On a peninsula west of Tampa Bay, St. Petersburg, Florida is connected to points south and east by bridges and causeways, and is in an area with dozens of marinas. Wander down almost any pier in the area and ask anyone if there is a day-charter boat in the marina; the answer will invariably be “yes.” The majority of day-charter boats don’t have websites and can be hard to find, but there are a few readily available day-cruise connections.
This full-service commercial tour boat service features public and private charters of many types. Enjoy a sunset cocktail cruise or trip to Shell and Egmont Keys, do some fishing or cruise to a good snorkeling spot, or just tour about with family and friends while celebrating a special occasion. Dolphin Landing vessels depart from the Pier downtown, St. Pete beach and Merry Pier in Passagrille. The company has over 40 sailing yachts, offshore fishing boats and luxury power cruisers available for any day-cruise preference.
Dolphin Landings Charter Boat Center
4737 Gulf Blvd.
Saint Petersburg Beach, FL 33706
727-365-4738
dolphinlandings.com
Skippered by a U.S. Coastguard licensed St. Pete native, this day-cruise charter is all about fishing, although non-fishing people are also welcome aboard. The vessel—a Luhrs 34-foot sportfish—offers a standard three-hour cruise for six or less. For an extended tour, book a half-, three-quarter- or full-day trip, and land a big one. Put red snapper, mackerel, mahi mahi or grouper on the table after a comfortable and fun day at sea.
Ultimate Catch Fishing and Cruising Charters
1901 Passagrille Way
Saint Petersburg, FL 33706
727-667-1213
ultimatecatchcharters.com
And now for something completely different: take 125 friends aboard the Pirate’s Ransom for a fun-filled cruise with pirates and wenches, drinks and dining, and some dolphin watching thrown in. This vessel looks like the real thing but actually cruises by diesel engine rather than under sail, and departs Clearwater two or more times daily for two-hour adventures. While at sea, enjoy water-gun fights, treasure hunts, dancing and stories of the high seas. Most cruises are open to the public and private charters are available.
Captain Memo's Pirate Cruise?
25 Causeway Blvd.
Clearwater, FL 33767-2064
727-446-2587
captainmemo.com
Departing by request from Gandy, E.G Simmons Park, Maximo Park, Pirates Point Resort and the Resort at Little Harbor boat ramps, this open-deck, center-cockpit speedboat takes one to four people out on the Gulf for four- to eight-hour cruises. The Captain has a network of 50 other vessels in the area, all with licensed skippers who offer similar services to parties of all sizes. For custom day cruises for any type of occasion, contact Captain Danny.
Captain Danny Guarino’s Charters
825 Bayview Drive
Ruskin, FL 33570
813-956-2010
fishingguidetampabay.com
