727-742-2277
2900+
TRIPADVISOR 5-STAR REVIEWS
1000+
GOOGLE 5-STAR REVIEWS
6
GUESTS MAX PER BOAT
2 hrs
ON THE WATER
2013
FAMILY OWNED SINCE
PRIVATE CHARTERS
Choose your private boat charter —
St. Petersburg, FL
Every Island Ferry charter is genuinely private — your group has the entire boat and the captain's full attention for the duration. No strangers, no shared experience, no compromise.
Sandbar party
charter
$549
+tax & 18% gratuity · entire boat · 4.5 hours · up to 12 guests
Your private boat. A Gulf Coast sandbar. 4.5 hours of sun, shallow water, and open sky. The quintessential St. Pete private charter — bring what you want, stay as long as you like.
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✔ Entire boat exclusively for your group
✔ BYOB — ice coolers, floats, paddleboard, and music provided
✔ Captain selects the best Gulf sandbar for that day
✔ Island options include Starfish Beach, Shell Key, Fort DeSoto
✔ Available for larger groups across multiple boats
Egmont key
snorkeling tour
$549
+tax & 18% gratuity · entire boat · 4.5 hours · up to 12 guests
A private half-day to three islands — Egmont Key's Sunken Ruins, Shell Key's pristine beach, and Outback Key's shallow water. All snorkel gear included. 1+ hour at the Ruins guaranteed.
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✔ Snorkel the submerged Fort Dade ruins — 9ft clear water
✔ Shell Key beach, shelling, and sand dollars
✔ All masks, fins, snorkels, and noodles provided
✔ Dolphins, rays, sea turtles, and manatees common
✔ Gear included — nothing extra to rent or bring
Passage Key
private charter
$549
+tax & 18% gratuity · entire boat · 5 hours · up to 12 guests
A secluded, clothing-optional barrier island at the mouth of Tampa Bay. Powder sand, turquoise Gulf water, and complete privacy. Only accessible by private boat — only reachable with a captain who knows the crossing.
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✔ Entirely private, uninhabited barrier island
✔ Clothing-optional — naturist-friendly
✔ Discreet, professional, licensed captains
✔ BYOB — coolers, floats, paddleboard, and music provided
✔ Weekend departures · 10am, weekdays on request
Private sunset
cruise
$399
+tax & 18% gratuity · entire boat · 2 hours · up to 12 guests
The entire boat is yours for two hours at golden hour. No strangers, no shared experience. Dolphins at dusk, BYOB welcome, and a Gulf Coast sunset that changes colour every minute until dark.
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✔ Entire vessel exclusively for your group
✔ Adults-only atmosphere — quiet and unhurried
✔ BYOB — ice coolers provided
✔ Dolphins frequently seen at dusk feeding
✔ Perfect for anniversaries and proposals
PRIVATE BOAT CHARTERS - ST PETE
Your boat, your group —
what private actually means
"Private charter" gets used loosely in the boat tour industry. Some operators call a semi-private tour with strangers a "private experience." Island Ferry is different — when you book a private charter, the entire vessel is reserved exclusively for your group. No other passengers. No shared bookings. No compromises.
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Your captain works for your group for the full duration — adjusting the route, the pace, and the stops to what you actually want from the day. If you want to stay at the sandbar for another hour, you stay. If you want to explore a different cove, you go. The charter moves at your pace, not a schedule.
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This is what the 2,900+ five-star reviews on TripAdvisor are about — not just the destinations, but the feeling of having the water to yourselves.
Genuinely private
Your group has the entire vessel — no strangers, no shared bookings, no other passengers. Bring whatever cocktails you enjoy — ice-filled coolers provided on every trip, no bar tab, no markup
Four options — one company
Sandbars, snorkeling, Passage Key, or sunset — four genuinely different private experiences and destinations, all from the same trusted operation in Tierra Verde.
USCG-licensed captains
Every captain holds a US Coast Guard Master's mariners license. Not a bareboat loophole operation — real credentials, real safety training, real accountability.
Family owned since 2013
Not a franchise, not a tourism conglomerate — a family operation that cares about every single charter. A family that is a full-time resident of Tierra Verde.
Local wildlife knowledge
Our captains and crew know where dolphins feed, where manatees rest, and when the conditions are right. This is their backyard — and they love sharing it.
2,900+ five-star reviews
TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice ten years running. The reviews reflect what private actually means — guests who felt the difference from the moment they boarded.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Private boat charter FAQ
What private boat charters does Island Ferry offer in St. Pete?
Four distinct private charter experiences: the Sandbar Party Charter ($499 · 4.5 hrs), the Egmont Key Snorkeling Tour ($549 · 4.5 hrs), the Passage Key Private Charter ($549 · 5 hrs), and the Private Sunset Cruise ($399 · 2 hrs). All depart from Tierra Verde Marina.
How much does a private boat charter cost in St. Pete?
Island Ferry's private charters range from $399 for the private sunset cruise (2 hours) to $549 for the Egmont Key snorkeling tour or Passage Key charter (4.5 hours). The sandbar party charter is $499 for 4.5 hours. All prices are flat rate for the entire boat — not per person.
How many guests can a private charter accommodate?
Each boat holds up to 6 guests. For groups larger than 6, Island Ferry has multiple vessels available and can run two or three boats together for groups up to 18 guests. Text or call 727-742-2277 to arrange a multi-boat booking.
Where do Island Ferry private charters depart from?
All private boat charters depart from Tierra Verde Marina at 198 Madonna Blvd, Tierra Verde — minutes from St. Pete Beach. Free parking is available at the marina. Full directions are provided after booking
Are Island Ferry captains licensed?
Yes — all Island Ferry captains hold a US Coast Guard Master's mariners license. Island Ferry has operated licensed private charters from Tierra Verde since 2013 and has been recognized as a TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice operator multiple years running.
Can we bring our own food and drinks?
Yes — BYOB is welcome on all private charters. Bring whatever food and drinks you enjoy. Ice-filled coolers are provided on every trip. There's no bar and no markup — the experience is yours to set.
Which private charter is best for a birthday, anniversary, or proposal?
The Private Sunset Cruise is the most popular for romantic occasions — two hours at golden hour, adults-only, and the most intimate experience we offer. The Sandbar Party Charter is best for birthdays and celebrations with a group. Text us at 727-742-2277 if you'd like help choosing.