Who doesn’t love taking in the beautiful sites of Sarasota Bay from the water? A boat tour is an absolute must on any visit to this Gulf Coast paradise. From party boats with live music to educational adventures, Sarasota offers something for every boating enthusiast . Check out our top recommendations for incredible Sarasota boat tours.
Sarasota Bay Explorers
Operated by Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium. Sarasota Bay Explorers offers exciting educational tours for all age groups. Kids love the two hour Sea Life Encounter Eco Tour. Led by a marine biologist, you’ll see dolphins, manatee and collect a sample of marine life with a trawl net. The Sarasota Sunset Cruise is another amazing option. This company never disappoints!
LeBarge Tropical Cruises
Complete with palm trees and a mermaid that sits atop LeBarge, this party boat offers a memorable experience with a super fun narrated tour of the bay. LeBarge is one of the most beloved boat rides amongst locals and tourists alike. Plus, you’ll get to take in picturesque views of the Sarasota skyline. Dolphin spotting is also a favorite experience on this tour. Consider a sunset cruise with live music. You’ll be dancing the night away.
Siesta Key Watersports
OK, this first option isn’t exactly a boat tour, but it’s too fun not to include. Siesta Key Watersports is the business to choose if you’re looking to go parasailing or jet skiing. They are extremely reliable and have an excellent reputation. In addition, Siesta Key Watersports offers dolphin tours complete with complementary “ adult beverages.”
Key Sailing
If you’re looking for a sailing charter, Key Sailing is a top choice. Owners Tim and Jan have been married for more than 40 years and love getting to know everyone who comes aboard. You’ll love sailing in style on The Key Breeze, a 41-foot Morgan yacht that has been seen in numerous regattas.
Paradise Boat Tours
Bradenton’s Paradise Boat Tours guarantees dolphin sightings. Tours are offered many times a day on every day of the week. Along with dolphins, you’ll spot rays and manatees on the beautiful waters off the coast of Anna Maria Island. The 28-passenger boat also offers covered seating and a bathroom onboard.
Marina Jack II
Marina Jack II is the crown jewel of Sarasota boat tours. You’ll cruise the bay on a 96-foot yacht while taking in stunning views of the skyline. You’ll also enjoy delicious food on your tour. And afterward, you can stroll through Sarasota Bayfront Park. How perfect is that? This is the boat tour you would choose for any special occasion that you want to make memorable.
Fun Boat Tours
If you love donuts, you will adore the Dolphins and Donuts cruise with Fun Boat Tours. You’ll find this company in both Siesta Key and Anna Maria Island. And, their boats are covered, so you’ll get lots of shade while taking in picturesque views. In addition, check out the Dolphins and Drinks and sunset tours.
Cruisin’ Tikis Sarasota
If you’ve ever been on a Sarasota boat tour, you’ve undoubtedly waved at the Cruisin’ Tikis going by. These boats are exactly what they sound like… tiki bars that float. They’re a whole lot of fun, and the tours that stop for a sandbar swim are a favorite amongst locals. Please note that these are private charter boats, so get a group of friends together to make it affordable.
Booking Your Sarasota Boat Tour
Whichever boat tour you choose, book it far in advance during high seasons. The busiest season in Sarasota is October or November through April, depending on who you talk to. And summer months can get a little bit busy when families come down to Florida for vacation.
Be sure to compare prices, especially when it comes to charters. If you can get a group together, you’re likely to pay a much lower price per person.
No matter which Sarasota boat tour you choose, you’re going to have a heckuva good time. There’s nothing more exciting than cruising around Sarasota Bay, waving at the other boats going by and spotting a dolphin or two. Happy cruising!