2-Hour CraigCat Sightseeing Tour in Sarasota

You steer a compact power catamaran built for two, side by side.

A 2-hour sightseeing tour on a CraigCat catamaran (a compact, dual-control powerboat for two) takes you through Sarasota Bay, past Lido Key and Bird Key with an operator guide. Life jacket, waterproof bags, dry wind jacket, cooler with water and fruit cups are included. You must arrive 20 minutes early for water safety instructions and be at least 5 years old. The driver needs a valid license and, if born after January 1, 1998, must pass a quick online boaters test before booking.

Step-by-step itinerary

CraigCat sightseeing tour in Sarasota Bay

• Board 2-seater CraigCat catamaran
• Navigate Intracoastal waterway
• Pass by Sarasota Bay
• Pass by Lido Key
• Pass by Bird Key
• Complete 2-hour tour

The experience

The CraigCat is a two-seat catamaran with side-by-side seating and dual-action controls: meaning you and your co-pilot sit across from each other, and both of you can steer. It's the only compact power catamaran of its kind on the market, built for the kind of handling and responsiveness a runabout delivers. You'll navigate the Intracoastal waterway through Sarasota Bay, cruise past Lido Key and Bird Key, and feel how the boat responds to your input across the water.

The tour runs 2 hours. You'll need to arrive at least 20 minutes early so the operator can walk you through the boat and water safety. That's non-negotiable, and tours depart on time. If you're more than 10 minutes late, the boat leaves without you. The operator provides a life jacket, waterproof bags for your belongings, a winter dry wind jacket, a cooler with bottled water and fruit cups, and all fees and taxes are built in. If you were born after January 1, 1998, you'll need to complete a quick online boaters test before your reservation. The driver must be at least 18, hold a valid driver's license, and not be under the influence of alcohol. Weight limit is 250 pounds per seat, with a 500-pound maximum per boat. The closer you are to that max, the slower the boat will run.

Everyone aboard must sign a waiver. Children are welcome from age 5 onward. The tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnancy, or poor cardiovascular health, though it suits all fitness levels otherwise. Public transportation options are available near the departure point.

What’s included

• Life jacket, waterproof bags for your belongings, winter dry wind jacket, cooler with bottled water and fruit cups.
• all fees and taxes.

Information

Lasts 2h, runs every day at 10:00 and 13:00, from US$ 145.78 per person, with a live guide in English and Spanish, in groups of up to 10 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:00 and 13:00

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Audio guideEnglish and Spanish

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

Book up to3h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

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 yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by HydroCats

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to pilot the boat yourself rather than sit as a passenger: the dual controls mean you and one other person both steer, which is what makes a CraigCat different from any other catamaran tour in Sarasota. It's built for two, so it suits couples, close friends or parent and child who want to share the helm.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 12 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

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 waterways will I cruise through on the CraigCat tour?

The tour takes you through the Intracoastal waterway of Sarasota Bay, with passes by Lido Key and Bird Key over the 2-hour outing.

Can I actually control the boat, or does the guide steer the whole time?

The CraigCat has dual-action controls, so both the driver and passenger can steer. It's built so you and your co-pilot both have input on the boat's direction and speed.

Do I need a boaters license to drive the CraigCat?

You need a valid driver's license. If you were born after January 1, 1998, you must also pass a quick online boaters test before your reservation. You can complete it.

What's included with the tour, and what should I bring?

The tour includes life jacket, waterproof bags, a dry wind jacket, a cooler with bottled water and fruit cups, and all fees and taxes. Bring sunscreen yourself, and towels or water shoes are optional add-ons you can purchase on the website.

How early do I need to arrive, and what happens if I'm late?

Arrive at least 20 minutes early for boat and water safety instructions. Tours leave on time, and if you're more than 10 minutes late, the boat departs without you and no refund is issued.