Tampa Bay’s beaches, particularly St. Pete Beach, have some of the most beautiful waterways on the entire Gulf Coast. Unlike California’s Pacific Coast, Florida’s Atlantic Coast, and even Florida’s East Coast, the Gulf Coast is pristine and litter-free. The water is clear and wildlife is abundant. It provides the perfect backdrop not only for a Tampa Bay beach vacation, but also for an adventure cruise.
Adventure cruises are short, leisurely boat trips that last two to four hours along the coast. Cruise ships can engage in sightseeing excursions, including exploring the land from a different perspective and viewing wildlife.
Dolphin watching is the most popular attraction among adventure cruisers. The fall and winter months, although not as attractive to tourists, offer many opportunities to see dolphins due to their migration south during the winter. During the fall months, it is quite common to see dolphins moving up and down, in and out of the water. If you are looking for dolphins, there are several charter boats that exclusively offer dolphin watching.
You can also take an adventure cruise for a full day of snorkeling or shelling. Boats can depart from St. Pete Beach or Treasure Island and head to Egmont Key State Park or Fort DeSoto. Those places also offer amazing opportunities to view Florida wildlife in its most pristine and unadulterated form, including a national wildlife refuge. They also feature special landmarks like historic Fort Dade and the Egmont Key Lighthouse. Be sure to bring your camera so you can capture these beautiful sights.
Adventure cruises usually hold between 30 and 50 people, although you can rent a charter boat between friends for several hours. Prices range from $25 to $35 per adult or child, and usually provide you with a life jacket, snorkel gear, and more.
However, those rates are seasonal rates and you may be able to get some off-season deals if you visit during the months of September, October, November, December, January, or February. Just don’t expect to snorkel or swim during that time, though September and early October would be exceptions.
Make sure that any chartered boat you travel on has all the necessary safety equipment specified by the US Coast Guard and that both the boat and the captain are licensed by the US Coast Guard. Tampa Bay beach rentals offer onboard snacks, drinks, restrooms, and are handicap accessible, but it’s wise to call ahead to make sure special accommodations can be made.
