727-742-2277
Passage Key
boat charter
NATURIST ADVENTURE • ST PETERSBURG, FL
A secluded, clothing-optional barrier island at the mouth of Tampa Bay. Private or semi-private, only accessible by boat, and unlike anywhere else on the Gulf Coast.
$549private / $99per person
6 hour tours
CALL OR TEXT FOR INDIVIDUAL BOOKING
2900+
TRIPADVISOR 5-STAR REVIEWS
1000+
GOOGLE 5-STAR REVIEWS
6
HOURS ON THE WATER
6
GUESTS MAX
2013
FAMILY OWNED SINCE
THE DESTINATION
Passage Key — Florida's most secluded island
Passage Key sits at the mouth of Tampa Bay where it meets the Gulf of Mexico — a protected wildlife preserve with no development, no roads, and no public access except by boat. The sand is powder-soft, the water is shallow and turquoise, and the views stretch to open Gulf horizon in every direction.
It's one of the Gulf Coast's best-kept secrets and a long-standing favourite among naturists. Because it's only reachable by private boat, it stays genuinely uncrowded — no ferry service, no day-trippers, no beach chairs for rent. Just the tiny island, the water, and your group.
Island Ferry's Passage Key charter is small groups only, private or semi-private. The boat, the licensed captain, and the day are yours. Your group sets the pace. The captain stays attentive and professional, there when you need them and completely unobtrusive when you don't.
Private or semi-private charter
No strangers, no shared experience — the entire boat is yours for the full 6 hours
Clothing-optional island
Passage Key is a well-known naturist destination — remote, public, and entirely undeveloped
Discreet, licensed captains
USCG-licensed and professionally trained — comfortable, safe, and completely professional
BYOB fully welcome
Bring whatever you enjoy — ice-filled coolers, music, floats, and toys are all provided
THE EXPERIENCE
Passage Key charter — how the day unfolds
The tour visits on of St Pete's most remote and secluded of the barrier islands. Your captain evaluates conditions and gives you guidance on how to make the most of your day.
Depart Tierra Verde Marina at 10am and cruise southwest through sheltered bay waters toward the Gulf. The crossing takes about 45 minutes — long enough to take in the open water, spot dolphins along the route, and settle into the pace of the day.
At Passage Key, you'll anchor in shallow, calm water. Step off into the Gulf, wade the sandbar, float on the oversized inflatable, or simply sit in the shade with a drink while the water laps around you. The island is yours — entirely undisturbed, entirely private.
Your captain brings the boat in close, stays on board, and remains available throughout. When you're ready to head back, say the word. Typically the charter returns to Tierra Verde around 2:30pm, but the schedule moves at your group's pace.
If you'd like even more privacy or want to explore an alternative cove or sandbar, your captain knows the surrounding waters well and can suggest options based on conditions that day.
ON THE WATER
Dolphins, rays & wildlife en route to Passage Key
The crossing to Passage Key passes through some of Tampa Bay's most active wildlife corridors. Your captain knows where to look and when to slow down.
Bottlenose dolphins
Frequently seen bow-riding alongside the boat on the crossing — active throughout the day in these waters
Devil rays & cownose rays
Common in the shallow Gulf flats surrounding Passage Key — harmless and remarkable to watch in clear water
Manatees
Spotted in the calm channel waters, especially in spring and fall — often surfacing close to the boat
Ospreys & herons
Active hunters along the mangrove shorelines of the barrier islands from Tierra Verde to Passage Key
Sea turtles
Loggerheads are spotted in the open bay channels on the crossing, especially in warmer months
Shorebirds
Passage Key is a protected nesting site — brown pelicans, terns, and skimmers nest on the island seasonally
PRICING AND BOOKING
Passage Key charter — reserve your date
private charter · $99 per person
$549
Up to 6 guests · 6 hours · + tax + gratuity
WE OFFER TOURS WITH INDIVIDUAL PRICING AT $99 PER PERSON CALL OR TEXT US
DEPARTURE TIME
10:00 AM weekends · Special dates by arrangement
GROUP SIZE
Up to 6 guests per boat. Call for larger groups
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Ice coolers · Bluetooth music · Floats & water toys · Free parking
CANCELLATION
No refund within 48 hrs · Full refund if we cancel for weather
DURATION
Approximately 6 hours
DEPARTS FROM
Tierra Verde Marina Resort, St Pete
GRATUITY
$100 added at booking (private)
WHAT TO BRING
Food & drinks (BYOB) · Swimwear · Sunscreen · Towels · Waterproof phone case
Availability is limited — this is a small-group charter for up to 6 guests per boat. For groups up to 10 people text or call us at 727-742-2277 to arrange.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Passage Key Charter FAQ
What is Passage Key?
Passage Key is a protected, uninhabited barrier island at the mouth of Tampa Bay on the Gulf of Mexico. It's only accessible by boat, entirely undeveloped, and known for powder-soft sand, shallow turquoise water, and complete seclusion. It's a clothing-optional island popular with naturists and adults seeking privacy on the water.
Is Passage Key clothing-optional?
Yes — Passage Key is a well-known clothing-optional destination on the Gulf Coast. It's a public, undeveloped island. Our captains are discreet and professional, and the private charter format means you're only ever with your own group.
Is this a private charter — just our group?
Yes — completely private. The entire boat is yours. No other passengers, no strangers, no shared experience. Your captain works exclusively for your group for the full 6 hours. We also offer individual pricing at $99 per person, 2 person minimum. Call or text for details.
What makes Island Ferry of St Pete different from other boat tours in Florida?
