Longboat Key, Florida

Island Grand at TradeWinds is a full-service beachfront resort on St. Pete Beach, Florida, spanning 18 lush acres with 744 rooms, five pools, dining options, spa, kids camps, and extensive beach activities including kayaking, paddleboarding, parasailing, and water sports. It prioritizes guest vacation pleasure with on-site recreation, meeting facilities for up to 1200 people, and wedding services.

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.

SURFit USA is a leading provider of kayak and stand up paddleboard eco-tours and rental equipment in Sarasota, Florida, with locations on Lido Key and Siesta Key. They offer guided tours through mangrove tunnels, wildlife encounters, paddleboard and kayak rentals for self-exploration, and multi-day adventures including hiking, surfing, and paddling in various locations. Owners Karla and Aaron, transplants from Hawaii, emphasize safety, fun, and sharing Sarasota's beautiful waterways since 2012.

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.

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.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is a federal agency dedicated to the conservation and management of fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats across the United States. Established in 1871, it is the nation’s oldest conservation agency and operates more than 560 National Wildlife Refuges, 70 national fish hatcheries, and numerous regional offices nationwide. Headquartered in Washington, DC, the agency is unique in its comprehensive approach to preserving natural resources for current and future generations, combining scientific research, habitat restoration, and public engagement. Its extensive network of facilities offers diverse opportunities to experience and protect America’s natural heritage. FWS provides a wide range of services including wildlife refuge management, fish hatchery operations, educational programs, and partnerships with tribal and local communities. Visitors can explore habitats such as the Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge in Florida, which protects nesting sea turtles, gopher tortoises, and over 30,000 pairs of birds on a remote island at the mouth of Tampa Bay. The agency supports conservation through scientific monitoring, law enforcement, and public outreach, targeting outdoor enthusiasts, educators, researchers, and conservation partners. Experiences at FWS sites emphasize both recreation and stewardship, fostering a deeper understanding of wildlife and habitat preservation.

Kayaking SRQ is a well-established kayaking business located in Sarasota, Florida, with over 40 years of experience guiding visitors through the region’s unique waterways. Specializing in exploring the mangrove tunnels of Lido Key, the company offers both guided tours and kayak rentals for those who prefer to navigate independently using provided maps. What sets this business apart is its deep local knowledge and passion for sharing Sarasota’s natural beauty, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for paddlers of all ages and skill levels. The company’s commitment to education and environmental appreciation enhances each outing, making it a standout choice in Florida’s premier kayak park. The offerings include guided kayak tours that highlight the local ecology, wildlife, and history, appealing to nature enthusiasts, photographers, families, and individuals seeking relaxation or exercise. Experienced guides provide informative commentary and personalized attention, accommodating groups ranging from young children to older adults. Rentals are also available for those who want to explore at their own pace, with all necessary equipment supplied. Customers consistently praise the knowledgeable staff and the opportunity to encounter diverse marine life while paddling through scenic mangrove tunnels, making the experience both memorable and enriching.

StarLite Cruises is a family-owned business based in the Clearwater and St. Petersburg area of Florida, operating since 1986. With decades of experience, it has grown from a single vessel to Florida’s largest daily excursion fleet, serving over three million passengers. The company is known for its diverse offerings, including award-winning dining yachts, tropical cruises, and dolphin adventures, all set against the scenic backdrop of Florida’s inland and coastal waters. Its reputation for excellent service and variety makes it a standout choice for both locals and visitors seeking memorable water-based experiences. The fleet includes elegant dining yachts like the StarLite Majesty and StarLite Sapphire, which provide chef-prepared meals, live entertainment, and panoramic waterfront views ideal for special occasions or casual outings. For those seeking a more relaxed atmosphere, Calypso Tropical Cruises and Tiki Island Cruises offer casual buffet dining, tropical vibes, and social settings. Adventure seekers can enjoy the high-speed Dolphin Racer Adventure, featuring narrated tours with guaranteed dolphin sightings. The company also accommodates private events, group charters, and themed cruises, ensuring a tailored experience for birthdays, anniversaries, or corporate gatherings.

Island Ferry is a family-owned, locally operated company based in St. Petersburg, Florida, specializing in small-group boat tours, kayak adventures, and private charters. With experienced local captains and a focus on safety and personalized service, the company offers unique access to the calm, shallow waters of Tampa Bay and its barrier islands. Their tours emphasize relaxed pacing and intimate group sizes, allowing guests to enjoy Florida’s coastal environment without the crowds. Departing from Tierra Verde Marina Resort and downtown St. Petersburg, Island Ferry provides a convenient gateway to explore pristine locations such as Shell Key, Egmont Key, and Passage Key. The company’s offerings include dolphin cruises, snorkeling excursions, sunset cruises, guided kayak tours, and private sandbar party charters. Guests can choose from clear or traditional kayaks to navigate mangrove shorelines or join boat tours that include snorkel gear and supervision at Shell Key Preserve. Private charters cater to families, couples, and groups seeking a personalized day on the water with the option to bring their own food and drinks. These experiences highlight Florida’s natural beauty, wildlife, and historic sites, making them suitable for visitors of all ages and interests looking for an immersive coastal adventure.

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.