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If you’re planning to get out on the water and explore Clearwater, Florida, there are plenty of boat tours available. In this post, we’ll look at the best boat tours and sunset cruises in Clearwater Beach!
You can book a tour for just a few hours or spend an entire day cruising around the area. Many boat tours will take you out to see the sunset, which is a beautiful sight from the water.
There are also cruises that focus on dolphin watching, fishing, and other activities. Whatever what your interests are, there’s sure to be a boat tour that’s perfect for you.
You’re sure to have a memorable experience on a Clearwater Beach boat tour or sunset cruise. So book your tour today and get ready for an unforgettable vacation!
Top Choice √ Best Clearwater Beach Boat Tour & Sunset Cruise
2- Hour Sunset Cruise In Clearwater Florida
Booking a last-minute trip to Clearwater Beach?
If so, we have you covered. Here are some top recommended hotels and accommodations!
Top Hotels In Clearwater Beach
Michaels Surfside Cabanas – (Budget-Friendly Apartment Nearby Beach)
Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach – (Best Rated Mid-Range Hotel)
Hampton Inn and Suites Clearwater Beach – (Top Rated Hotel Near The Beach)
Holiday Villas II – (Private Beach Area Luxury Apartment)
Looking To Get Around In Clearwater Beach?
Check out rental car rates here! 🚗
Whether you’re looking for a romantic evening out or a fun activity for the entire family, these Clearwater Beach boat tours and sunset cruises will certainly leave a lasting impression.
Here are the highest-rated tours in the area. All of the tours recommended in this post are rated 4.5 to 5 stars on Viator.
We’ll start with the 2- Hour Sunset Cruise, which is a top-rated, popular tour in Clearwater Beach.
5 Best Clearwater Beach
Sunset Cruises & Boat Tours
Recommended Sunset Cruise
This tour is rated 5 Stars on Viator with 245 reviews!
Tour length- Approximately 2 Hours
This tour is a great choice if you’re looking for both a sunset cruise AND and chance to see dolphins. The 2-hour sunset cruise takes you out for a memorable night on the water.
Spend this evening cruise looking for dolphins in the water as you enjoy the views and watch the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico.
This is a family-friendly public cruise and there will be up to 40 passengers on board this 46 foot boat. This is not a private tour.
What Is Included With This Tour?
√ Champagne Toast For Guests That Are 21 Years Old Or Older
√ Dolphin Sightseeing
√ Free Parking After 6 PM
√ Cruise On The Gulf Of Mexico & Intercoastal Waterway
√ There Are Soda & Alcoholic Drinks For Sale (Beer, Wine, & Seltzers)
Here’s what one past guest said about this tour:
“The crew are so nice! The sunset view was beautiful. We got to see some dolphins in the Gulf. I enjoyed the experience very much and will definitely want to do this again.”
(Justin_R see more reviews)
Recommended Dinner Cruise
Photo Credit- Starlight Cruises
This tour is rated 4.5 Stars on Viator with over 900 reviews!
Tour length- 2 Hours
One of the most popular in Clearwater, the Calypso Cruise takes you around Clearwater for a daytime or evening tour.
These tours will have up to 150 guests on board and they feature a buffet and an open bar with rum and other drinks.
The daytime cruise is more commentary and informational of Clearwater and the area. If you’re looking for more entertainment on your boat cruise, the evening cruises include a dj and dancing. Kids are allowed on both cruises.
What Is Included With This Tour?
√ Food Buffet (There Are Desserts Available For Purchase)
√ Open Bar With All You Can Drink Beer, Wine, And Rum Punch (There Are Other Drinks Available For Purchase)
√ Sightseeing Of Clearwater Waters
√ Dancing And DJ On Evening Cruise
√ Catch Sunset Views On The Evening Cruise
Here’s what one past guest said about this tour:
“Everything that was expected and more! Beautiful experience with good music, great food and wonderful staff. Unforgettable!!!”
(Jose_R, Sept 2022 see more reviews)
Recommended Dolphin Cruise
This tour is rated 5 Stars on Viator with over 3500 reviews!
Tour length- approximately 75 minutes
Looking for the best way to see dolphins in Clearwater Beach?! Not a long tour in duration but it’s sure to be a memorable one.
The Little Toot Dolphin Adventure takes you out on a tugboat that’ll create nice a nice wake and optimal conditions for dolphins to play in the water, while you view them from the comfort of the boat!
This is a family-friendly, public cruise and there will be up to 50 visitors on this tour.
What Is Included With This Tour?
√ Dolphin Sightseeing As You Cruise The Area
√ Commentary About Dolphins, Wildlife & The Area From Your Boat Captain
√ Drinks Available To Buy (Beer, Wine, Soda, & Water)
Here’s what a past guest said about this tour:
“Amazing experience!! Beautiful sightseeing. So much fun for kids looking for the dolphins Highly recommended”
(Maria_L, Sept 2022 see more reviews)
Recommended Private Boat Tour
Photo Credit- A Boat Day (Clearwater)
This tour is rated 5 Stars on Viator with over 175 reviews!
