Private Clearwater Beach Dolphin Boat Tour: 3 Hours, 6 Guests

Dolphins, sand bars, shells and swimming in one private boat

A private 3-hour boat tour for up to 6 guests along Clearwater Beach, Honeymoon Island and Caladesi Island, with a live English-speaking guide. You'll watch for dolphins and local wildlife, anchor at sand bars, go shelling and swimming, and see celebrity homes and landmarks from the water. The boat's speed and stops can be customized to fit your group's pace, whether someone prefers to stay aboard or the kids want to jump in.

The experience

The tour starts with a safety briefing and paperwork before the boat heads north on the Intracoastal waterway toward Clearwater Harbor. Along the way, the guide points out famous homes and landmarks visible from the water. You'll keep watch for dolphins, ospreys, pelicans, cormorants and seagulls as the boat moves through the shallows where these animals feed and rest.

Stops are built around what your group wants to do. The boat anchors at local sand bars where you can swim, wade and hunt for shells: mesh bags are provided so you can collect without your hands full. If someone in your party would rather stay on board and soak up the sun, that works too. The captain adjusts the route and timing so everyone gets what they came for, whether that's time in the water or a leisurely float past the islands.

The boat carries life jackets for all ages, including vests sized for children 6 and under. You'll have bottled water, bug spray and sunscreen on board, plus a cooler filled with ice. Alcohol is allowed, so you can bring your own drinks and snacks to make the afternoon your own.

What’s included

• Life jackets and safety equipment for all ages.
• bottled water, sunscreen and bug spray.
• mesh bags for shells.
• a cooler filled with ice.
• shelling and swimming at sand bars.
• island hopping and anchoring stops.
• dolphin and wildlife watching.
• a live English-speaking guide.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 1 Sep 2027

Book up to12h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “We meet at Belleair Bluffs Boat Ramp. Please select a single parking (do not use trailer spot). Pay parking on PARK MOBILE APP. We will wear "Flying Pelican Tours" shirts & looking for you.”

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 today

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPets welcomeNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Captain Sharon Jardine

Is this one for you?Book this tour if your group has mixed energy levels and preferences: the customizable stops and flexible pace mean everyone gets their version of the day, whether that's time in the water or time on deck.

Traveler reviews

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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.

What kind of wildlife will we actually see on the boat?

Dolphins are the main draw, but the waters around Clearwater also hold ospreys, pelicans, cormorants and seagulls. Sightings depend on the season and time of day, but the guide knows where these animals tend to gather and will navigate toward them.

Can we really customize where the boat goes and how fast it travels?

Yes. The captain adjusts the speed and chooses which sand bars and islands to visit based on what your group wants to do that day. If the kids want to swim more and the adults want to shelling longer, the route shifts to fit.

Is there time to actually get in the water and swim?

Swimming is built into the tour. The boat anchors at sand bars where the water is shallow enough to wade and swim safely. Mesh bags are provided for collecting shells while you're in the water.

What happens if someone in our group doesn't want to swim or get off the boat?

The tour is designed for mixed preferences. Passengers can stay on board to relax and watch while others swim, shell or explore. The boat doesn't force anyone off, and the captain works around whoever wants to stay put.

What's included in the price, and what do we need to bring?

The tour includes life jackets, water, sunscreen, bug spray, mesh bags for shells, a cooler with ice, and all fees and taxes. You'll want to bring your own hat, sunglasses and SPF 50+ shirt for sun protection. A parking fee of about $2.50 applies at the boat ramp, paid via the Park Mobile app. Beach towels are optional depending on which option you choose at checkout.