Cruising options in Clearwater deliver memorable experiences without breaking the bank. This Gulf Coast hub offers carefully curated boat excursions ranging from 2-hour sunset voyages with champagne to intimate tiki-boat adventures.
I especially love the dolphin-watching tours – they’re the real deal, run by knowledgeable captains who know exactly where to spot wild pods. For romantic types, the sunset cruises stand out, offering spectacular views and good value for money. The private sailing charters are another smart pick, perfect for small groups wanting to avoid tourist crowds.
Let’s look at the best boat tours Clearwater has to offer.
Key Points
Key Points:
- Sunset cruises in Clearwater, Florida offer 2-hour tours with champagne toasts, beer, wine, and seltzers, catering to up to 40 passengers with stunning sunset views.
- Dolphin tours in Clearwater provide engaging experiences for families, with common sightings of dolphin pods and activities like shelling and swimming.
- Unique boating experiences in Clearwater include tiki float cruises, schooner sails, and private island tours with water slides, accommodating smaller groups and offering personalized services.
- Romantic and gourmet cruises in Clearwater depart from the Clearwater Beach Marina, offering scenic views, food and beverage options, and accessibility for up to 260 guests.
- Clearwater offers group and full-day boating tours, such as paddle pub and dolphin cruises for up to 20 people, and private tours with transportation, coolers, and customizable itineraries.
2 Hour Sunset Cruise in Clearwater, Florida
The two-hour sunset cruise in Clearwater, Florida, provides guests with a captivating experience on the Gulf of Mexico.
Rated 4.8 out of 493 reviews, this cruise is recommended by 95% of travelers. Guests can enjoy commentary on the surroundings and wildlife, including the chance to spot bottlenose dolphins.
A champagne toast at sunset is offered for those 21 and older, and beer, wine, and seltzers are available for purchase.
The cruise has a maximum capacity of 40 travelers and a moderate physical fitness level is required to board.
With free cancellation and unlimited rescheduling up to 24 hours before departure, this sunset cruise is a popular attraction for visitors to Clearwater.
Read our full review: 2 Hour Sunset Cruise in Clearwater, Florida Review
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Dolphin Boat Tour in Clearwater Beach With Free Ice Cream
Typically, the Dolphin Tour Adventure Clearwater Beach offers visitors an engaging and family-friendly experience along the Gulf Coast. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars with 94% of travelers recommending it, the tour departs from the Clearwater Municipal Marina and features dolphin watching, a history of celebrity homes, and an ice cream treat.
While sightings can vary, guests often report seeing pods of dolphins and enjoying the knowledgeable guides. However, some have experienced issues like canceled bookings, poor sound quality, and melted ice cream.
The management encourages guests to reach out for refunds or rescheduling if problems arise, making it a tour worth considering for those seeking a memorable day on the water.
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Mega Bite Dolphin Tour Boat in Clearwater Beach
What sets the Mega Bite Dolphin Tour Boat apart in Clearwater Beach? With 398 reviews and a 91% recommendation rate, this 1-hour tour is a popular option for those seeking a close-up dolphin encounter.
Departing from Slip #7, the boat accommodates up to 49 passengers and offers a family-friendly experience. While some have reported limited sightings or rushed boarding, the majority praise the crew’s friendliness and knowledge.
The tour provides an opportunity to spot dolphins in their natural habitat, take in the scenic views, and capture memorable photos. Arrive early, bring cash, and prepare for potential delays.
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Clearwater Beach Small-Group Tiki Float Cruise
For a unique and memorable experience on the waters of Clearwater Beach, the Clearwater Beach Small-Group Tiki Float Cruise offers an authentic floating tiki bar adventure.
Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars by 253 travelers, this cruise includes a cooler with ice, Bluetooth radio, and the ability to bring your own alcoholic beverages.
With a maximum of 6 travelers per tour, you’ll enjoy sightings of dolphins and manatees, as well as the opportunity to stop at sandbars for swimming and shell collecting.
Though non-refundable, the cruise is priced at $59.95 per person and comes highly recommended by 96% of previous travelers.
