Schooner sailing in the Gulf: Real wind, no engines

Sail under canvas and feel the difference a real schooner makes

A 2½-hour shared sailing experience on Suncoast Horizon, a working schooner in the Gulf and Boca Ciega Bay, with a small group of up to 25 people and an English-speaking guide. The boat runs under sail alone (no engines, no script, no staged theatrics), and includes bottled water, onboard restroom, cooler with ice, and the option to bring your own drinks or buy from the onboard store. Minimum passenger numbers are required to operate. If not met, you'll be offered an alternate date or full refund.

The experience

Suncoast Horizon is a real working schooner, not a party boat or a pirate ship with costumes. You step aboard at the dock, settle onto the wide open decks or comfortable seating, and the crew reads the wind and casts off. The sails go up. Engines stay off. For the next 2½ hours, the boat moves the way schooners have moved for centuries: across the water under canvas alone, quiet enough to hear the water and the rigging, with dolphins in the wake and seabirds overhead. The Gulf is the default route whenever conditions allow. If the weather turns, you tuck into the calm, scenic waters of Boca Ciega Bay instead. Either way, you're sailing, not motoring.

The group stays small, maximum 25 people, which means the deck doesn't crowd and the experience doesn't feel like a tour bus on water. Bring your own drinks or buy from the onboard store. The crew provides cooler and ice. Complimentary bottled water and a restroom aboard keep the day easy. An English-speaking guide is there, but this isn't a scripted narration. The crew knows how to read the wind and read the room, which is a different skill entirely. Bring a camera if you want one. The boat is the most photographed in the region and the decks are built for it.

The boat requires a minimum number of passengers to depart. If that minimum isn't met on your chosen date, you'll be offered an alternate date or a full refund. Complimentary on-site parking is included. If you're celebrating something specific, traveling from out of town, or need a guaranteed departure, the crew offers private charter options. Contact them directly to discuss.

What’s included

• Complimentary on-site parking.
• bottled water.
• onboard restroom.
• cooler with ice.
• the option to bring your own drinks or purchase from the onboard store.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 13:00Last departure this season: 31 Dec

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (1 to 12 years)

GroupUp to 28

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 4 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Suncoast Sailing

Is this one for you?A small-group sail suits anyone who wants the real thing (wind, canvas, quiet glide) without a party atmosphere or a script. If you're celebrating something or need a guaranteed departure, ask about private charters instead.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (1 to 12 years).

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 difference between sailing the Gulf and Boca Ciega Bay on this tour?

Suncoast Horizon sails the Gulf whenever conditions allow, where you'll see dolphins and seabirds on open water. When Mother Nature says otherwise (rough conditions, strong wind), the boat tucks into the calm, scenic waters of Boca Ciega Bay instead. Either route keeps you under sail. The Gulf is wider and more exposed, Boca Ciega Bay is sheltered and scenic.

Can I bring my own drinks aboard?

Yes. You can bring your own drinks (BYOB), and the crew provides cooler and ice to keep them cold. If you prefer not to bring anything, you can purchase drinks from the onboard store, The BoatDega.

How many people will be on the boat with me?

The shared sailing experience holds a maximum of 25 people, keeping the group small and the deck from feeling crowded. If you want the boat to yourself, private charters are available. Contact the crew directly to arrange one.

What happens if the boat doesn't have enough passengers to sail on my date?

Suncoast Horizon requires a minimum number of passengers to operate. If that minimum isn't met, you'll be offered an alternate date or a full refund. If you're traveling from out of town or need a guaranteed departure, ask about private charter options when you book.

Is there parking, and what's included with the ticket?

Complimentary on-site parking is included. The 2½-hour sail pass also includes bottled water, an onboard restroom, and access to cooler and ice. You bring your own drinks or buy from the store.