Boat tour with Watersports and snorkeling near st pete beach

Imagine cruising along the sparkling waters of St. Petersburg, Florida, on a private boat with your own captain guiding you to the best spots. That’s exactly what this boat tour offers—a flexible, personalized adventure that caters to both thrill-seekers and those wanting a more laid-back experience. From water skiing and wakeboarding to shelling and dolphin spotting, this three-hour trip packs a lot of fun into one smooth ride.

What we love most about this experience is its customizable nature—you can choose to be active or simply relax and soak up the scenery. Plus, the friendly, attentive captain makes all the difference, creating a safe and engaging environment. That said, it’s worth noting that the fuel charge of around $50 isn’t included in the base price, and weather can influence the trip, so having a flexible schedule helps.

This tour is ideal for families, groups of friends, or couples looking for a memorable day on the water. Whether you’re eager to try watersports or prefer to explore the Gulf’s quieter corners, this private charter offers a value-packed, authentic experience that emphasizes fun, safety, and stunning views.

Key Points

• Flexible, customizable itinerary tailored to your interests
• All watersports gear and snorkeling equipment provided
• Dolphin sightings are common and often a highlight
• Primarily suitable for groups up to six, making it intimate and personal
• Around 3 hours of adventure or relaxation on the water
• Fuel surcharge (~$50) and gratuities not included in the upfront price

The Itinerary and What to Expect

Starting Point and Group Size

The tour kicks off at 4630 29th Ave S, Gulfport, Florida—an easy-to-reach location near St. Pete Beach with convenient access via public transportation. This private experience is limited to your group of up to six, ensuring a personalized touch that larger tours often can’t match. The price is $350 per group, which, when split among friends or family, makes for quite good value considering the level of customization and the personal attention you’ll receive from Captain Allen.

The Captain and the Crew

You’ll be in capable hands with Captain Allen, who has earned glowing reviews for friendliness and professionalism. He’s praised for going beyond just steering the boat—offering tips, engaging in watersports, and making everyone feel comfortable. As one reviewer put it, “Captain Allen was great, very friendly and he had a lot to offer for the day.” Knowing your captain is dedicated to your safety and fun can make all the difference, especially if you’re new to watersports or snorkeling.

Trip Duration and Pacing

The three-hour window packs a lot of activity and sightseeing. It’s long enough to explore several spots without feeling rushed, yet short enough to keep energy levels high. The flexible nature of the tour means you can emphasize activities you love—whether that’s wakeboarding, snorkeling, or simply floating in the water.

First Stop: Watersports and Adventure

The tour typically kicks off with watersports—think wakeboarding or water skiing. All necessary gear is provided, meaning no need to bring your own equipment. This is perfect for thrill-seekers eager to get their adrenaline pumping and try something new in the Gulf waters.

Watersports for Everyone

One reviewer shared, “We enjoyed wakeboarding, water skiing, and snorkeling and just a nice boat trip all around.” This variety means you can switch between activities or focus solely on your favorites. For families with kids or those with a more cautious approach, the captain can tailor the experience, perhaps focusing more on relaxing activities like shelling or sightseeing.

Snorkeling and Marine Life

After the adrenaline rush, you might want to explore just below the surface. The tour includes use of snorkeling gear, allowing you to observe underwater life. It’s common to see dolphins—a highlight mentioned by multiple guests—swimming around the boat or playing nearby. One visitor described their experience: “We watched a pod of dolphins explore around our boat,” which underscores how often such encounters happen here.

The Shore and Shelling Experience

One of the more relaxing highlights is shelling on nearby beaches or islands. An added bonus, as guests have reported, is discovering sand dollars and beautiful shells on the beaches accessible during the tour. This part of the trip is ideal for those who want a peaceful break and a chance to collect souvenirs that remind you of your day.

Island-Hopping and Scenic Views

While the specific stops aren’t detailed, the flexibility means your captain can take you to quieter spots, away from crowds, or to well-known landmarks like the old fort turrets for snorkeling. These spots offer great underwater sights or photo opportunities, making your trip both scenic and memorable.

Dolphin Spotting: The Unmissable Bonus

Dolphins are a common sight during this tour, and watching these intelligent creatures play around the boat is often a highlight. One guest noted, “We found sand dollars and watched a pod of dolphins explore around our boat,” which perfectly captures how close and frequent these encounters can be.

Why Dolphin Sightings Matter

For many travelers, spotting dolphins in their natural habitat is the ultimate reward. It’s a reminder of the joyful, wild spirit of Florida’s Gulf waters. The captain’s familiarity with local hotspots increases the chances of these sightings, making the experience even more special.

Practical Details and Considerations

Cost and Value

At $350 for up to six people, this tour offers good value, especially considering all watersports gear, snorkeling equipment, and the personalized service. When split among a group, it becomes quite affordable for a three-hour private adventure. Remember, there’s an additional fuel charge of around $50, which is common for private charters—this isn’t hidden, and paying it directly to the captain keeps the process transparent.

Weather and Cancellation

Weather can influence the trip—if storms or poor conditions arise, your tour may be canceled or rescheduled at no cost if you cancel more than 24 hours in advance. The flexibility here is reassuring, especially given Florida’s unpredictable weather patterns.

Booking and Planning

Most travelers book their trip about 35 days in advance, so planning ahead is wise if you have specific dates in mind. A mobile ticket makes the booking process straightforward, and because it’s a private tour, your experience remains exclusive and tailored.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This boat tour suits a variety of travelers—from adventurous families eager for watersports and dolphin encounters to groups seeking a peaceful day of shelling and scenic cruising. The intimate group size makes it perfect for those who dislike crowded, noisy tours. It’s also an excellent choice for people with special needs, as reviews mentioned Captain Allen’s thoughtful approach to accommodating everyone.

The Sum Up: Why This Tour Is a Solid Choice

For travelers craving a flexible, personalized adventure on the water, this private boat tour near St. Pete Beach is a real winner. The combination of watersports, snorkeling, and dolphin sightings delivers a well-rounded experience suited to both thrill-seekers and those seeking tranquility. The boat’s small size and attentive captain create a more authentic, comfortable atmosphere that larger tours can’t match.

The tour’s value becomes even clearer when you consider the included gear and the potential for memorable wildlife encounters. Whether you’re zooming over the waves, exploring the underwater world, or simply floating with a drink in hand, this trip offers a genuine taste of Gulf Coast fun.

It’s perfect for families, friends, or couples wanting to enjoy the water at their own pace, with all the essentials provided for a safe and enjoyable day. Just keep an eye on the weather, plan ahead, and be ready for a day full of smiles, splashes, and maybe even a dolphin or two.

FAQ

How many people can participate in this tour?
Up to six people per group, making it an intimate and personalized experience.

What’s included in the price?
All watersports gear and snorkeling equipment are provided, ensuring you’re ready for fun without extra hassle.

Is the tour suitable for children or people with special needs?
Yes, reviews mention Captain Allen’s thoughtful approach, and most travelers can participate.

What is the total duration of the tour?
Approximately three hours, which allows enough time for multiple activities or relaxing sightseeing.

Are there additional charges I should be aware of?
Yes, a fuel charge of around $50 is not included in the initial price, and gratuities are optional.

How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers book about 35 days ahead—planning early helps secure your preferred date.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a new date or a full refund.

How do I book this tour?
Through the provider, Allens Aquatic Adventures, with a mobile ticket system that makes planning easy.

In short, whether you’re after high-energy watersports, relaxing shelling, or dolphin watching, this private boat tour offers a balanced, memorable day on Florida’s Gulf waters.