes, the spacious, shaded deck and smooth ride make it comfortable for guests of all ages.
What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Is this experience good for celebrations?
Absolutely, the intimate setting and scenic views make it ideal for special occasions.
Can I book this in advance?
Yes, reservations are recommended, and you can reserve now and pay later for added flexibility.
More Private Tours in Tampa
More Boat Tours & Cruises in Tampa
- Tampa Bay: Downtown Tampa Tiki Cruise
- Crystal River: Wildlife Boat Tour with Naturalist Guide
- Pirate Adventure Cruise on Tampa Bay with Open Bar
- Tampa Luxury Private Charter Rental: 38′ Boat Rental with Captain
- Tiki Boat – Downtown Tampa – The Only Authentic Floating Tiki Bar
- Tampa hotels to Tampa Bay Cruise Port – Departure Private Transfer
More Tour Reviews in Tampa
More Tampa experiences we've covered
- Tampa airport to Sarasota, FL
- Tampa Romantic Helicopter Tour
- Private Professional Vacation Photoshoot in Tampa
- Tampa City Trolley Tour – THE ULTIMATE ALL-IN-ONE TOUR
- Tampa Bay Lightning Ice Hockey Game at Amalie Arena
- Tampa Bay: Downtown Tampa Tiki Cruise
- Tampa: Sightseeing City Bus Tour with Ybor City
- Tampa: Tampa Bay Lightning Ice Hockey Game Ticket
- Tampa Bay: Serengeti Safari Tour
- Tampa Museum of Art General Admission Ticket
- Tampa: ZooTampa at Lowry Park Ticket with Holiday Option
- Tampa: Pirate Water Taxi Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
