St. Pete Sandbar Party Boat: 21+ Day Cruise & Floating Bar

Hundreds of boats anchor at Eleanor Island every weekend: here's how to join them

You board a 50-foot catamaran in St. Petersburg, cruise 30 to 45 minutes through the Intercoastal to Eleanor Island's sandbar, and spend the day floating with a drink and hundreds of other boats. The crew provides floats and runs the bar. You bring sunscreen and decide whether to buy drinks individually or grab an all-you-can-drink pass. A restroom is on board. The return trip follows the same route back to the dock.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sandbar party cruise and floating fun

• Board the luxury catamaran
• Cruise 30-45 minutes to Johns Pass
• Anchor at Johns Pass Sandbar
• Enjoy floating with adult beverages

The experience

Yeah, so the sandbar party at John's Pass is apparently the thing locals have been doing forever, and St. Pete Coastal Cruises just made it actually accessible if you don't own a boat. The whole setup is straightforward: you show up, board their 50-foot catamaran, and then you've got a 30 to 45 minute cruise through the Intercoastal to get there. The route takes you past all these ridiculous multi-million dollar waterfront homes, which is kind of its own show while you're waiting to drop anchor.

Once you hit the sandbar at Eleanor Island, that's when it becomes what you came for. The water's shallow enough that you can float around, and the crew hands out floating toys so you're not just treading water for six hours. The bar's open the whole time. You can buy drinks as you go, or grab an all-you-can-drink pass when you arrive if that math works better for your day. There's a restroom on board, which matters more than you'd think when you're out on the water with a couple hundred other boats all doing the same thing. Bring sunscreen, bring a sandwich, bring people who actually want to be there, because the vibe is packed and loud and exactly what it promises to be.

The boat itself is fully crewed, so you're not managing anything. You climb aboard via a ladder (that's the one thing to know going in), and then you're just there, floating with a drink, watching boats pull up around you. It's not subtle or quiet or a nature moment. It's the local weekend hangout, just with a crew and a bar and enough space that you're not packed like a club. If that sounds like your Saturday, this is how you do it without owning the boat.

What’s included

Your day includes boarding the 50-foot catamaran, a 30 to 45 minute cruise through the Intercoastal to Eleanor Island, anchoring at the John's Pass sandbar, floating toys provided by the crew, access to the on-board bar, and a restroom on board. An all-you-can-drink pass is available for purchase upon arrival if you prefer that to paying per drink.

Options for this experience

3 options

MarineMax Sandbar PartyAvailable from 26 Mar 2027Departure from MarineMax Marina. Starting point: 6810 Gulfport Blvd S, St. Petersburg, FL 33707, USA

Gulfport Sandbar PartyAvailable from 17 Oct 2027Departure from Gulfport Marina. Starting point: 4630 29th Ave S, Gulfport, FL 33711, USA

St. Pete Sandbar Party for ages 21 and up (an all-you-can-drink pass is available)Available from 17 Oct 2027

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 26 Mar 2027

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Under 13: can't be booked

GroupUp to 48

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 or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcomeNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Coastal Cruises

Is this one for you?Book this if you want the sandbar party scene without owning a boat and without figuring out the logistics. The crew handles the navigation and the bar, so you just show up and float. It's built for groups and day drinkers who want the local weekend vibe at full volume.

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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's the age requirement?

21 and up only.

How long is the whole trip?

The cruise to the sandbar is 30 to 45 minutes each way, plus however long you want to stay anchored. Plan for a full day.

Is the all-you-can-drink pass worth it?

Depends on your pace. You buy it when you arrive, so you can decide based on the crowd and your mood that day.

Can I bring my own food?

Yes. Pack a sandwich or snacks. The crew provides floats but not food.

What if I can't climb a ladder?

Boarding requires climbing a ladder to get on the catamaran. If that's not possible for you, this tour isn't a fit.

Is it really that crowded?

Yes. Hundreds of boats anchor at the sandbar every weekend. It's the whole point. It's a party, not a quiet float.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Check with St. Pete Coastal Cruises directly about their weather policy and cancellation terms.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are permitted on board.