Read our full review: Clearwater Beach Small-Group Tiki Float Cruise Review
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Schooner Clearwater- Afternoon Sailing Cruise-Clearwater Beach
Though the Clearwater coastline offers a variety of boat tours, the Schooner Clearwater’s afternoon sailing cruise provides a truly unique and memorable experience.
This highly-rated 4.9/5 tour takes passengers on a scenic cruise along the coast, offering chances to spot dolphins and manatees. Guests can bring their own alcohol and enjoy complimentary chilled sparkling water.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair-accessible and has some restrictions, the USCG-licensed crew ensures a safe and enjoyable journey.
With overwhelmingly positive reviews, the Schooner Clearwater cruise is an excellent choice for families and first-time sailors looking to explore Clearwater’s natural beauty from the water.
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Sunset Cruise From Clearwater
Embarking on a Sunset Celebration Cruise with Tropics Boat Tours provides a relaxing and breathtaking way to experience Clearwater’s natural beauty.
This 2-hour cruise departs from Clearwater Bay and ventures into the Gulf of Mexico, offering stunning sunset views that often resemble a painting.
With a maximum capacity of 120 travelers, the cruise features live commentary from the captain on local history and interesting facts.
Guests can also spot dolphins and other marine life, and may even witness the rare green flash phenomenon at sunset.
The experience includes a champagne toast, while light snacks and drink packages are available for purchase.
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Calypso Queen Tropical Party Buffet Cruise
The Calypso Queen Tropical Party Buffet Cruise provides a lively and immersive experience for visitors seeking a taste of the tropics in Clearwater.
Departing from Clearwater Beach Marina, this 2-hour cruise offers a tropical-themed luncheon or dinner buffet, complete with house wine, rum punch, and Pepsi products.
The daytime cruise features live narration and a history of Clearwater, while the evening cruise offers island cuisine and a live DJ for dancing.
With a 4.3-star rating from over 1,700 reviews and a Badge of Excellence, the Calypso Queen is a popular choice for those looking to enjoy the scenic waterways of Clearwater.
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Clearwater Bay, Gulf Coast Dolphin Watching Cruise
Travelers seeking to witness the majestic beauty of Clearwater’s marine life can embark on the Clearwater Bay, Gulf Coast Dolphin Watching Cruise.
This 829-review tour offers a guaranteed dolphin sighting, with the chance to see the creatures in their natural habitat. Aboard a double-decker catamaran, guests can enjoy a scenic cruise from Clearwater Bay to the Gulf of Mexico, complete with live commentary and views of celebrity mansions.
The tour boasts a Badge of Excellence and multiple departure times, making it a convenient and reliable option. With a maximum of 120 travelers, the cruise provides a relaxing atmosphere, suitable for families and groups alike.
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Clearwater Daytime Yacht Music Cruise With Optional Dining
Visitors to Clearwater can unwind aboard the StarLite Majesty, a 115-foot dining yacht, for the Clearwater Daytime Yacht Music Cruise with Optional Dining.
The 2-hour cruise along Clearwater Bay features live music entertainment and an optional 3-course lunch. Passengers can enjoy the open-air observation deck or the air-conditioned dining cabin, with choices like seafood, vegetarian, chicken, and beef entrees.
The cruise accommodates up to 260 guests and has wheelchair accessibility. Reviews praise the friendly staff, beautiful views, and enjoyable music, though some suggest better photo retrieval post-cruise.
The cruise departs at 12:30 PM, with free cancellation and rescheduling available up to 24 hours in advance.
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Shark Teeth and Shells, Dolphin and Shelling Tour Boat Clearwater Beach
Departing from the Mega Bite Tour Boat on Clearwater Beach, the Shark Teeth and Shells, Dolphin and Shelling Tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the Gulf waters.
During the family-friendly excursion, passengers can spot dolphins, manta rays, tarpon, and manatees. The tour also includes a shelling experience, allowing participants to collect seashells and shark teeth as souvenirs.
With a 4.7-star rating and 93% of travelers recommending the tour, it’s clear that most guests enjoy the engaging crew, great dolphin sightings, and fun shelling activities.
While a few reviewers noted some dissatisfaction with the ride conditions, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive for this Clearwater Beach boat tour.
