Day Cruise Fun

By Nancy Foster

Soft sands, stunning sunsets and year-round temperate waters rank high with vacationers choosing the St. Pete/Clearwater area. To add to the sun-drenched getaway, many make time for a short cruise into the Gulf, where playful dolphins and stunning views make the experience truly memorable. Numerous cruise choices are offered at the Clearwater Beach Marina across from the Pier 60 public beach area. Most offer a narrated tour, guaranteed dolphin sightings and food and drink options.

Calypso Queen

This casual two-decker vessel offers 2 ½ hour sightseeing cruises of Clearwater Harbor. A narrated daytime cruise gets you up close to friendly dolphins, and the island-style dinner buffet cruise features dance music, interactive entertainment and complimentary beer, wine, rum punch and soft drinks. Cruise-only options are also available. starlitecruises.com

CAPTAIN MEMO’S PIRATE CRUISE

Swashbucklers of any age will enjoy this rollicking daytime or sunset cruise on a customdesigned adventure boat built to USCG specifications. The crew of friendly pirates engages would-be buccaneers with treasure hunting, face painting, nautical activities and I-spy dolphin spotting fun as they roam the calm seas of the Gulf. All guests receive complimentary soda and adult pirates have options for beer or wine. Snacks are available for purchase. captainmemo.com

Little Toot Dolphin Adventure

This repurposed 47’ tugboat is one of the most popular cruises on Clearwater Beach. Built to sit low in the water, it attracts bottlenose dolphins that love to frolic in its wide wake. If you’re looking for breathtaking close-up photos, this is the cruise for you, and it comes with a dolphin sighting guarantee. Little Toot offers 60-to-90-minute daytime and sunset cruises, and cold beverages may be purchased on board. littletoot.us

Starlite Majesty Dining Yacht

Choose this 115-passenger vessel with large picture windows and a spacious dining area for a more upscale lunch or sunset cruise. Dine on continental cuisine prepared on board and spend time on the top deck enjoying sweeping views of the Gulf. A Sunday Daytime Music Cruise on sister-ship Starlite Sapphire Dining Yacht is also a pleasurable excursion and tickets can be purchased with or without the meal option. starlitecruises.com

TROPICS BOAT TOURS

Depart from Clearwater Beach Marina on this narrated dolphin exploration tour that sails along Clearwater Bay through

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Clearwater Pass out into the Gulf. Options include the enhanced Happy Hour dolphin exploration tour or a delightful sunset celebration cruise that includes a complimentary champagne toast for those over 21. Light snacks and add-on drink packages may be purchased on board. thetropicsboattours.com

Florida Tiki Tours

A few miles south of Clearwater Beach is John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk in Madeira Beach, where a novel Hawaiian-style Tiki Hut party boat awaits you. This unique vessel holds six guests, but larger parties can choose the 18-passenger Tiki Boat. Choose between the 90-minute dolphin tour or a relaxing sunset cruise around John’s Pass and Boca Ciega Bay. Buy beer, wine or frozen drinks at the on-site Tipsi Tiki Bar, or bring your own snacks and beverages. floridatikitours.com

Destination information can be found at visitstpeteclearwater.com