We focus on smaller groups, in spacious 25ft pontoon boats. Besides providing a more personal and upscale experience, we create a more intimate, comfortable, and wildlife-focused experience compared to many other boat tours in Florida. All of our captains are US Coast Guard licensed.
Is this tour suitable for children?
Because of the adult-centric environment at Passage Key, this tour is designed strictly for adults. We would not recommend taking children on this tour. A tour much more suited for families is the Private Egmont Key tour, or even the Sandbar Party tour.
When do charters depart?
Passage Key charters depart at 10am on weekends. Special weekday departures may be available — call or text 727-742-2277 to arrange.
Where does the Passage Key Charter depart from?
Passage Key charters depart from the Tierra Verde Marina Resort (home of the Island Grill restaurant and the Marriott Residence Inn), less than ten minutes from St Pete Beach and downtown St Petersburg.
What time should I arrive for my boat tour?
It is *imperative* that you arrive 30 minutes before departure time for check-in, just as you would for air travel.
What if I am running late for my boat tour?
Please understand that our scheduled tours run back to back, and so we are unable to delay our boat departures. Please make every effort to arrive for the check-in 30min prior to departure.
Is there a bathroom on the boat?
We have full facilities at our marina, but there are none on the vessels themselves.
What is included in the charter?
The charter includes ice-filled coolers, a Bluetooth music system, pool floats and water toys, shaded seating, and a licensed, discreet captain for the full duration. BYOB is welcome — bring whatever food and drinks you enjoy.
What does the Passage Key charter cost?
The charter is $549 for up to 6 guests, plus tax and a $100 gratuity. That's a flat rate for the entire boat — not per person. However, we sometimes offer individual pricing at $99 per person. Call or text for details.
Will I be required to wear a life jacket on the boat?
Only children ages 7 and under are required to wear a USCG Type II life jacket while the vessel is underway. We do carry Type 1 lifejackets for every soul on board for emergencies as per Coast Guard regulations.
Will we see wildlife?
Yes — the waters around Passage Key are active with dolphins, rays, shorebirds, and occasionally sea turtles. Your captain knows the best spots and will point out wildlife throughout the trip.
What happens if the weather is bad?
If Island Ferry cancels due to unsafe conditions, you receive a full refund. If you cancel within 48 hours of departure, we're unable to issue a refund. We monitor conditions closely and communicate as early as possible.
Are there any other amenities at the marina?
Absolutely! The Tierra Verde Marina also offers The Island Grille restaurant which has a great menu and a pool ($7 wrist band). Also at our marina the Marriott Hotel has a rooftop bar open to the general public, called Vista At The Top, also offering a great menu and spectacular views.
Is free parking available?
Yes, our marina offers free parking and there is plenty of parking.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, especially for weekends, holidays, and private charters — spots are limited per boat and popular dates fill early. Booking a few days in advance is recommended, though same-day availability sometimes exists — call or text to check.
What should I wear for the tour?
Swimwear, sun-safe clothing, and reef-safe sunscreen are recommended for all tours. A hat and light coverup are worth bringing for time in the sun between stops.
Do you pick up from hotels?
No — all tours depart directly from Tierra Verde Marina Resort at 198 Madonna Blvd, Tierra Verde, FL. Free parking is available on-site.
Do you offer group rates?
We only accommodate small groups. For groups of 7 to 10, our Premium Demise Charter accommodates groups up to 10ppl on one vessel. For other tour types, multiple boats can run together for bigger groups — call or text to arrange pricing and availability.
Can I bring food and drinks?
Yes. The more the merrier. Adult beverages are also welcome.
Can I bring a cooler?
We have a cooler with ice on all our boats, and those are at your disposal. Still, if you would like to bring your own cooler that is just fine.
Is there a possibility I will get sea sick?
The possibility is very remote, as we are not a high-seas experience.
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs aren't permitted on Passage Key due to county regulations — **legitimate assistance** dogs are the only exception. Emotional support animals do not qualify. On private charters, small dogs may be allowed onboard the boat itself, but are never permitted on any island, no exceptions.
Can I pay with cash?
Cash payment can be arranged, but every reservation must be secured with a valid credit card at the time of booking.
Are the tours wheelchair accessible?
The marina itself is wheelchair-friendly, but our boats are not, particularly when it comes to boarding. If you're not able to board with some mobility on your own, our tours unfortunately aren't a good fit.
Can I reschedule my tour once I book?
Yes — rescheduling is subject to the same 48-hour notice as is our cancellation policy. Requests made within 48 hours of departure can't be guaranteed a new date.
OTHER EXPERIENCES
More ways to explore
St. Pete's coastal waters
$64 pp
Dolphin Cruise to Shell Key
A semi-private charter to Shell Key preserve. See dolphins on the way. Snorkel the beach at Shell Key Island. $64 See details
$499 / 6ppl
Sandbar Party Charter
A private 4.5-hour charter to the Gulf's most beautiful sandbars — where the locals go to party. $499
$54pp
Guided kayak tours to Shell Key
Paddle through mangrove tunnels to Shell Key's open beach. Beginner-friendly. From $54pp.
$549 / 6ppl
Private Egmont Snorkeling Tour
A half-day private charter visiting three islands — Egmont Key, Outback Key & Shell Key. $549 per 6 people. Details on Egmont Snorkeling
$69pp
Romantic Sunset Cruise
Adults-only. Max 6 guests. BYOB. The Gulf at golden hour — from $69pp.
$89 to $549
Bachelorette Party Options
We know what makes a bachelorette party unforgettable — a private boat, cold drinks, beautiful water, and zero strangers. From $89 See details