Florida’s Tampa Bay area is surrounded by water, which means some of the best things to do in St. Pete Beach and St. Petersburg aren’t on land at all.
If you’re visiting Tampa Bay and wondering what to do beyond the beaches, a private boat charter can combine several of the area’s most popular experiences into a single trip.
Here are 10 of our favorite ways to experience Tampa Bay from the water.
1. Take a Private Boat Charter
One of the easiest ways to experience Tampa Bay is aboard a private boat charter with a captain.
Unlike large sightseeing boats, private charters give your family or group the boat to yourselves.
Beach Charters By The Bay offers private experiences throughout the St. Petersburg, Gulfport, St. Pete Beach, and Tampa Bay area.
2. Look for Wild Dolphins
Seeing dolphins swimming alongside the boat is one of those Florida experiences you don’t forget.
Bottlenose dolphins are commonly found throughout Tampa Bay and the surrounding Gulf waters.
Because they’re wild animals, sightings can’t be guaranteed—but exploring the area by boat provides plenty of opportunities to encounter them naturally.
3. Visit a Sandbar
Few things feel more Florida than anchoring at a beautiful sandbar and stepping into clear, shallow water.
Sandbar trips are perfect for swimming, relaxing, floating, taking photos, and spending time with family and friends.
4. Go Snorkeling
You don’t need to travel to the Caribbean to enjoy snorkeling.
Tampa Bay and the Gulf Coast offer opportunities to explore underwater areas and see fish and marine life.
Beach Charters By The Bay provides complimentary snorkel gear for guests interested in adding snorkeling to their charter when conditions permit.
5. Experience a Tampa Bay Sunset Cruise
Florida’s Gulf Coast is famous for its sunsets.
Watching the sun disappear over the Gulf from a private boat provides an entirely different experience than watching from a crowded beach.
A private sunset cruise in St. Petersburg is particularly popular with couples, families, anniversaries, birthdays, and visitors celebrating special occasions.
6. Explore Boca Ciega Bay
Boca Ciega Bay sits between St. Petersburg and the barrier islands and offers beautiful scenery, wildlife, waterfront homes, islands, and protected waterways.
It’s also one of our primary cruising areas.
7. Explore Shell Key and the Surrounding Waters
The waters surrounding Shell Key are popular with boaters because of their natural scenery, beaches, wildlife, and opportunities to spend time away from the more developed portions of Pinellas County.
Conditions and access can vary, which is another reason traveling with an experienced local captain is valuable.
8. See Tampa Bay’s Wildlife
Dolphins aren’t the only animals you may encounter.
Depending on the season and location, guests may see:
- Pelicans
- Ospreys
- Rays
- Manatees
- Shorebirds
- Fish
- Other marine wildlife
Every charter is different.
9. Celebrate a Special Occasion
Private boats make excellent venues for birthdays, anniversaries, engagements, family gatherings, and other celebrations.
Instead of reserving a table at another restaurant, spend several hours exploring Tampa Bay with your favorite people.
10. Experience Florida Like a Local
Perhaps the biggest reason to get on the water is simple: boating is part of the Tampa Bay lifestyle.
Visitors see St. Petersburg from the road.
Locals know that an entirely different world exists beyond the shoreline.
Experience Tampa Bay With Beach Charters By The Bay
Beach Charters By The Bay offers private boat charters in St. Petersburg, Gulfport, St. Pete Beach, and throughout the Tampa Bay area.
Our charters can incorporate sightseeing, snorkeling, swimming, sandbars, wildlife watching, and sunset experiences depending on your interests and conditions.
Instead of booking several different activities, create one private experience built around your group.
Book your Beach Charters By The Bay adventure and experience Tampa Bay from the water.