Private boat charters in Tampa Bay
A private charter means the boat, the captain and the day are yours: a sandbar afternoon, a proposal at sunset, a birthday with your own music and cooler. You set the plan, and a licensed captain handles the water.
Good for
- Birthdays, anniversaries and proposals
- Bachelorette and bachelor parties
- Families who want to swim at a sandbar, not sit on a tour boat
- Visitors who want to see Egmont Key, Shell Key or Caladesi
- Anyone who'd rather not share a boat with strangers
- Photographers and content shoots that need a boat and a plan
Charters we arrange
Sandbar and island trips
Half or full days to the sandbars off St. Pete and Clearwater, with time to swim, shell and anchor up.
Pontoon charters
Stable, shaded boats for families and groups up to a dozen, ideal for the bay's calm water.
Center consoles and bowriders
Faster boats for covering distance to Egmont Key or the Gulf beaches.
Yacht charters
Larger boats with cabins, heads and a crew for celebrations and corporate hosting.
Proposal and celebration setups
Flowers, a photographer waiting on the dock or on board, and a captain who knows when to look the other way.
What affects the price
- Boat type and size.
- Half day, full day or a two-hour sunset.
- Passenger count, which sets the boat and the captain's credential.
- Fuel for longer runs to the islands.
- Catering, decorations and photography add-ons.
You get the full price, including fuel, gear and fees, before anything is booked.
Charter waters around Tampa Bay
A boat for six or fewer can be run by a captain with a Coast Guard six-passenger credential; more than six passengers means an inspected vessel and a master captain, which is why the headcount is the first question. From Tampa, charters run the bay and Davis Islands; from St. Pete and Clearwater they reach the sandbars, Shell Key, Caladesi and Egmont Key, the uninhabited island with a lighthouse and a Spanish-American War fort at the mouth of the bay.
Common questions
How many people fit on a private charter?
Six on most smaller boats, up to 12 on pontoons and 20 to 50 on larger inspected vessels. Tell us the headcount and we match the boat.
Can we bring alcohol?
On most private charters, yes, for guests 21 and over. Glass is often not allowed. The captain stays sober and in charge.
Can we swim?
Yes, at sandbars and anchorages the captain picks. Life jackets are on board for everyone.
Do you do proposals?
Yes. Tell us the plan and the captain, a photographer and the timing are arranged without the other person knowing.
Related services
Areas we serve
Private boat charters across Tampa and these nearby communities: