Siesta 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.

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.

Allen's Aquatic Adventures is a family-owned water activities business based in Gulfport, Florida, specializing in private charter boat tours and a variety of water sports on Tampa Bay. Founded and operated by Captain Allen, a lifelong Tampa Bay resident with extensive local knowledge and boating experience, the company offers a personalized and safe experience on a 2019 Monterey M-65 open bowrider boat. The business stands out for its hands-on approach, with Captain Allen personally guiding each trip, ensuring guests enjoy a seamless and memorable outing on the water. The operation is licensed and certified in CPR and first aid, emphasizing safety alongside fun. The company provides a broad range of water-based activities suitable for all ages and skill levels, including tubing, wakeboarding, water skiing, kneeboarding, and snorkeling. Guests can explore notable local destinations such as Egmont Key and Shell Key through island hopping tours, enjoy dolphin watching, or relax on sunset cruises. Each private charter accommodates up to six passengers, making it ideal for families and small groups. All necessary equipment and safety gear are provided, and Captain Allen offers instruction for beginners. The tours are customizable, allowing guests to combine activities like watersports and snorkeling for a tailored experience that highlights the natural beauty and wildlife of Tampa Bay.

Charter Finders is a premier boat charter and tour company based in Madeira Beach, Florida, specializing in private and semi-private maritime experiences in the Tampa Bay area. With over 300 five-star Google reviews, the company offers a range of vessels from small boats to luxury yachts, departing primarily from Johns Pass Boardwalk and the Cambria Hotel. Known for its family-friendly and educational excursions, Charter Finders provides unique access to local coastal attractions such as Shell Key, Egmont Key, and the Gulf of Mexico. Their fleet includes an 84-foot luxury yacht equipped with a full kitchen, bar, multiple rooms, and bathrooms, enhancing the comfort and style of every cruise. The company’s offerings include dolphin watching, shelling, snorkeling, and sunset cruises, catering to groups ranging from intimate parties of two to larger groups of up to twelve, with bareboat charters available for parties over six. Popular tours feature semi-private boats with experienced captains who guide guests to prime wildlife viewing and shelling spots. Additional services include jet car and boat rentals, private multi-island charters, and maritime memorial ceremonies for ashes scattering at sea. Whether celebrating special occasions or seeking a memorable family outing, Charter Finders delivers a polished and immersive experience on Florida’s scenic waterways.

Located in Venice, Florida, Keys Huka Dive specializes in scuba diving charters, snorkeling, and unique Huka diving experiences. The company stands out for its high crew-to-customer ratio, ensuring personalized attention from certified PADI Divemasters and Instructors. With a focus on safety and enjoyment, it offers access to the renowned Shark Tooth Capital of the World, where guests can explore ancient ocean floor fossils and marine life. The business combines local expertise with well-maintained equipment to provide memorable underwater adventures suitable for all experience levels. Keys Huka Dive offers a variety of tours and training programs catering to diverse interests and skill sets. Activities include snorkeling, dolphin and manatee tours, sunset cruises, and specialized fossil dives, with options for private charters and high seas adventures. Beginners can participate in discovery dives with professional instruction, while certified divers can refresh skills or join guided shore dives. The company also provides PADI certification courses, including Open Water, Advanced, and Rescue Diver levels, as well as CPR First Aid training, making it a comprehensive destination for both recreational and aspiring professional divers.

Freedom Boat Club, established in 1989 and headquartered in Sarasota, Florida, is the world’s largest and oldest members-only boat club with over 400 locations worldwide. With more than 35 years of experience, the club offers a revolutionary alternative to traditional boat ownership by providing members access to a diverse fleet of premium boats without the hassles of maintenance, storage, insurance, or repairs. Members benefit from concierge-level dockside support and unlimited training from certified captains, ensuring safety and confidence on the water. The club’s extensive network spans North America, Europe, and Australia, allowing members to explore a variety of waterways with ease. At the St. Petersburg Skyway location, members enjoy access to Loggerhead Marina, a prime gateway to destinations such as Egmont Key, Fort De Soto, and the Skyway Bridge. The marina offers amenities including a clubhouse, boat supplies, restrooms, and complimentary parking. The fleet features a wide selection of boats suited for cruising, fishing, and watersports, including pontoons, center consoles, bowriders, and offshore fishing boats. Membership plans provide unlimited boating with no hourly fees, and members can reserve boats online or by phone. This location caters to boaters of all skill levels, offering free training and a seamless, walk-on, walk-off boating experience in one of Florida’s most scenic coastal areas.

CoastLine Dolphin & Snorkeling Excursions, located near Anna Maria Island, Florida, has been offering personalized marine adventures since 2012. This family-owned business brings over 20 years of combined experience to its tours, emphasizing nature-focused excursions that showcase the Gulf Coast’s vibrant marine life. With USCG licensed and insured captains, CPR-certified crew members, and eco-friendly practices, the company ensures safe and responsible exploration. Their fleet of high-class powerboats and top-of-the-line snorkel gear enhances the comfort and quality of each trip, setting them apart as a premier choice for visitors and locals alike. The company offers a diverse range of tours including dolphin watching, snorkeling expeditions, sandbar hopping, sunset cruises, and restaurant dock-and-dine experiences. Excursions vary in length from two to eight hours, with options for private, customizable trips tailored to guests’ interests. Popular destinations include Anna Maria Island’s waters and Egmont Key State Park, where participants can explore historic sites and underwater ruins. The tours are suitable for families and individuals seeking an immersive and educational experience, with knowledgeable captains providing insights into local wildlife and conservation efforts. Additionally, CoastLine offers real estate tours for those interested in relocating to the area, combining marine adventure with local expertise.

