Hernando Beach, Florida

Weedon Island Preserve is a 3,190-acre aquatic upland ecosystem on the west side of Tampa Bay, supporting diverse bird rookeries, animals, and serving as spawning grounds for fish in Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. It is a popular destination for nature and wildlife tours, mangrove exploration, and spotting dolphins and manatees via boat rentals and charters from nearby St. Petersburg operators.

The Tropics Boat Tours offers daily Dolphin Exploration Tours with guaranteed dolphin sightings, Sunset Celebration Cruises with complimentary champagne toast, and private charters on a double-decker catamaran in Clearwater Beach, Florida. The vessel features shaded areas, sun decks, a premium bar with drinks and snacks, family-friendly activities, and narration about local wildlife and area highlights. They are Ocean Friendly certified and voted Clearwater Beach's Best Outdoor Activity.

St. Pete Coastal Cruises is an affordable luxury boat tour operation offering guided boat tours, private charters, sunset cruises, Skyway Bridge Light Show cruises, dolphin watching, shelling, sandbar parties, and booze cruises using their 50’ custom-built catamaran 'Escape' with capacity for up to 49 passengers.

Salt Cracker Charters is Florida's #1 offshore bottom fishing and trolling charter service based in Clearwater Beach, Florida. They offer trips in the Gulf of Mexico targeting species like grouper, snapper, kingfish, Spanish mackerel, and more using a 38' Stapleton sportfisherman boat with experienced crew. Fish are cleaned and filleted at the dock, and catch can be cooked at the adjacent Salt Cracker Fish Camp restaurant.

The Tropics Boat Tours offers daily Dolphin Exploration Tours with guaranteed dolphin sightings from Clearwater Bay to the Gulf of Mexico, Sunset Celebration Cruises with complimentary champagne toast, and was voted Clearwater Beach's Best Outdoor Activity. Guests enjoy narrated cruises highlighting Gulf Coast facts, celebrity mansions, and natural wonders, lasting approximately 2 hours.

Little Toot offers private boat charters in Clearwater, FL, featuring wild dolphin tours in the Gulf of Mexico. The original Little Toot holds up to 30 passengers, and Little Toot II up to 55, ideal for birthdays, corporate events, sunset cruises, and ash scatterings. Private charters range from $500–$1500, with crew assistance for decorations and BYOB options (coolers/ice provided on original; bar on II).

Pirate Water Taxi is a fleet of pirate-themed water taxis offering hop-on hop-off tours in downtown Tampa with 14 stops along the Riverwalk, Channel District, Harbour Island, Davis Island, and Hillsborough River. They provide daily sightseeing cruises with historical narration, concessions, sunset and dolphin cruises, and private charters for events accommodating up to 100 passengers.

StarLite Cruises is a family-owned operation serving locals and visitors in St. Petersburg/Clearwater since 1986, operating Florida's largest daily excursion fleet with a variety of cruises including nature cruises, fine dining yacht cruises, casual tropical party cruises, dolphin tours, luncheon cruises, full day tour group excursions, weddings, corporate events, and private charters on scenic Florida inland waters.

Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruise is a family-oriented pirate-themed day cruise operating from Clearwater Beach Marina in Clearwater Beach, Florida, since 1977. It offers 2-hour public voyages on the U.S. Coast Guard-certified ship Pirate’s Ransom, featuring treasure hunts, face painting, water gun battles, pirate stories, cannon firing, dance parties, complimentary drinks (swinchers, beer, wine), and frequent dolphin sightings, catering to both children and adults in a family-friendly atmosphere.

Located in St. Petersburg, Florida, Pier Dolphin Cruises offers over 28 years of experience providing unique dolphin-watching excursions on the Tampa Bay waters. What sets this company apart is its long-standing relationship with local dolphins, who are accustomed to the sound of the Dolphin Queen catamaran and regularly swim alongside the boat, creating an exceptional and interactive wildlife experience. The tours are led by native captains certified by the United States Coast Guard, ensuring both safety and expert knowledge of the area's wildlife and history. The spacious, stable MV Dolphin Queen features a splash-free flat deck, ample seating with social distancing, and accessible facilities, all maintained with thorough sanitation protocols. Pier Dolphin Cruises specializes in dolphin tours, sunset cruises, and eco tours designed to educate and entertain visitors of all ages. Guests can expect close encounters with dolphins, manatees, stingrays, and various bird species while cruising through the bay and inlets. Knowledgeable guides share insights about the local ecosystem and conservation efforts, enhancing the experience for nature enthusiasts and families alike. The company also offers private charters for special events such as weddings, office parties, and celebrations, providing a memorable setting on the water. With a dedicated team including marine educators and experienced captains, the cruises combine safety, comfort, and engaging storytelling for an unforgettable outing in St. Pete.

Fins Up Clearwater is a locally owned and operated dolphin tour company based in Clearwater, Florida. With a strong reputation for excellence, it has been voted the best dolphin sightseeing tour in Clearwater Beach. The company offers a unique two-hour dolphin cruise departing from Clearwater Beach Marina, featuring comfortable seating, dedicated dolphin viewing areas, and a fully covered canopy for shade. What sets this experience apart is the combination of wildlife spotting, including dolphins and sea turtles, with an island stop at a private sandbar, allowing guests to relax or explore a scenic local oasis. The tours are conducted on a US Coast Guard–inspected passenger vessel with an experienced captain and friendly, knowledgeable crew providing local narration. Fins Up Clearwater caters to families and nature enthusiasts seeking an engaging and memorable outing on the water. Their offerings include the Clearwater Dolphin Tour & Island Adventure, a morning Dolphin & Donuts Cruise with complimentary donuts, and a Dolphin Sunset Cruise that showcases stunning Gulf sunsets alongside dolphin sightings. Guests can bring their own snacks and beverages, with coolers and ice provided onboard, or purchase refreshments during the trip. The tours are family-friendly, with amenities such as onboard restrooms and a dolphin sighting guarantee that allows free rebooking if no dolphins are seen. Whether guests prefer to stay dry on the boat or explore the island shore, the experience combines wildlife observation, scenic views, and a relaxed atmosphere suitable for all ages.

Encounters with Dolphins is a Clearwater Beach, Florida-based tour company specializing in narrated sightseeing excursions through Clearwater Harbor. With a focus on wildlife observation, the company offers guests the chance to view dolphins in their natural habitat aboard a 40-foot Coast Guard-inspected vessel. The experienced crew provides informative commentary throughout the trip, enhancing the experience with local insights. A unique feature of the tour is a stop at Compass Island, where passengers can swim, collect shells, and enjoy the natural surroundings. Dolphin sightings are guaranteed, making it a reliable choice for wildlife enthusiasts and families alike. The excursions last approximately one and a half hours and depart multiple times daily from the Clearwater Beach Marina. In addition to public tours, the company offers private charters for special occasions such as weddings, birthday parties, and social gatherings, providing a customizable and intimate setting on the water. The combination of educational narration, guaranteed wildlife encounters, and the opportunity to explore a scenic island makes this experience appealing to visitors seeking both relaxation and adventure in a coastal environment. The company also offers a complimentary dolphin toy with every child ticket, adding a family-friendly touch to the outing.