Lakeland, 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.

Poseidon Fishing Charters provides fishing charters in Tampa Bay, offering experiences for catching trophy fish, family fishing, relaxing days with dolphin sightings, beaches, and waterfront dining. Captain Steve is highlighted for knowledgeable guidance on various trips including shark fishing and inshore fishing.

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.

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 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.

ECOmersion is a premier kayak tour and rental company located in St. Petersburg, Florida, specializing in guided excursions through the scenic Weedon Island Preserve. With over 80 years of combined kayaking experience among its staff, the company offers accessible adventures suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned paddlers. Recognized as a TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice award recipient for three consecutive years, ECOmersion distinguishes itself through its commitment to environmental stewardship and community involvement. Their knowledgeable guides provide insightful commentary on the local ecosystem, enhancing the natural experience while promoting conservation. The company offers a range of services including low-difficulty guided kayak tours lasting approximately 2.5 hours and flexible kayak rentals from one to four hours. These activities allow visitors to explore mangrove tunnels and observe native wildlife such as bottlenose dolphins, manatees, and migrating white pelicans. ECOmersion provides high-quality equipment and thorough instruction, ensuring a safe and enjoyable outing for participants aged eight to eighty-five. Beyond recreation, the company actively supports environmental initiatives in the Tampa Bay area, contributing a portion of proceeds to local non-profits and engaging in habitat restoration projects, making each excursion both an adventure and a contribution to preserving Florida’s natural beauty.

The Pelican St Pete operates out of St. Petersburg, Florida, offering a distinctive way to explore the Gulf Coast aboard a spacious 60-foot vessel. With a focus on providing scenic and comfortable boat tours, this company caters to both locals and visitors seeking to experience the natural beauty of the area. Its unique offerings include daily tours departing from the St. Pete Pier, showcasing notable landmarks such as the Sunshine Skyway Bridge and the pristine island of Egmont Key. The Pelican stands out for its combination of well-maintained equipment, knowledgeable crew, and a variety of tour options that highlight the region’s coastal charm. The Pelican’s services encompass a range of activities including dolphin sightseeing cruises, sunset tours, and day trips to Pine Key and Egmont Key. These excursions are designed for families, groups, and private events, with the vessel accommodating up to 49 passengers for special charters such as birthdays, corporate parties, and weddings. For smaller groups, a sister company offers pontoon rentals with a captain for personalized experiences like snorkeling and real estate tours. Passengers can expect relaxed, scenic cruises with opportunities to enjoy wildlife, beach time, and stunning sunset views, making each outing a memorable way to engage with Tampa Bay’s waterfront.

Stay Salty Charters operates private boat charters in Clearwater, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami, Florida, offering a distinctive way to explore the region’s coastal beauty. With a focus on personalized experiences, the company accommodates groups of up to 12 passengers across a fleet of well-equipped vessels. Their charters provide access to barrier islands, opportunities for dolphin watching, shell collecting, and fishing, all guided by experienced captains familiar with the local waters. The inclusion of amenities such as snorkel gear, beach games, and Bluetooth speakers enhances the onboard experience, making each trip both comfortable and engaging. The company offers fully customizable excursions ranging from two to six hours, catering to families, groups, and individuals seeking a private maritime adventure. Options include island exploration, sunset cruises, and combined activities on longer trips, with all ages welcome and safety measures in place for younger children. Customers can expect a relaxed atmosphere with provisions like coolers with ice and floats for water relaxation. The charters emphasize flexibility and enjoyment, allowing guests to bring their own food and drinks while enjoying the scenic Florida coastline in a private, intimate setting.

See Through Adventures operates in the Tampa-St. Petersburg metropolitan area of Florida, specializing in guided kayaking tours that offer unique wildlife encounters in calm, shallow waters rich with marine life. The company is distinguished by its use of exclusive See Through Canoe brand glass-bottom kayaks, providing guests with an unparalleled view of underwater ecosystems. With extensive experience navigating locations such as Fort DeSoto and various sites throughout Pinellas County, the business boasts a high success rate of manatee and dolphin sightings year-round. Their approach emphasizes passive observation, allowing wildlife to approach naturally, creating memorable and respectful interactions. The company offers a range of tours and rentals designed for all skill levels, including daytime manatee and dolphin paddles, night glow mangrove tours, and self-paced rentals for exploring scenic waterways like the Sunshine Skyway Bridge area. Each tandem kayak accommodates two people, with safety briefings and life jackets provided to ensure a secure experience. Tours typically last between one and two and a half hours and are suitable for individuals aged 12 and older. Guests can expect expert guidance, opportunities to see Florida’s iconic marine animals up close, and the chance to explore diverse coastal environments, from mangrove islands to white sandy beaches known for shelling.

St. Pete Boat Tours, located in St. Petersburg, Florida, offers a distinctive way to explore the scenic waters of Tampa Bay. With a focus on small group experiences, the company provides captained pontoon boat rentals and public cruises that highlight the area's natural beauty and wildlife. Their knowledgeable local team ensures safe, comfortable adventures aboard well-maintained vessels, including a 6-person pontoon boat and a larger 49-passenger boat named The Pelican. What sets this business apart is its personalized approach, flexible scheduling, and a variety of tour options that cater to different interests and group sizes. The company’s offerings include dolphin watching cruises, sunset tours, snorkeling excursions, and trips to notable destinations such as Egmont Key and Pine Key. Guests can choose from private rentals or join ticketed public charters, making the tours suitable for families, friends, corporate events, and special celebrations. Each trip is guided by an experienced captain who provides commentary and ensures a memorable experience. Whether enjoying a relaxing day on the water, exploring local islands, or celebrating a special occasion, visitors can expect attentive service, stunning views, and opportunities to encounter wildlife in a laid-back, Florida setting.

SeaEO Luxury Boat Charters operates premier private boat tours, charters, and rentals across multiple locations including Tampa, Florida, the Florida Keys, Savannah, Georgia, Charleston, South Carolina, and Virginia Beach, Virginia. The company is distinguished by its commitment to personalized and customizable boating experiences, catering to a wide range of occasions from leisure outings to special events such as proposals and memorial ceremonies. With a fleet of foreign-built vessels that accommodate up to 13 guests, SeaEO offers a level of luxury and comfort comparable to high-end hotels, supported by partnerships with top local captains to ensure expert navigation and service. The company’s offerings include diverse charter types such as dinner cruises, snorkeling tours, bachelor and bachelorette parties, corporate functions, and even unique experiences like nude boat cruises and spreading ashes ceremonies. Customers can tailor their itinerary to suit their preferences, enjoying amenities like air conditioning, enclosed cabins, sunpads, and fishing equipment. Operating primarily out of Tampa with convenient pick-up locations, SeaEO provides a seamless and memorable day on the water, ideal for families, groups, and individuals seeking a bespoke maritime adventure with comprehensive onboard facilities and attentive service.