Boat Tours in Clearwater, Florida

With a name like “Clearwater”, getting out on the open seas is imperative if you’re visiting this southern Florida beach town. The Gulf of Mexico teems with wildlife, from several species of dolphin to some of the best fish for eating in the area. Sugar sands on the mainland and on gulf islands invite you to sink your toes in and search for shells.

Boat tours in Clearwater, Florida can be nearly anything you want them to be. Scout the waves for marine life on a dolphin cruise. Watch the sun sink into the horizon on a sunset cruise. Live it up with drinks and dancing on a party boat, or cast a line for a fresh seafood dinner.

This is your guide to boat tours, one of the most invigorating outdoor activities in Clearwater, Florida.

What are the most popular boat tours in Clearwater Beach?

Dolphin cruises in Clearwater

Arguably one of the most beloved sea creatures, the chance of seeing dolphins is reason enough to book a boat trip. Florida’s gulf waters are home to bottlenose, common and Atlantic spotted dolphins that can be found in pods of up to 1,000 animals!

Dolphin boat captains are familiar with the animals’ behavior and know the best places and conditions to find them. There are often naturalist guides on board to enrich your sightings with fascinating facts. Some dolphin watching tours stop at sandbars or islands for a pause to comb the beaches for shells that you can keep.

Clearwater sunset cruises in Florida

Florida’s southern Gulf Coast is the perfect place to watch the sun touch the horizon. The calm waters and sun’s blazing departure are a great way to celebrate an event or just to enjoy with your loved ones.

With a maximum capacity of around 40 people, the atmosphere leans more toward romance rather than a party. However, some sunset cruises offer the ability to purchase a wristband that gives you open-bar access. Two-hour cruises serve a complimentary glass of sparkling wine for travelers ages 21 and over.

Party cruises in Clearwater

Turquoise seas, tropical sun and white sands can rile up your desire for a party like no other setting. Celebrate your gorgeous surroundings with fun-loving companions on a party cruise like the Calypso Queen. Music and open bars get everyone animated quickly, and MCs keep the energy high with contests and activities.

Choose an afternoon or evening party cruise. Afternoon cruises often give you a chance to dive into the water and float with rafts, noodles and boogie boards with a drink in hand. At certain times of the year, evening cruises are capped off with a brilliant sunset. With many party cruises serving a meal, you’ll have all you need for an afternoon of revelry.

Tiki boat tours in Clearwater

If you want more of a DIY party, book some time on a tiki boat. These laid-back outings provide you with access to great swimming areas and furnish coolers with ice and bluetooth speakers. Just bring your own snacks and beverages to perfect the occasion.

Sailing trips from Clearwater

Harnessing the wind and skimming over the waves is one of the most ancient means of travel. Sailing trips from Clearwater motor you out into the open water, then cut the engines to take advantage of wind power alone. Try your hand at hoisting the sails or just sit back and take in the expanse of blue around you.

Clearwater dining cruises

A true VIP experience, having lunch or dinner on a yacht is an attainable luxury on Starlite Cruises. Board the Starlite Majesty for a meal at sea. Choose among a generous variety of dishes served with bread, salad, dessert (dinner cruises only) and coffee or tea. Follow up your meal with some dancing to a mix of live and pre-recorded music.

Want to get in on the high life while still keeping an eye on your budget? You don’t need to purchase a meal to take part in this excursion. Mingle or dance on the exterior decks to the sound of the band as you soak in the views and ambiance.

Private charters in Clearwater

Whether you want to hook the biggest fish of your life or just want to have a day of sea and sun for you and your group alone, private fishing charters are an ideal choice. If you’re an angler, there are companies that focus on fishing. You’ll have gear and bait available to you as well as an expert captain who will locate the spots you’re most likely to make a catch.

If you prefer to spy animals from more of a distance, you can opt for a private boat tour that focuses on spotting marine life. Along with the crowd pleasing dolphins, keep your eyes out for manatees, rays, sharks and turtles. Don’t forget to look up to take in the many bird species in the area.

How much are boat trips in Clearwater?

Dolphin sightseeing cruises cost between US$25 per person and US$35 per person for a 1- to 2-hour tour. Your tour will provide you with live commentary from guides who actively search for dolphins and other animals. Sunset cruises cost around US$35 per person for a 2-hour tour and provide you with a complimentary glass of sparkling wine.

