Design your own adventure!
PRIVATE BOAT CHARTERS
Host your next event aboard one of our Tampa Bay Watch vessels with a private charter designed just for you. We offer departures from the St. Pete Pier and our headquarters in Tierra Verde, FL, and we'll customize the trip route and duration, educational content, and other details to meet your needs. Great for families, celebrations, birthday and holiday parties, and company outings. Please fill out our charter request form to begin the booking process and contact ecotours@tampabaywatch.org to learn more.
Guests will experience marine wildlife up close and learn about Tampa Bay’s unique history and ecosystem, all while enjoying a scenic voyage throughout the bay. Frequent sightings include dolphins, manatees, birds, stingrays, and more! Sunset cruises are also available.
All proceeds support our mission to restore the bay. 🌎💙
The Basics
Base rate: $500 for a 90-minute boat-based experience, pricing and duration are customizable and vary based on the program selected.
Program options: Wildlife Boat Tour, Sunset Boat Tour, Liquid to Land History Tour (additional cost), Fishing Workshop (limited capacity), Sandbar Snorkel Tour (limited capacity), other options upon request.
Included amenities: Every charter includes a captain and crew. All of our vessels are equipped with limited onboard power, a restroom, and a Bluetooth sound system with a microphone included. Our vessels are wheelchair accessible upon request.
Food and beverage: Guests are welcome to bring their own food and beverages aboard the vessel. Each vessel has a center island space that guests may use. While we are not able to coordinate catering or accept deliveries at this time, guests may bring anything they wish with them. We are also happy to share a list of recommended local caterers we’ve partnered with in the past.
We encourage and appreciate the use of reusable and/or eco-friendly packaging and party supplies.
OUR VESSELS
THE DISCOVERY
Vessel type: Corinthian Catamaran
Length: 45’
Passengers: 45
Fun fact: Operating since 2022, the Discovery is lovingly called “The Disco” by our crew, and true to her nickname, she hosts a great party!
Departs from the St. Pete Pier – ideal for exploring the Bay side of St. Petersburg. Expect amazing city skyline views, a front row seat to local bird rookeries, and an opportunity to experience Tampa Bay like you’ve never seen it before.
Vessel type: Trident Pontoon
Length: 40’
Passengers: 36
Fun fact: Great Blue’s name is a nod to Tampa Bay Watch’s new logo, updated in 2024 to represent our mission to foster a healthy Tampa Bay watershed through community-driven restoration projects, education programs, and outreach initiatives.
GREAT BLUE
Departs from Tierra Verde – ideal for exploring the Gulf side of St. Petersburg. Expect views of untouched nature, the sunshine skyway bridge, and beautiful sunsets – keep an eye out for the elusive green flash!
Vessel type: Sit-on-top Tandem Kayaks
Length: 13.5’
Passengers: 28
Fun fact: Double-crested cormorants are a species of bird that join us on every one of our kayak tours – why? Because the kayak’s shadow and movement scare fish out of hiding spots in seagrass beds, giving them an easy meal.
Kayak Tampa Bay
Every trip is guided by one of our expert marine science educators, who will lead you through the waters of Shell Key Preserve. Expect to get your body moving as you explore places you can’t access with a motorized vessel, and wildlife at every turn! We offer private outings for groups of 2 to 28 guests, pricing depends on the number of guests and duration of the experience.
Our boat tours support clean Tampa Bay waters
We are dedicated to fostering a healthy Tampa Bay watershed through community-driven restoration projects, education programs, and outreach initiatives.
What will you discover?
“A fantastic tour and cruise around the bay. We had a large private group and Tampa Bay Watch was very accommodating and entertaining. I would definitely recommend personally or professionally.”
“We hosted my daughter’s 6th birthday on the boat. It was a wonderful experience! The staff was so professional and knowledgeable and incredibly engaging with the kids. Everyone had a great time. The tour was really fun - we saw lots of sea life and it was a beautiful day. 10/10 would recommend and hope to do another trip with them!”
Birthday Parties
Party on the water! Customize your celebration with a variety of themes and unique, interactive educational programs. Option to combine with rental access to our classroom space for an extended learning experience. Ask us for suggestions! Click here to learn more and contact education@tampabaywatch.org to learn more.
