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.

River Ventures is the #1 tour operator in Crystal River and Homosassa, Florida, specializing in eco-tours including manatee swims and snorkeling, airboat rides, scallop hunts, wildlife encounters, river cruises, paddling, kayak rentals, and lodging. They emphasize integrity, reputation, community outreach, education, high-quality facilities and vessels, flexibility, environmental dedication, and customer appreciation with a passionate crew.

Clear Kayaking Tours is a family-owned and operated business in Crystal River, Florida, with over 20 years of local experience, offering guided clear kayak tours through scenic waterways like Three Sisters Springs, focusing on unique underwater views of manatees and natural beauty.

A Crystal River Kayak Company offers kayak rentals, stand-up paddleboard (SUP), canoe rentals, and guided kayak tours including clear kayak adventures, manatee swim tours (November 15 - March 31), sunset tours, and dry tours to explore Crystal River's waterways, Three Sisters Springs, and Kings Bay for wildlife viewing like manatees. They provide the largest selection of boats (single/double sit-on-top, sit-inside, paddle boards, canoes, clear kayaks), closest dock to Three Sisters Springs (10-minute paddle), life jackets, paddles, rentals for masks/snorkels, wetsuits, accessories, gifts, apparel, changing rooms, restrooms, and water cooler. Reservations required for rentals and self-launches; welcomes all experience levels.

See Crystal River offers relaxing riverboat safaris and narrated sightseeing cruises in Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, focusing on up-close wildlife encounters with manatees, alligators, turtles, and birds in their natural habitat. Expert USCG licensed captains provide narration about the area's ecology and history, using USCG inspected tour boats with a maximum of 16 passengers for an intimate experience.

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.

Totally Tiki Tours offers a distinctive boating experience on the scenic waters of Tampa Bay, Florida, with convenient departure points at Rocky Point Island in Tampa, the Downtown Tampa Riverwalk, and the St. Petersburg Pier. Specializing in private and public tiki boat tours, the company provides a unique way to explore the bay’s natural beauty, including opportunities to spot dolphins and manatees. Their spacious tiki boat accommodates up to 13 passengers and features amenities such as Bluetooth speakers, a restroom, and coolers filled with ice, enhancing the comfort and enjoyment of each trip. With a focus on personalized service, the tours are led by USCG-qualified captains, ensuring a safe and memorable outing for all guests. The company caters to a variety of occasions, including birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, retirements, and bachelor or bachelorette parties, as well as casual outings for locals and visitors alike. Guests can choose from two-hour private or public tours during the day or at sunset, with options to stop at shallow sandbars for swimming and water activities. While Totally Tiki Tours provides complimentary water and plastic cups, customers are encouraged to bring their own beverages, as alcohol is not sold onboard. The experience combines stunning Florida sunsets, playful wildlife sightings, and customizable itineraries, making it an ideal choice for groups seeking a fun and relaxing way to enjoy Tampa Bay’s coastal charm.

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.

Odyssey Cruises operates in Tarpon Springs, Florida, offering a premier sightseeing experience aboard the largest tour boat in the area. With a focus on nature and wildlife, the company provides narrated tours led by a certified Florida Master Naturalist, ensuring guests gain expert insights into the local ecosystem. The cruises feature opportunities to observe dolphins, collect seashells on Anclote Key, and enjoy bird watching along the Anclote River and Gulf of Mexico. The company is highly rated on multiple platforms, reflecting its commitment to quality and guest satisfaction. The cruise offerings include dolphin and shelling adventures, sunset cruises, river tours, and special themed events such as holiday celebrations and haunted cruises. Tours accommodate all ages and are designed to be accessible, with wheelchair-friendly vessels and family-oriented activities. Guests can expect a smooth ride on dual-hull boats equipped with restrooms and covered seating. Additional services include private charters for special occasions and monthly shelling-only trips. The experience combines natural beauty, wildlife encounters, and educational commentary, making it suitable for families, nature enthusiasts, and visitors seeking a memorable maritime outing.

Get Up And Go Kayaking is a premier outdoor adventure company specializing in guided clear kayak tours across multiple states including Florida, Texas, Tennessee, and North Carolina. Founded in 2016 in Florida, the company pioneered the use of transparent kayaks, offering a unique perspective on waterways by allowing paddlers to observe marine life and underwater ecosystems directly beneath them. With over 30 locations and a reputation as the world’s highest-rated clear kayak tour provider, it combines expert local guides with small group sizes to deliver an intimate and educational experience. The company is also committed to environmental stewardship, partnering with conservation organizations and donating a portion of proceeds to protect natural habitats. The tours cater to paddlers of all experience levels, providing a safe and engaging way to explore scenic waterways such as Crystal River, Weeki Wachee, and Rainbow Springs. Each guided excursion typically lasts around two hours and features tandem clear kayaks designed for optimal viewing and comfort. Guests can expect to paddle through mangrove tunnels, discover hidden sandbars, and encounter wildlife including manatees and dolphins, all while learning about the local flora and fauna from knowledgeable guides. The company emphasizes sustainable practices and passive wildlife observation, ensuring that the natural environment is preserved for future generations. This combination of adventure, education, and conservation makes the experience memorable for families, tourists, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

StarLite Cruises is a family-owned business operating in the Clearwater and St. Petersburg areas of Florida since 1986. With over three million passengers served, it has grown to become the largest daily excursion fleet in the state, offering a wide range of cruise experiences on Florida’s scenic inland waters. The company is distinguished by its diverse fleet, including modern dining yachts and vibrant tropical-themed vessels, each providing panoramic coastal views and expertly prepared meals. Its reputation for quality service and variety makes it a preferred choice for both locals and visitors seeking memorable outings on the water. The company offers an array of cruises tailored to different interests and occasions, including fine dining yacht cruises aboard the StarLite Majesty and StarLite Sapphire, casual tropical buffet cruises on the Calypso Queen and Calypso Breeze, and high-speed dolphin-watching adventures on the Dolphin Racer. Passengers can enjoy live entertainment, narrated sightseeing tours, and special event cruises such as weddings and group charters. The experience ranges from relaxed daytime excursions to lively evening parties, all designed to showcase Florida’s natural beauty while providing exceptional hospitality and comfort.

Totally Tiki Tours operates in Tampa Bay, Florida, offering a distinctive way to explore the area's scenic waterways aboard a spacious tiki boat. With locations at Rocky Point Island in Tampa, Downtown Tampa’s Riverwalk, and the St. Petersburg Pier, the company provides a unique blend of local charm and natural beauty. The tours are led by USCG-qualified captains, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all passengers. What sets this business apart is its focus on private and public cruises that highlight Tampa Bay’s playful dolphins, manatees, and stunning Florida sunsets, all from the comfort of a well-equipped boat featuring Bluetooth speakers and onboard restrooms. The company specializes in two-hour private and public tours tailored for celebrations such as birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, and bachelor or bachelorette parties, accommodating up to 13 passengers on private charters. Guests can bring their own beverages and enjoy complimentary water, coolers filled with ice, and various water activities like floating mats and frisbees. Tours include stops at shallow sandbars for swimming and cruising through residential areas, offering a relaxed and customizable experience. Whether visitors are locals or tourists, these tours provide a memorable way to enjoy Tampa Bay’s natural attractions and festive atmosphere.