Read our full review: Shark Teeth and Shells, Dolphin and Shelling Tour Boat Clearwater Beach Review
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Clearwater Evening Yacht Cruise With Optional Dining
Offering a scenic journey along Tampa Bay, the Clearwater Evening Yacht Cruise provides a relaxing and enjoyable experience for couples and groups seeking a memorable night out.
The 3-hour cruise features live music, a climate-controlled dining cabin, and open-air observation decks, creating a perfect setting for a romantic outing or a fun gathering.
Onboard, guests can indulge in a gourmet meal with options like StarLite chicken spinaci and seafood dishes, accompanied by appetizers, salads, and desserts. Beverages, including wine and cocktails, are also available for purchase.
The cruise departs from Clearwater Beach Marina, with parking available on a first-come, first-served basis. Accessible to wheelchair users and stroller-friendly, the yacht can accommodate up to 260 travelers.
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Paddle Pub & Dolphin Cruise “Best Party on the Water”
For those seeking a lively and memorable outing on the waters of Clearwater, the Paddle Pub & Dolphin Cruise offers an unparalleled experience.
Priced from $59.99 per person, this small-group tour accommodates up to 20 travelers, providing ample space for a fun atmosphere.
Amenities include a restroom on board, a cooler with ice, and the option to bring your own alcoholic beverages.
The friendly staff, including the captain and first mate, will guide you in spotting dolphins and showcasing the area’s stunning scenery.
With a 5.0-star rating and a Badge of Excellence, this tour is highly recommended by past participants for its fantastic views, great music, and overall enjoyable experience.
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Private Island Tour on a Pontoon Boat With a SLIDE for Parties Events Fun More
A private water slide boat with a captain awaits adventurous travelers in Clearwater, Florida.
Ideal for island hopping, bachelor/bachelorette parties, and fun outings, this boat offers an exciting experience. Guests can enjoy the upper deck with a water slide once anchored, and the boat comes equipped with a Yeti cooler, bottled water, and a Bluetooth stereo.
The boat is also stroller accessible and welcomes service animals. With 5-star reviews and a 20-30% gratuity standard, this private tour is a must-try for those seeking a thrilling and memorable time on the water.
Read our full review: Private Island Tour on a Pontoon Boat With a SLIDE for Parties Events Fun More Review
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Tiki Boat Ride Experience in Clearwater Beach
Nestled along the picturesque shores of Clearwater Beach, the Tiki Boat Ride provides an unparalleled way to experience the local waterways.
With a maximum of 6 travelers per tour, this private excursion offers an intimate and personalized experience. The tour is operated by Wet Rentals & Tours, whose 5-star reviews speak to the professionalism and expertise of their captains.
Travelers will enjoy complimentary alcoholic beverages as they cruise along the water, taking in the stunning views. While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is suitable for most participants.
Whether seeking a relaxing afternoon or a fun group outing, the Tiki Boat Ride is an excellent choice for those visiting Clearwater Beach.
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Private Paddle Pub Party and Dolphin Cruise in E Shore Dr.
Along the tranquil shores of Clearwater Beach, Paddle Pub Clearwater Beach offers a private party boat experience that combines island hopping, dolphin watching, and swimming.
Starting at $940.53 for up to 15 people, the 3-hour tour departs from 455 E Shore Dr. Guests will meet the captain and crew at the gate behind the Marriott.
The boat, captain, and crew are included, but the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible. Reviewers praise the friendliness of the staff and the beautiful sunset cruise.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours before and a lowest price guarantee, this private tour is an excellent way to explore the waters around Clearwater Beach.
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Private 2 Hours Sunset Cruise Tour in USA
Although the private 2-hour sunset cruise in Clearwater, USA, provides an intimate and exclusive experience, it’s competitively priced at $400 per group of up to 6 people.
The cruise includes private transportation, alcoholic beverages for those 21+, and the option to BYOB with ice provided. Pickup can be arranged from several convenient locations in the area.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, most travelers can participate, and infants are welcome to sit on laps.
With a 5-star rating from all customer reviews, this sunset cruise is an excellent choice for those seeking a relaxing and scenic experience on the water.
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Party Pontoon Boat and Watersports Tour in Clearwater Beach
For those seeking a lively and adventurous experience on the water in Clearwater Beach, the Party Pontoon Boat and Watersports Tour offers an exciting alternative to the more serene sunset cruise.
Accommodating up to 12 travelers, this tour provides access to wakesurf boards, wakeboards, water tubes, and other water sports equipment. With a cooler, ice, and fuel included, as well as a captain and crew to handle the operations, this tour ensures a hassle-free and thrilling outing.
Conveniently located near public transportation, the tour starts and ends at the 198 Seminole St docks, making it easily accessible. Priced from £1,204.23 per group, this tour offers a low-price guarantee and flexible payment options.
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Full Day Florida Clearwater Beach Private and Guided Cruise Tour
The Full Day Florida Clearwater Beach Private and Guided Cruise Tour offers an immersive and personalized experience for visitors seeking to explore the picturesque waters of Clearwater.
Priced from $1,000 per group (up to 6 people), the tour includes private transportation, a large cooler with ice, alcoholic beverages (BYOB), snacks, and bottled water. Guests can bring their own food or stop at a waterfront restaurant for lunch and dinner.
The tour starts at 10:00 am and ends back at the meeting point. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the experience, and a reserve now, pay later option is available.
This private tour ensures only your group participates, making it a likely sell-out.
Read our full review: Full Day Florida Clearwater Beach Private and Guided Cruise Tour Review
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Go Tiki Tours Clearwater”#1 Floating Tiki Boat” Bathroom on Board
Go Tiki Tours Clearwater offers a unique floating tiki boat experience with a bathroom on board. The activity price starts from $59.90 per person, and it’s a private tour, meaning only your group participates.
The tour includes bottled water, snacks, bathroom facilities, coolers with ice, and cups. The meeting point is at the Go Tiki Tours Clearwater – #1 Floating Tiki Boat location, behind the Courtyard Marriott at the marina.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller accessible and allows service animals.
With a 5.0/5 rating from 3 reviews, it’s praised for its fun and entertaining experience, including swimming at the sandbar.
Read our full review: Go Tiki Tours Clearwater”#1 Floating Tiki Boat” Bathroom on Board Review
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Private 4Hour Boat Experience of Clearwater Beach Aboard Double D
Wet Rentals & Tours offers a private 4-hour boat experience aboard the Double D, allowing visitors to explore the waters around Clearwater Beach.
The experience departs from the Holiday Inn in Indian Rocks Beach, with guests arriving 30 minutes prior to the scheduled start time.
The boat trip and captain are included, though gratuities are not.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but most travelers can participate.
With just one 5-star review, this private tour provides an intimate way to see Clearwater’s sights from the water.
Read our full review: Private 4Hour Boat Experience of Clearwater Beach Aboard Double D Review
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Common Questions
Are Life Jackets Provided on the Boat Tours?
Life jackets are typically provided on boat tours for safety. Guests should ask the tour operator about their policies regarding life jackets and wear them as recommended for a safe and enjoyable experience.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Beverages?
Most boat tour companies allow passengers to bring their own food and beverages on board. However, it’s important to check with the specific tour operator beforehand to ensure their policies and any restrictions.
Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for the Tours?
Most boat tours and cruises have a minimum age requirement, often around 5 or 6 years old. It’s best to check with the specific tour operator beforehand to confirm the age limit for their excursions.
Are the Boats Wheelchair Accessible?
The boats are generally wheelchair accessible, with ramps and ample space to accommodate passengers using mobility aids. Travelers should check with the tour operator beforehand to ensure their specific needs can be accommodated.
Can I Book a Private Tour for a Special Occasion?
Yes, many boat tour operators offer private tours for special occasions. Customers can often customize the experience, such as selecting a preferred departure time or requesting additional amenities. Booking a private tour allows for a more personalized and memorable outing.
The Sum Up
Clearwater, Florida offers a variety of boat tours and cruises to suit every preference. From sunset cruises and dolphin watches to private charters and tiki float trips, there’s something for all. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing afternoon sail or a lively party on the water, Clearwater has the perfect boat tour to make your day on the Gulf of Mexico unforgettable.