Private boat charter Clearwater: Dolphins and barrier islands

Dolphins, shelling and swimming on a 25-foot double-decker boat

A private half-day boat charter on a 25-foot Funship carries up to 8 passengers from Clearwater to barrier islands including Caladesi Island and Honeymoon Island, with a Captain guide, dolphin watching, and time to swim and shell on untouched beaches. The boat includes cooler with water, life jackets, and mesh shell bags. Pickup and drop-off at the designated meeting point are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Caladesi Island30m · entry included
2. Honeymoon Island30m
3. Clearwater Beach50m

Private half-day boating adventure

• Safety briefing on boat
• Cast off from Clearwater Beach
• Cruise to Caladesi Island
• Explore Caladesi Island
• Visit Honeymoon Island
• Explore Honeymoon Island trails and beach
• Visit Three-Rooker Sand Bar
• Swim, snorkel, or shell on islands
• Return to Clearwater Beach

The experience

What makes this different from renting a boat yourself is the Captain who knows where the dolphins are and which islands are worth the stop. The route typically heads north from Clearwater Beach toward Caladesi Island (one of the few untouched barrier islands on the Gulf Coast, reachable only by boat), and Honeymoon Island, where four miles of beach run alongside a three-mile trail through virgin slash pine forest. Three Rooker Sand Bar, a small island that emerged within the last decade, often comes into the day as well. Along the way, spotting dolphins is common. You may also see manatees, sea turtles, rays, Ospreys and native birds.

The boat itself is comfortable: a 25-foot double-decker Funship with shade and room to move. After a safety briefing, you cast off and settle in while the Captain navigates. When you reach the islands, you get off to shell, explore, or swim and snorkel in the Gulf. The cooler stays stocked with ice and bottled water. Big Joe water floats and mesh shell bags are on board. Afternoon and evening departures let you watch the sun set over the water on the way back.

Pickup and drop-off happen at a designated meeting point in the Clearwater area, so you don't need a car to get to the dock. The charter is private, your group only, and the Captain customizes the stops and timing based on what your group wants to do.

What’s included

• Cooler with ice and bottled water.
• life jackets and safety equipment.
• mesh shell bags and Big Joe water floats.
• pickup and drop-off at the designated meeting point.
• professional Captain guide.
• fuel and local taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00, 12:00 and 14:00

Book up to1d before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48h

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearby

Operated by A Boat Day

Is this one for you?The charter departs from a Clearwater meeting point with pickup included, so you don't need to arrange your own transportation to the dock. Book this if you're staying in the area without a car or want to skip the drive and parking hassle.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

28 verified traveler reviews

5 ★28

4 ★0

3 ★0

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can we see dolphins on this boat charter?

Dolphin sightings are common on the route north to the barrier islands. The Captain knows the waters and where dolphins typically appear, though sightings are never guaranteed. You may also spot manatees, sea turtles, rays and native birds along the way.

What can we do when the boat stops at the islands?

At Caladesi Island, Honeymoon Island and Three Rooker Sand Bar, you can get off the boat to shell and explore the beaches, or swim and snorkel in the Gulf. The boat provides mesh shell bags for collecting and Big Joe water floats for the water.

Is the meeting point easy to reach without a car?

Pickup and drop-off are included at a designated meeting point in the Clearwater area, and public transportation options are available nearby, so you can reach the dock without a car if needed.

How many people can fit on the boat?

The Funship holds a maximum of 8 passengers per booking, making it a private charter for your group only. The Captain customizes the route and stops based on what your group wants to do.

What's included in the charter price?

The charter includes the Captain guide, cooler with ice and bottled water, life jackets and safety equipment, mesh shell bags, Big Joe water floats, fuel, pickup and drop-off at the meeting point, and local taxes. Gratuity for the Captain is separate.

How long is the half-day charter?

The half-day charter runs for 4 hours, typically departing in the morning or afternoon. Evening departures can include watching the sunset over the Gulf on the return to shore.