3-Hour Sunset Cruise St. Pete: Skyway Bridge Light Show

Watch the Skyway Bridge light up against the burnt orange sky at dusk

A 3-hour evening boat cruise on a 50-foot catamaran departing from St. Pete, traveling the Intracoastal past Shell Key Preserve and stopping at Sand Dollar Island for a sunset walk before returning to the Skyway Bridge for its nightly $15M light display. The boat carries a bar and restroom on board, and a live English-speaking guide shares facts about the bridge and the waterfront estates you pass. Infants sit on an adult's lap. Service animals are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Evening boat cruise with sunset and light show

• Pass by waterfront millionaires' homes
• Pass St. Petersburg's Gulf Port community
• Pass under Pinellas Bayway bridge
• Stop at Sand Dollar Island for shell walk
• Return trip to Skyway Bridge
• Enjoy $15M Skyway Bridge light show

The experience

The cruise departs in late afternoon and heads out the Intracoastal, passing the historic Gulf Port community where sailboats moor off the coast and multi-million-dollar waterfront homes line the water. Along the way you'll pass under several bridges, including the recently built Pinellas Bayway bridge with its cathedral-like architecture when viewed from underneath. The route keeps an eye out for dolphins, which are common along Shell Key Preserve.

The boat stops at Sand Dollar Island just off Ft. DeSoto's North Beach, where you can step directly onto dry sand and walk the shoreline searching for shells as the sun sets over the Gulf of Mexico. You're welcome to bring drinks from the bar ashore. Once the sun dips, the crew welcomes everyone back on board for the return trip, and the sky shifts to that burnt orange glow that follows sunset.

On the way back, the boat stops at the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, where the $15M light show illuminates the structure against the darkening sky. The guide shares facts about this St. Petersburg landmark and takes photos of each group on board. The entire experience runs three hours from departure to return.

What’s included

• Bar on board with drinks available.
• restroom on board.
• live English-speaking guide who shares facts about the Skyway Bridge and St. Pete landmarks and takes photos of your group.

Options for this experience

3 options

Skyway - Location at MarineMaxGuide in English · 16:30 and 17:30Departure point: 6810 Gulfport Blvd S, South Pasadena, FL 33707, USA

Skyway - Location in GulfportGuide in English · Available from 25 Oct 2027Departure point: 4630 29th Ave S, Gulfport, FL 33711, USA

Skyway - Location at SkyBeach ResortGuide in English · Available from 15 Dec · 16:30Departure point: 6800 Sunshine Skyway Ln S, St. Petersburg, FL 33711, USA

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

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 16:30 and 17:30

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 43

Live guideEnglish

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.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomeInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Coastal Cruises

Is this one for you?Book from one of the four departure locations (Gulfport, MarineMax, or SkyBeach Resort) depending on which is closest to where you're staying. The fixed 3-hour schedule means the timing works around your evening without you having to plan the route or the stops.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (under 3): free.

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.

Can I bring my own drinks and coolers on the boat?

Outside alcohol and coolers are not permitted on board. The boat has a bar where you can purchase drinks to take ashore at Sand Dollar Island or enjoy during the cruise.

What is Sand Dollar Island and what do we do there?

Sand Dollar Island sits just off Ft. DeSoto's North Beach and is a shallow, sandy stop where you can walk directly onto dry sand at sunset. Guests disembark to search for shells and watch the sun set over the Gulf of Mexico before reboarding for the return trip to the Skyway Bridge.

What makes the Skyway Bridge light show special?

The Sunshine Skyway Bridge features a $15M nightly light display that illuminates the structure against the sunset and dusk sky. The guide shares facts about this historic St. Petersburg landmark and photographs each group during the stop.

How long is the entire cruise?

The full experience is 3 hours from departure to return, including stops at Sand Dollar Island and the Skyway Bridge.

Will we see dolphins on this cruise?

The route along the Intracoastal and Shell Key Preserve provides ample opportunities for dolphin sightings, though wildlife encounters are never guaranteed.

Is there a restroom on the boat?

Yes, there is a restroom on board the 50-foot catamaran for guest use during the cruise.