Snorkeling in Clearwater: 6-Hour Private Charter

Anchor off four islands and snorkel the shallows where dolphins and manatees swim

A 6-hour private snorkeling charter from Belleair, Florida, aboard the Salt Therapy with a USCG-licensed captain who has 40+ years of local knowledge. You pick the stops (Anclote Key, Honeymoon Island, Caladesi Island, or One Tree Island), and the pace. The boat carries up to six guests, and cooler, ice and bottled water come with the booking. All charters depart from Belleair Causeway Boat Ramp with $6 all-day parking.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Honeymoon Island1h
2. Clearwater Beachpass by

Private Clearwater Island Cruise

• Depart from Belleair Causeway Boat Ramp
• Cruise north past Dunedin to Honeymoon Island
• Wade, swim, or shell hunt at Honeymoon Island
• Visit Anclote Key Preserve State Park and lighthouse
• Step ashore and explore Caladesi Island beaches
• Cruise south along Clearwater Beach coastline
• Anchor at One Tree Island for swim and relaxation

The experience

Captain Chris runs this as a private charter, so only your group is aboard. The boat leaves Belleair Causeway at a time you choose and heads north into the Gulf to Anclote Key Preserve State Park, where an 1887 lighthouse sits on sugar-white sand and the shallows stay calm enough for snorkeling on most days. From there, the route bends south past Dunedin toward Honeymoon Island's protected tip (a quiet stretch known for dolphin and manatee sightings), then swings toward Caladesi Island, one of Florida's barrier islands accessible only by water. The day ends with a cruise past Clearwater Beach itself, sometimes heading briefly into open Gulf for a view most visitors never see from shore.

You decide what happens at each stop. Wade and look for shells, float with a drink in hand, snorkel the turquoise shallows, or anchor off One Tree Island for a laid-back swim break. Captain Chris brings stories of local history and marine life, but the itinerary stays flexible: weather and your preference shape the day. Bring beer, wine or canned drinks if you want. The cooler arrives stocked with ice and bottled water. A Bluetooth sound system lets you play your own playlist while you're anchored.

The charter runs 6 hours and includes the captain's expertise, fuel, local taxes, and access to all four islands. Parking at the boat ramp costs $6 for the day. Service animals are welcome if they stay under control, and infants can ride on laps. Most fitness levels can participate, though the boat is not wheelchair or stroller accessible. Public transportation options exist near the ramp if you need them.

What’s included

• Private charter aboard Salt Therapy for up to six guests.
• USCG-licensed captain with 40+ years of local knowledge.
• cooler stocked with ice and bottled water.
• Bluetooth sound system for your playlist.
• access to Anclote Key, Honeymoon Island, Caladesi Island and One Tree Island.
• fuel and local taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day5 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 13:00

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: “Belleair-This ramp provides ample all-day parking for just $6 by license plate and direct access to the Intracoastal Waterway.”

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

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Captain Clearwater

Is this one for you?Book this charter if your group wants to set the pace and choose the stops: the 6-hour window and private boat mean you snorkel where dolphins are sighted, float where the water is calmest, and linger on whichever island suits the day, without a fixed schedule or other guests aboard.

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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 islands can we visit on a 6-hour Clearwater snorkeling charter?

Anclote Key Preserve State Park sits just north of Honeymoon Island and features an 1887 lighthouse, white sand and calm shallows for snorkeling. Honeymoon Island's protected tip offers quiet water and frequent dolphin sightings. Caladesi Island, accessible only by boat, has soft white beaches and shallow water for floating. One Tree Island serves as a laid-back anchorage for swimming and floating breaks. Captain Chris customizes the route based on weather and your preference, so not every stop happens on every charter.

How many people can fit on the boat, and what's included in the price?

The private charter holds up to six guests. Included are the USCG-licensed captain with 40+ years of local experience, cooler with ice and bottled water, fuel, local taxes, and a Bluetooth sound system. You can bring your own beer, wine or canned drinks. Gratuities and food are not included, and you'll need to arrange your own transportation to Belleair Causeway Boat Ramp.

Where does the charter depart from, and how much does parking cost?

All charters leave from Belleair Causeway Boat Ramp. All-day parking costs $6. Public transportation options are available near the ramp if you prefer not to drive.

Can we customize the itinerary, or is the route fixed?

The charter is fully customizable. You decide which islands to visit, how long to spend at each stop, and what activities to do: snorkeling, swimming, floating, or exploring beaches. Captain Chris adjusts the route based on weather and your group's preference, so every charter is tailored to your day.