West Palm Beach: Private Boat Cruise & Peanut Island with Captain

A captain steers you toward Peanut Island's sandbars and warm waters

You board a private boat with a captain who navigates to Peanut Island's sandbars, where you float on a mat, listen to your own music through the boat's Bluetooth system, and drink cold water from the cooler. Food vendors work the sandbars if you book the 4-hour option. The captain speaks English and Spanish, and you're back on shore in 2 to 4 hours depending on which package you choose.

Step-by-step itinerary

West Palm Beach Boat Cruise and Tour

• Depart from Port of Palm Beach
• View manatees at Manatee Lagoon
• Pass North Palm Beach Country Club
• Cruise to Peanut Island
• Snorkel, paddle board, and kayak
• Relax on floating mat at sandbar
• Enjoy music with Bluetooth sound system

The experience

Someone's adjusting the Bluetooth speaker while the boat cuts through the water toward Peanut Island. That's the captain handling the wheel, and you're the one stretched out on the floating mat, cold water bottle within reach, watching the shoreline slip past. This is a West Palm Beach private boat cruise. Just you, your group, and a few hours on the water without the noise of a big tour boat or the logistics of renting your own vessel. The Port of Palm Beach sits in the background, a working harbor that reminds you this isn't some isolated cove. It's a real place where locals actually come to anchor and float.

The boat itself is the whole point. You get the premium Bluetooth sound system to play whatever you want, a cooler stocked with ice, bottled water, and that floating mat that turns the sandbars into your own private lounging spot. If you're going the 4-hour route (which makes sense for birthdays, bachelorettes, or just a longer afternoon), you can anchor next to other boats and grab food from the floating vendors that work the sandbars. The captain speaks English and Spanish, so there's no guessing about where you're going or what you're seeing. On the way, you'll pass Manatee Lagoon, an FPL Eco-Discovery Center where you can spot manatees if the timing works out, and the North Palm Beach Country Club, which has been a social hub since 1963 and sits right on the water where the boat passes.

The 2-hour option gets you the sightseeing and the floating mat time without the longer commitment. Three hours gives you more breathing room on the mat and a better feel for the island's snorkeling and paddle-boarding spots that locals use. All versions include a restroom on board, which matters more than it sounds when you're out for a few hours. The boat is suitable for all fitness levels, though it's not recommended for pregnant travelers or anyone with spinal or cardiovascular concerns. The captain will go over that when you book.

What’s included

Your cruise includes bottled water and a cooler stocked with ice, a premium Bluetooth audio system so you can play your own music, a floating water mat for relaxation on the sandbars, a restroom on board, and a captain who speaks English and Spanish. On the 4-hour option, you can purchase food from vendors at the sandbars while anchored.

Options for this experience

4 options

Sightseeing and Island tour, 2 hoursGuide in English or Spanish · 13 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 20:00Extra charge: $150 for the captain and fuel surcharge are paid separately from the online booking; see the exclusions section for reference. 2-Hour Sightseeing and Island: Take in iconic sights such as Manatee Lagoon, luxurious yachts, stunning coastal homes, and the beautiful Peanut Island sandbar. Duration: 2 hours.

Sunset CruiseGuide in English or Spanish · 16:00, 17:00, 18:00 and 19:00Extra charge: $150 for the captain and fuel surcharge are paid separately from the online booking; see the exclusions section for reference. Sunset Memories: Enjoy a sunset cruise with stunning views of Peanut Island and the West Palm Beach skyline, ideal for making memories. Duration: 2 hours. SUNSET SEASON TIMINGS: Please select the correct sunset start time. The 4 pm and 5 pm starts apply to the winter season; the 6 pm and 7 pm starts apply to summer daylight saving time.

Sightseeing and Island tour, 3 hoursGuide in English or Spanish · 12 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 19:00Extra charge: $200 for the captain and fuel surcharge are paid separately from the online booking; see the exclusions section for reference. Sightseeing Sip and Dip: Take in iconic sights such as Manatee Lagoon, luxurious yachts, stunning coastal homes, and the Peanut Island sandbar, with extra time there. Duration: 3 hours.

Sightseeing and Island tour, 4 hoursGuide in English or Spanish · 11 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 18:00Extra charge: $250 for the captain and fuel surcharge are paid separately from the online booking; see the exclusions section for reference. Half-Day Sightseeing and Island: Experience the ultimate adventure, enjoy lively music, and relax in the crystal-clear sandbar waters of Peanut Island. Duration: 4 hours.

You pick the guide language when booking.

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

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day13 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 20:00

Book up to1h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

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.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Andy

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to spend a few hours on the water without managing a rental boat or joining a crowded tour. The captain handles navigation and the floating mat turns the sandbars into your own space.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What's included on the boat?

Bottled water, a cooler with ice, premium Bluetooth audio system, a floating water mat, a restroom on board, and a captain who speaks English and Spanish.

Is the boat suitable for young children?

Infants must sit on an adult's lap. The boat is suitable for all fitness levels, but it's not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular health concerns.

Can I see manatees on this tour?

The boat passes Manatee Lagoon, an FPL Eco-Discovery Center where manatees can be spotted. Sightings aren't guaranteed, but the location is part of the route.

What's the difference between the 2-hour, 3-hour, and 4-hour options?

The 2-hour cruise includes sightseeing and floating mat time. The 3-hour option gives you extra time on the mat for sunbathing. The 4-hour half-day cruise is best for celebrations and lets you anchor near other boats and purchase food from floating vendors.