St. Pete: Sandbar Party Cruise & All You Can Drink Pass

Summary

St. Pete sandbar cruise with drinks floats and weekend energy

You’ll board a lively catamaran in St. Pete with friends or strangers who won’t stay strangers long—cruise past crazy waterfront homes to John’s Pass sandbar, float with your drink in hand, soak up local weekend energy, and laugh at yourself trying to climb back onboard (restroom included!).

What’s the experience like?

We stepped onto the big white catamaran just as a couple of pelicans glided by—honestly, I was still half-wondering if I’d remembered sunscreen. The crew joked about “surviving the sandbar” and handed us wristbands for the open bar (I’d recommend it if you’re even thinking about it). We drifted out from St. Pete, past these wild waterfront mansions—some with neon flamingos, others with old fishing boats tied up like they’d never left the 80s. Our guide, Mike, pointed out one house where a dolphin supposedly visits every morning. Not sure if that’s true, but I liked believing it for a minute.

The cruise to John’s Pass sandbar was maybe half an hour? Hard to tell—time feels weird when there’s salt air and rum punch involved. When we anchored near Eleanor Island, music from other boats kind of mixed together in this lazy way—just people laughing, radios competing, someone singing off-key somewhere. The water was shallow enough to stand in (which I didn’t expect), warm and soft underfoot, and we grabbed some floats from the crew and just drifted around with our drinks. There was this moment where a breeze kicked up and all you could hear were little splashes and someone nearby trying to balance their cooler on a floatie—made me laugh out loud.

I talked to a couple locals who come every weekend—they said this is “the real St. Pete,” which made me feel like we’d lucked into something more than just another party boat ride. Lunch was whatever you packed yourself (I had a slightly squashed sandwich), but honestly the open bar made up for any culinary shortcomings. There’s a restroom onboard too—which you’ll appreciate after your third margarita, trust me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sandbar party cruise and floating fun

• Board the party boat
• Cruise Intercoastal to Johns Pass
• Anchor at Johns Pass Sandbar
• Float and enjoy adult beverages

Top questions

How long is the St. Pete sandbar party cruise?

The cruise takes about 30-45 minutes each way plus time anchored at John’s Pass sandbar.

Is there an open bar on the boat?

You can purchase an all-you-can-drink pass upon arrival; otherwise there is a bar onboard.

Are food or lunch included on the sandbar cruise?

No food is provided; guests are encouraged to pack their own lunch or snacks.

Is there a restroom on board?

Yes, there is a restroom available on the catamaran during the cruise.

Are floats or water toys provided?

Yes, floating toys are provided by the crew for use at the sandbar.

Where does the St. Pete sandbar party boat depart from?

The cruise departs from St. Pete and heads toward Eleanor Island in John’s Pass.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?

Travelers must be able to climb aboard via ladder; not recommended for those with spinal injuries.

Are service animals allowed on board?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this cruise.

What’s included

Your day includes cruising on a fully crewed 50’ power catamaran with access to an onboard bar (open bar passes available), floating toys for relaxing at the sandbar, and use of an onboard restroom—you just need to bring your own lunch or snacks before heading back after soaking up all that local energy.