Private boat charter Tampa: Dolphins, history, or your choice

Your crew, your itinerary, one boat on Tampa Bay

A private boat charter in Tampa puts you and up to 20 guests on a USCG-inspected vessel with a licensed captain for one to six hours, with soda included and the freedom to choose dolphins, history, holiday homes or open-water cruising. The captain and crew adjust the route to what you want. You bring your own food and beverages at no extra charge. Infants and small children can ride in a stroller, and service animals are welcome.

The experience

You book by the hour, anywhere from one to six, and the captain builds the day around what your group wants to see or do. Dolphins are the draw for many, but the crew also knows the history of Tampa Bay and can point out the holiday homes along the waterfront. If you just want to cruise with music and your own drinks, that works too. The boat holds up to 20 guests and is inspected by the US Coast Guard. The captain is a 100-ton master with over 20 years on the water.

Pickup includes a parking lot with free safe parking, so you're not hunting for a spot before you board. Soda and pop are on the boat. You bring whatever else you want to eat or drink, and there's no setup charge for bringing your own food. The crew's focus is on safety every moment you're aboard, and they're flexible enough to change course if the group wants to chase dolphins or linger at a particular stretch of shoreline.

What’s included

• Soda and pop.
• a USCG-licensed captain with over 20 years of experience.
• a US Coast Guard inspected boat.
• free parking at the pickup location.
• the flexibility to choose your route: dolphins, history, holiday homes, or open-water cruising.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

Live guideEnglish, French and German

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

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.

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Tampa water taxi

Is this one for you?Book for the length of time that fits your schedule (one hour for a quick outing or up to six for a full afternoon or evening), since you're paying by the hour and the captain adjusts the route to what your group actually wants to do.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, French and German.

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 I bring my own food and drinks on the charter?

Yes. You can bring your own food and beverages without any setup charge. Soda and pop are provided on the boat.

How many people can fit on the boat?

The boat holds up to 20 guests total. It's US Coast Guard inspected and operated by a licensed captain, which is required for groups larger than six passengers.

What can we do on the charter? Is it just dolphin watching?

Dolphins are one option, but the captain and crew are flexible. You can also cruise to see the holiday homes along the waterfront, explore Tampa Bay's history, or simply cruise with music and your own beverages. Tell the crew what interests you when you book.

How long does a charter last?

You can book for one to six hours depending on what you want to do and how much time you have.

Is there parking at the pickup location?

Yes, the pickup location has plenty of free safe parking so you don't need to worry about finding a spot before boarding.

Are children and service animals allowed?

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, and service animals are welcome on board.