Tour length- 4 Hours
If you’re looking for a private tour for your friends and family, this half day tour on the Platinum Fun Ship is a must-do!
This double decker pontoon tour is 27 feet long and perfect for a day out in the sun. Your itinerary is customizable at either a half day or full day, and you have options for visiting beaches and barrier islands, swimming, snorkeling, sightseeing dolphins and wildlife, or just relaxing on the boat.
This is a private tour and there will only be up to 10 people allowed on the cruise.
What Is Included With This Tour?
√ Sightseeing For Dolphins, Manatees, Sea Turtles & Other Wildlife
√ Safety Equipment
√ Explore Caladesi Island, Honeymoon Island State Park, & Three Rocker Sand Bar
√ Experienced Guide/Captain
√ Swimming and Shelling
√ Watch The Sunset On Evening Tour
Here’s what a past guest had to say about this tour:
“Great boat, service and beautiful sight seems. The pilot was flexible and super kind with the kids. We saw dolphins and nice islands in the area. All great experience.”
(Rene_M, August 2022 see more reviews)
Looking to rent your own pontoon for the day? Book here
Recommended Party Tour
Photo Credit- Cruisin’ Tikis Clearwater
This tour is rated 5 Stars on Viator with over 100 reviews!
Tour length- 1.5 Hours
Looking for a unique way to booze cruise?! The tiki boat cruises are a popular way to do so and with only 6 people on a tiki boat, it’s a great way to provide an intimate experience.
Note: You can have larger groups but you’ll just be split on different tiki boats. Also, there isn’t alcohol on the boat but you can bring your own (BYOB) and you can bring your own snacks, too. Great way to save money versus the other tours where you have to buy their drinks!
Take a daytime or evening tour for your preferred experience.
What Is Included With This Tour?
√ Dolphin Sightseeing As You Cruise Around Clearwater Beach
√ Professional, Experienced Captain
√ Coolers And Ice Are Included For Your Drinks
√ Bluetooth Speakers To Play Your Favorite Music On The Water
√ Anchor Down & Party With The Locals At An Area Sandbar
√ Take In Sunset Views On The Evening Cruise
Here’s what a past guest had to say about this tour:
“The Tiki Sunset experience was amazing. David, our Tiki Captain was amazing, took us to an island and the whole ride was unforgettable. Thanks David for everything!”
(Michelle_F, Sept 2022 see more reviews)
Clearwater Beach Boat Tours & Sunset Cruises- FAQ’s
What Time Of Day Is Best For Dolphin Watching?
It’s said that the dolphins are most active after sunrise, late morning from 10 am- noon when the water is still generally calm. From 2 pm- dusk, there’s also a good opportunity to see dolphins.
What Is The Best Month To See Dolphins In Clearwater, Florida?
Clearwater has plenty of dolphins that live here all year round, but May through August are the best months to see dolphins as this is also when dolphins come here to mate.
What Should I Bring On The Boat Cruise?
Many of the cruises ask that you bring your own beach day essentials such as sunscreen, towels, and you can find these and more below.
Never hit the water without your sunscreen. You’ll want at least SPF 30 to protect from the Florida sun.
Sun Bum Sun Screen
If you’re planning a boat cruise, quick drying beach towels are an essential item to pack. Unlike regular towels, quick drying beach towels are made from materials that dry quickly, meaning you won’t have to worry about them getting wet and heavy as the day goes on.
Quick Drying Beach Towel
Bring back memories from your underwater adventure with this waterproof camera that’s made for snorkeling!
Waterproof Camera
Keep your phone dry and take beautiful pictures under water with a waterproof phone case.
Waterproof Phone Case
Everything You Need For Your Vacation To Clearwater Beach & St Pete!
27 Best Things To Do In Clearwater Beach!
15 Best Beaches In Tampa, Florida! (2022)
John’s Pass Restaurants- 10 Great Places To Try!
12 Waterfront Restaurants- St Pete And Nearby To Try (2022)!
15 Memorable Day Trips From Tampa
16 Things To Do At The St. Pete Pier And Nearby
Final Thoughts:
5 Best Clearwater Beach Sunset Cruises & Boat Tours
Clearwater Beach boat tours and sunset cruises are the perfect way to enjoy the beauty of the area.
With so many options to choose from, there is sure to be a tour that fits your needs and budget.
So, what are you waiting for? Book a tour today and experience Clearwater Beach like never before!
Travel Resources
Book Your Next Trip! For Accommodations and short-term rentals, I recommend Booking.com as they are the best in the business when it comes to rates and places to stay.
To Book Activities- For activities, I suggest booking with Viator, they have thousands of 5-star activities to choose from!
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