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.

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.

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.

Chadillac Adventures, located in Clearwater Beach, Florida, offers unique boating and paddling experiences in the Tampa Bay area. Founded in 2019 by Chad Mead, the company specializes in personalized, family-friendly tours that explore Florida’s lesser-known waterways, including crystal-clear springs, quiet island sandbars, and winding intracoastal routes. With two convenient locations at Clearwater Beach and Cove Cay Marina, Chadillac Adventures stands out by providing immersive adventures that avoid crowded tourist spots, focusing instead on authentic local experiences. The company’s extensive knowledge of the region and commitment to customer care create a welcoming atmosphere for both beginners and seasoned paddlers. The business offers a variety of activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and boat tours, including glowing sunset and night paddles as well as day trips through pristine natural springs. These experiences are designed to be relaxed and enjoyable, requiring no prior experience, making them ideal for couples, families, and groups seeking a distinctive way to explore Florida’s waterways. Chadillac Adventures is also pet friendly, encouraging guests to bring their dogs along for the journey. With a focus on personalized attention and small group sizes, each adventure is tailored to ensure a memorable and comfortable outing on the water.

Captain and Tequila Dockside at Big Toho Marina offers pontoon boat tours of the Florida Everglades, eco-tours on Lake Toho, and a dockside restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and occasional dinner with bait and tackle services.

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.

Located in Ruskin, Florida, Latitudes Tours provides an authentic and highly rated local experience exploring the natural beauty of Tampa Bay. With extensive knowledge of the region’s ecosystem, the company offers daily narrated eco-tours that highlight the area's diverse wildlife, including dolphins, manatees, and native birds. The combination of expert guides and well-maintained equipment ensures a safe and informative adventure for visitors of all experience levels. What sets this business apart is its focus on both education and enjoyment, allowing guests to connect with the environment in a meaningful way. Latitudes Tours specializes in a variety of water-based activities, including guided kayak tours through the Tampa Bay Estuary and Little Manatee River, as well as sunset dinner cruises that provide a relaxing way to experience the scenic surroundings. These offerings cater to a wide range of customers, from those seeking a peaceful cruise to others looking for a more active paddle adventure. The tours are designed to be engaging and accessible, with a friendly crew dedicated to delivering memorable moments on the water. This combination of diverse options and attentive service makes it an ideal choice for nature enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.

Located in St. Petersburg, Florida, Tampa Bay Watch offers unique eco-friendly boat tours that provide an immersive experience of the local estuary and marine ecosystem. Operating from the St. Pete Pier, their USCG-certified vessel, The Discovery, serves as a floating classroom led by expert marine science educators. The organization is distinguished by its commitment to education and conservation, allowing guests to observe wildlife such as dolphins, manatees, stingrays, and birds up close while learning about Tampa Bay’s natural history. Their tours are accessible to all ages and include wheelchair accommodations upon request, making them inclusive and family-friendly. Tampa Bay Watch provides a variety of tours and workshops tailored to different interests, including wildlife boat tours, sandbar snorkeling excursions, fishing workshops, birdwatching trips, and sunset cruises. Each tour emphasizes hands-on learning, with opportunities to participate in scientific research, such as fisheries trawls to examine local species. The Liquid to Land History Tour combines natural exploration with local cultural history, while the Sandbar Snorkeling Excursion invites guests to explore shallow waters and discover marine life firsthand. These offerings cater to families, school groups, and nature enthusiasts seeking an educational and engaging outdoor experience that supports the ongoing restoration of Tampa Bay’s ecosystem.

Located in St. Petersburg, Florida, Letts Dive is a well-established dive center with over 60 years of combined experience in scuba instruction and underwater exploration. Founded in 1985 by Capt. Joe Letts, a USCG OUPV, the business has grown into Tampa Bay’s premier dive center, distinguished by its majority women ownership and commitment to diversity and inclusion. The center offers a welcoming environment for both beginners and experienced divers, emphasizing quality service and expert guidance. Its long-standing presence and dedication to the diving community make it a unique destination for those interested in exploring the underwater world. Letts Dive provides a comprehensive range of scuba diving courses and services, including beginner programs like the SDI Scuba Discovery and Open Water Scuba Diver certification, as well as advanced training such as the SDI Advanced Adventure Diver and Deep Diver courses. The center also offers specialized trips and charters to various locations, catering to divers seeking new adventures and skill enhancement. Customers can expect professional instruction, access to high-quality equipment, and opportunities to participate in unique diving experiences such as shark tooth charters and international excursions. The business serves a diverse clientele, from hobbyists to those pursuing diving as a career, ensuring an engaging and educational experience for all.

Located on the scenic St. Pete Pier in St. Petersburg, Florida, the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center serves as an educational hub dedicated to promoting the health and restoration of the Tampa Bay watershed. Established by Tampa Bay Watch, a nonprofit organization founded in 1993, the center features interactive exhibits, live animal displays, and a touch tank that highlight the local estuary ecosystem and ongoing conservation efforts. Its unique location on the Pier provides visitors with direct access to the bay and the opportunity to engage with knowledgeable educators. The center’s commitment to environmental stewardship is reflected in its hands-on programs and wildlife boat tours aboard a 45-foot catamaran, offering an immersive experience that connects guests with the natural beauty and ecological importance of Tampa Bay. The Discovery Center offers a diverse range of programs and activities suitable for all ages, including summer camps, homeschool science sessions, family-friendly educational events, and specialized sensory programs for individuals with sensory differences. Visitors can participate in interactive dissections, art and nature tours, and private charters for special occasions such as birthday parties and corporate events. The center also provides field trips and outreach programs that bring wildlife education directly to classrooms. With a focus on fostering curiosity and environmental awareness, the experience combines engaging exhibits with hands-on learning opportunities, making it an ideal destination for families, educators, and nature enthusiasts seeking to explore and support the restoration of Tampa Bay.