Sandy Toes Boat Charters is a private boat charter service based in Gulfport, Florida, serving the St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay area. With extensive local knowledge and experience, the company offers personalized tours that highlight the region’s natural beauty, including playful wildlife, stunning sunsets, and pristine barrier islands accessible only by boat. Each charter accommodates up to six passengers, ensuring an intimate and customized experience. The business is distinguished by its commitment to providing unique, tailored trips that go beyond typical group tours, focusing on comfort, safety, and a personal touch. The charters include a variety of activities such as dolphin watching, local island tours, snorkeling, swimming, and sunset cruises. These offerings cater to families, couples, and small groups seeking a memorable day on the water. Guests can explore secluded beaches, observe marine life up close, and enjoy the tranquility of the Gulf waters aboard a well-maintained, comfortable boat. Additional services include special event charters for occasions like bachelor and bachelorette parties, birthdays, engagements, and burial at sea ceremonies. The experience is designed to be both relaxing and engaging, with a knowledgeable captain guiding guests to the best spots and providing local insights throughout the journey.

Located in Gulfport, Florida, this company is the oldest and largest provider of dolphin watching, snorkeling, and island adventure cruises in the Tampa Bay area. Operating four single-hull boats that accommodate up to 35 passengers each, the business offers unique dolphin encounters where wild dolphins jump and play in the boat’s wake—a feature not found on other tours. Their central location provides convenient access to notable attractions such as Egmont Key, Fort Dade, and John’s Pass Village, enhancing the sightseeing experience. With Coast Guard certified captains and experienced crews, the company emphasizes safety, comfort, and family-friendly service, welcoming guests of all ages. The company offers a variety of tours including four-hour dolphin snorkeling cruises to Egmont Key and three-hour dolphin and shelling cruises to Shell Island. Guests can explore historic sites, swim in clear, calm waters, and collect seashells on secluded beaches accessible only by boat. Snorkeling gear is provided, and all snorkelers are supervised to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Private charters are also available for groups up to 49 people, offering customizable trips such as sunset cruises, corporate events, and educational tours. Throughout each excursion, passengers enjoy close-up views of dolphins, opportunities for photography, and the chance to create lasting memories in a natural island paradise.

Suncoast Adventure Tours and Charters is a premier private boat tour company based in Sarasota, Florida, specializing in intimate and personalized experiences on the local waterways. With over a decade of expertise led by Captain Karie Daniel, a 100-ton Master rated captain and certified PADI Open Water Diver, the company offers a unique blend of professional knowledge and passion for Florida’s marine environment. Operating a modern 24-foot 2022 Hurricane Sundeck boat equipped with comfortable seating, shade, and amenities, the business stands out for its commitment to small-group tours limited to six passengers or fewer, ensuring an exclusive and relaxed atmosphere. This approach, combined with consistently high customer ratings and a reputation as the area’s top-rated boat tour, highlights the company’s dedication to quality and personalized service. The company’s offerings include guided dolphin watching tours, scenic sunset cruises, snorkeling and shelling adventures, as well as half-day and full-day private charters tailored to individual preferences. These tours provide guests with opportunities to explore Sarasota Bay, Big Pass, and the surrounding intracoastal waterways, often featuring visits to tropical sandbars and abundant wildlife sightings. Suitable for all ages with no restrictions, the tours emphasize comfort and enjoyment, with amenities such as Bluetooth audio and ice chests included. Serving Sarasota County, Siesta Key, and Venice, the business caters to both locals and visitors seeking a memorable and immersive boating experience in the Gulf Coast region.

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 in Sarasota, Florida, Liquid Blue Outfitters is the area's exclusive provider of guided pedal kayak tours, offering a unique way to explore the region's coastal waters and mangrove tunnels. With no prior experience required, guests can enjoy an accessible and engaging adventure through shallow sandbars, seagrass beds, and diverse habitats rich with native flora and fauna. The company stands out by using advanced pedal kayaks from Old Town Kayaks, allowing for efficient travel powered by the legs, which enables participants to cover more ground than traditional kayaking methods. Certified guides, trained through the American Canoe Association and equipped with life support skills, ensure a safe and informative experience for all visitors. The outfitter offers a variety of tours across Sarasota, Anna Maria Island, Palmetto, and nearby Bradenton, catering to small groups of up to ten people to maintain an intimate and personalized atmosphere. Participants can expect to encounter local wildlife such as manatees, dolphins, and a variety of bird species, while learning about the unique ecosystems of the area. In addition to sightseeing tours, Liquid Blue Outfitters provides guided pedal kayak fishing trips for anglers aged ten and older, complete with all necessary gear and native guides. Whether seeking a peaceful paddle through Florida’s natural beauty or an active fishing excursion, guests can enjoy premium equipment and expert guidance throughout their adventure.