Boating & Sunset Cruises

Water is part of every trip on Pinellas County’s Gulf Coast. You can spend an evening on a sunset cruise, look for dolphins from a boat, rent a pontoon for the day, or, if you stay in one of our waterfront homes, step out to your own dock. Here is what we point guests to first, with the real drive times from our homes.

Dolphin and sunset cruises

John’s Pass and Madeira Beach

John’s Pass Village is the busiest departure point on the Gulf beaches. Hubbard’s Marina runs dolphin-watching and sunset cruises from here. The sunset cruise goes through the protected back bay and then along the Gulf beaches so you see the sunset from the water. Departure times move with the season, so check the current schedule. Sunshine Scenic Tours also runs dolphin cruises from the same boardwalk. From The Salty Parrot in St. Petersburg it is about ten minutes’ drive, and about 23 minutes from most of our other homes.

Clearwater Beach and Clearwater Harbor

Starlite Cruises sails from Clearwater Beach with narrated sightseeing, dinner and buffet cruises, and private events. A relaxed daytime harbor cruise is an easy first outing for families. It is about 16 to 20 minutes from our homes in Indian Rocks Beach and Largo.

Renting a boat for the day

Pontoon boats are the easy choice for a group: stable, shaded and simple to drive. Florida does not require a traditional boating license to rent or operate one. It does require a Boating Safety Education ID card for anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 who operates a boat with an engine of 10 horsepower or more. Rental companies will tell you exactly what they need, so ask when you book.

Bring your own boat to a waterfront home

Three of our homes list a boat slip: Casa Blue Horizon in Indian Rocks Beach, and On the Creek and Goodtimes Waterfront in Largo. Ask us about the slip size and water depth before you bring a boat, since every dock is different. Compare all our private pool vacation homes.

Kayaks and fishing instead?

If you would rather paddle or fish, see our guide to fishing and kayaking. For an evening on land after your cruise, try our dining guide or the shopping and nightlife guide.

How far are the launch points?

Approximate driving minutes from our homes in each area, without traffic. Largo shows the range across its three homes. Real trips vary with traffic and season.

Tips for a good day on the water

• Book sunset cruises early in winter and spring, when the area is busiest.
• Bring sunscreen, a hat and water, even on a short cruise.
• Morning trips usually mean calmer water and fewer boats.