Book a party boat with a buffet lunch for US$50 per person for a 2-hour cruise. Party boat dinner buffets are US$60 per person. Enjoy a buffet of tropical dishes including vegetarian options and an open bar with beers, wines, rum punch and soft drinks. Premium drinks and dessert are available for additional cost.

Tiki boat trips cost about US$55 per person for a 1.5-hour tour. These small-group outings provide coolers and ice for you to keep your own food and beverages cold. You’ll also have a captain to take you to prime swimming locales.

Sailing trips cost around US$85 per person for a 2-hour cruise. With that price you’ll get sparkling water and a cooler to chill any food or alcohol you’d like to bring.

Dining cruises cost about US$35 per person for cruise tickets. Meals and drinks are an extra cost. Lunch entrees range from US$15 per person to US$20 per person. Dinners cost from US$20 per person to US$35 per person. Meals come with salad, bread, and tea or coffee. Dinners include a dessert, and alcohol is available for purchase.

Private charters cost anywhere from US$55 per person to US$120 per person for a 4-hour trip that focuses on fun in the sun. Price differences depend on group size and the type of boat you hire. Eight-hour boat charters cost as little as US$160 per person for a group of six people.

If you drive to the marinas, expect to pay a parking fee of US$2.50 to US$4 per vehicle. If you plan on purchasing refreshments onboard, many boats only take cash. Also consider bringing extra cash to tip the boat crew.

What will you see on a Clearwater boat trip?

Wildlife

The warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico make a lovely home for abundant marine life. A handful of dolphin species prosper here as well as sharks, rays, manatees, seabirds, and tropical and game fish. Whether your objective is to spy playful dolphins or hook a fish worthy of a prize, there’s plenty to see in the gulf off of Clearwater Beach.

Sandbars and islands

Along the coast of Clearwater, the Intracoastal Waterway divides the mainland from a stretch of idyllic barrier islands and sandbars. With many of the islets only accessible by boat, the area remains relatively untouched. The isolated locales are safe habitats for plentiful species, both above and below the water.

Honeymoon Island is a state park whose lands also include Caladesi Island. Both are birding hotspots, and the shallow waters make it easy to find exotic shells. To the north of Honeymoon Island, Three Rooker Island draws fleets of boats to anchor offshore, creating an instant party.

Coastal views

With its sandy beaches and year-round summer, it’s no surprise that Clearwater is a magnet for the wealthy. As you head away from land, your captain will point out the multimillion-dollar digs of celebrities.

A number of boat trips pass through the Intracoastal Waterway, an impressive combination of nature and engineering spanning from Massachusetts to the Texas-Mexico border.

Where do Clearwater Beach cruises leave from?

There are several marinas in Clearwater that your tour may leave from. Most tours leave from Clearwater Beach Marina or Clearwater Tides Marina. A few tours meet at areas outside of Clearwater, such as Belleair Boat Ramp in Belleair Bluffs or the Belle Harbor Marina in Tarpon Springs.

How long does a boat tour last?

Depending on your choice of tour, you can be out on the water from 1 hour up to 12 hours. Dolphin tours last 1 to 2 hours. Party boat, sailing and sunset tours last about 2 hours. Dining cruises last 3 to 4 hours. Most private tours last 3 hours, but since they are customizable, you can schedule a tour of up to 12 hours.

Are boat tours wheelchair friendly?

Some boat tours in Clearwater are wheelchair friendly while others are not. Accessibility depends on the boat and the tide level at the time of your trip. Lower tides may make the entry ramp to the boat too steep to climb in a wheelchair. Be sure to check with your tour provider at the time of booking to make sure your needs will be met.

When is the best time for a boat trip in Clearwater?

While a boat trip in Clearwater can be enjoyed year-round, the best times are in the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November).

During these months, the weather is generally mild with less humidity and a lower chance of rain compared to the summer months.

If you're hoping to see dolphins, you have a higher chance between May and August.

Know before you go

• Especially during peak tourist seasons, boat tours can fill up quickly. It's advisable to book your tour in advance to secure your spot and avoid disappointment.
• Dress comfortably and consider layers, as it can be cooler on the water, especially during morning or evening tours. Sun protection is essential – wear a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
• If your tour includes wildlife viewing, remember to respect the animals and their habitat. Follow the guide's instructions, and avoid feeding or attempting to touch wildlife.
• If you're susceptible to motion sickness, consider taking preventative measures, such as over-the-counter medication, before the tour.