Jacksonville Private Boat Tour: Daytime or Sunset, up to 6

Captain Dan adjusts the whole route based on what you want to see that day.

A private 2-hour boat tour on Jacksonville's Saint Johns River for up to 6 passengers, departing daytime or at sunset, with a captain who personalizes the itinerary to your group. You'll see dolphins, birds and wildlife; tour waterfront homes and downtown Jacksonville landmarks including the Jaguars Stadium and USS Orleck; stop at a sandbar and float in a tube. Non-alcoholic drinks and snacks are included, and the captain tells stories for children on board.

Step-by-step itinerary

Jacksonville private boat tour

• Meet at coordinated location
• Board private boat
• Tour Saint Johns River
• See dolphins and birds
• View waterfront homes
• Enjoy non-alcoholic drinks and snacks
• Pass downtown Jacksonville
• View Jacksonville Jaguars Stadium
• See USS Orleck
• Take pictures
• Float in a tube and visit sandbar
• Disembark at meeting point

The Experience

What makes this different from a crowded group boat is the size: six people maximum means the captain can actually stop where your group wants to linger, change course if dolphins appear, or spend extra time at the sandbar instead of moving to the next scheduled stop. You coordinate the meeting point when you book, so the tour fits your hotel or your schedule rather than the other way around.

The 2-hour route covers the Saint Johns River, the downtown waterfront with its homes and landmarks, and the wildlife that lives along the banks — dolphins, birds and other animals that show up depending on the season and the time of day. You'll float in a tube at the sandbar, get pictures of the Jaguars Stadium and the USS Orleck from the water, and have time to ask the captain about what you're seeing instead of straining to hear over a loudspeaker. Non-alcoholic drinks and light snacks are on board.

Families travel often on this tour; Captain Dan has a habit of telling stories for the kids, turning the wildlife sightings and the history of the river into a learning moment rather than just a boat ride. The captain has the authority to shorten or redirect the trip if weather or other hazards come up, so the tour adapts to conditions on the day you go.

What’s included

• Non-alcoholic drinks and bottled water.
• light snacks.
• a 2-hour private boat tour customized to your group's interests.
• stops at a sandbar with tube floating.
• views of dolphins, birds and wildlife.
• tour of waterfront homes and downtown Jacksonville landmarks including the Jaguars Stadium and USS Orleck.
• photographs from the water.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomeInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Adventure in Paradise, Private Boat tours

Is this one for you?Book the daytime tour if you want to see wildlife at its most active and get the clearest views of the river and landmarks; choose the sunset departure if you prefer the light and atmosphere at the end of the day. Either way, the captain builds the route around what your group wants, so a family with young kids, a couple celebrating an anniversary, or friends looking for a specific wildlife sighting all get a different tour on the same boat.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

50 verified traveler reviews

5 ★50

4 ★0

3 ★0

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What wildlife will I actually see on the Saint Johns River?

Dolphins, birds and other wildlife live along the river year-round, though what you see depends on the season and time of day. The captain knows where to look and will adjust the route to follow activity if something appears during your tour.

Can I book the daytime tour or the sunset tour, and does it matter which one I pick?

You choose either the daytime or sunset departure when you book. Both are 2-hour tours on the same route; the sunset tour gives you the light at the end of the day, while the daytime tour is better if you want to see wildlife more actively.

How does the sandbar stop work, and what does floating in a tube mean?

The tour includes a stop at a sandbar where the group gets in the water and floats in a tube — it's a break from the boat and a chance to cool off. The captain includes this as part of the 2-hour itinerary.

Is this tour good for families with young children?

Yes. Infants sit on an adult's lap, and the captain creates a learning environment for kids by telling stories about the river, the wildlife and the landmarks you pass. Families are welcome and the small group size means the pace works for all ages.

What happens if the weather turns bad on the day of my tour?

The captain has full authority to shorten or redirect the trip if inclement weather or other hazards come up. You'll be notified of any changes, and the tour adapts to keep everyone safe.

Do I need to bring anything, or is everything provided?

Non-alcoholic drinks and light snacks are provided on board. Bring sunscreen, a hat and a towel for the sandbar stop; the captain will tell you what else to expect when you coordinate your meeting point.