727-742-2277
Private Sandbar Party Charter — St. Pete's Gulf Sandbars, Your Way
🚢 Private Boat | Your Group Only
⏱ 3+ Hours at the Sandbar
📍Departs from Tierra Verde/St Pete
👥6 Per Boat | Call for Larger Groups
Your own private boat. Crystal clear Gulf water. 4.5 hours of sun, music, floating, and cold drinks at some of the most beautiful sandbars near St. Pete Beach. This is how St. Pete locals spend a perfect day on the water.
Sandbar Party Pricing
Private boat $499 Exclusive use, up to 6 guests
Add 2nd boat $499 - $100 discount Up to 12 guests
2900+
5-Star Reviews
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Not a Party Boat. A Private Charter to the Gulf's Best Sandbar Parties.
There's a big difference between a sandbar party tour and a private sandbar charter — and once you've experienced the difference, you'll never go back.
On a large party boat tour, you're sharing the experience with strangers on a crowded 50-foot vessel heading to the same crowded sandbar as everyone else. The music isn't yours. The vibe isn't yours. And you're anchored next to a hundred other boats.
Island Ferry's sandbar charter is different in every way.
Your group gets a private boat — just your people, your music, your cooler, your pace. Your captain takes you through the scenic residential canals of Tierra Verde and out to the Gulf, where the sandbars are wide, shallow, and genuinely beautiful. You choose whether you want to anchor at a lively spot with other boaters, or find a quiet, secluded location away from the crowds entirely.
Four and a half hours. Gulf of Mexico sandbars. Cold drinks in crystal clear water. That's your day.
The Sandbars — Beautiful Gulf-Side Destinations Only Accessible by Boat
Island Ferry sandbar charters head to some of the most scenic and least-crowded sandbars on Florida's Gulf Coast. Your captain selects the best destination each day based on tide conditions, wind direction, and your group's preference.
Your sandbar options include:
Starfish Beach / Tierra Verde A local favorite — shallow, calm Gulf water with wide sandy flats perfect for anchoring, floating, and swimming. Often dotted with starfish in the shallows. Remote enough to feel like your own private island.
Shell Key Sandbar Located within Shell Key Preserve, this sandbar offers pristine Gulf water, excellent shelling, and frequent dolphin and wildlife sightings. One of the most beautiful natural spots in the St. Pete area.
Outback Key The waters off Fort DeSoto's North Beach offer wide, shallow Gulf sandbars with stunning views and some of the clearest water in the Tampa Bay area. A favorite for groups who want an uncrowded, scenic experience.
Passage Key For groups looking for something truly remote — Passage Key is a secluded barrier island sandbar far from civilization. Ask your captain about this option when booking.
Unlike large tour operators who take everyone to the same crowded sandbar every day, Island Ferry's captains know multiple destinations and choose the best one for your group on the day of your charter.
Everything You Need — Nothing You Don't
Included Details
Private boat Your group only —
no strangers
Large cooler with ice Keep your drinks
cold all day
Bluetooth speakers Your playlist, your vibe
Pool noodles For floating in
the shallows
Water hammocks Relax in the water
in comfort
Games Cornhole, water
games, and more
Licensed captain Professional, local,
safety-focused
Crew service Attentive throughout
your charter
You bring: Your favorite drinks, snacks, food, sunscreen, sunglasses, swimwear, and towels. BYOB means you drink exactly what you want — not whatever's on a bar menu.
Built for Every Celebration — and Perfect Days For No Reason at All
Island Ferry's sandbar charter is the most popular way to celebrate on the water in St. Pete. Groups book it for:
-
Bachelorette parties — private, personal, and far more memorable than a bar crawl
-
Bachelor parties — Gulf sandbars, cold beers, and no agenda
-
Birthday celebrations — a genuinely unique way to mark the occasion
-
Family reunions and group vacations — multiple boats available for larger groups
-
Corporate outings — relaxed, social, and unlike any team event you've done before
-
Engagement celebrations — we can help make the moment special, just ask
-
Just a great day — sometimes the best reason is no reason at all
We have other options for Bachelorette and Bachelor parties.
For groups up to 18 people, Island Ferry can accommodate multiple boats running together. Ask about our multi-boat discount when booking.
Why Private Beats a Party Boat Every Time
Island Ferry Large Party
Private Charter Boat Tours
Group Your group only Mixed strangers
Music Your playlist Their playlist
Drinks BYOB — Bar menu only
anything you want
Sandbar You choose — Same sandbar
multiple options every trip
Duration 3+hrs on Sandbar 2hrs on Sandbar
Group size 6, up to 18 private Crowd of 50
typical
Atmosphere Intimate, personal Crowded, loud
Feel Private day Ticketed tour
on the water event
Dolphins, Manatees & Gulf Coast Scenery Along the Way
The journey to the sandbar is half the experience. Departing from Tierra Verde Marina, your charter cruises through the scenic residential canals past waterfront homes and mansions, through the protected coastal waters of St. Pete Beach, and out toward the open Gulf.
Along the way, dolphins are a frequent companion — often riding alongside the boat or surfacing nearby. Manatees, rays, pelicans, ospreys, and herons are all commonly spotted in these waters. In the right season, you may even encounter sea turtles near the barrier islands.
By the time you drop anchor at your sandbar, you've already had a genuine Florida wildlife experience — and the best part of the day is still ahead of you.
Best Time of Year for Sandbar Charters
Sandbar charters run year-round in St Pete Beach and Tierra Verde. Spring and summer bring warm water and lively sandbar scenes, while fall and winter offer calmer water, beautiful skies, and peaceful uncrowded sandbars.
Tide conditions change daily, so your captain chooses the best sandbar for the time of your charter. Morning and afternoon trips both offer excellent swimming and wildlife viewing opportunities. St Petes barrier islands offer beautiful options, so don't miss out on our visitors guide to the islands.
Departure, Parking & Booking Details
Detail Info
Departs from Tierra Verde Marina, St. Pete, FL
Distance from 5 minutes
St. Pete Beach
Parking Free at the marina
Charter duration 4.5 hours
Boats available 4 vessels — up to 18 guests
across multiple boats
Schedule Available 7 days a week,
year-round
Cancellations Full refund if Island Ferry cancels for weather. No refund for cancellations under 48 hours or no-shows.
TOUR CALENDAR
Island Ferry's private sandbar charters are the most personal way to experience the Gulf Coast sandbars near St. Pete. With 4.5 hours on the water, Gulf destinations only accessible by boat, and a private boat that's entirely yours — this is the sandbar experience St. Pete locals keep to themselves.
Weekends and holidays fill up quickly, especially during spring and summer. Don't wait to lock in your date.
Book online or call 727-742-2277.
Reserve Your Sandbar Day — Weekends Book Fast
Other Great Experiences
St Pete offers several other great experiences on the water, such as our discreet naturist private tours to Passage Key, as well as family-friendly dolphin cruises and Kayak Tours that take you to Shell Key. The private snorkeling to Egmont Key is also excellent, namely the sunken ruins at Egmont Key. Last, but not least, our Sunset Cruise is the best way to end your day in a relaxing way. For more about St Petes sandbars, visit our Sandbar visitors guide online.
Our Tours-Central page has summaries of all of our tours.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our St. Pete Sandbar Party
Is the Sandbar Party a private boat charter?
Yes. The Island Ferry Sandbar Party is a private boat charter, meaning the boat and captain are reserved exclusively for your group.
How many people can join the sandbar party?
Our boats accommodate up to 6 passengers, so larger groups will be accommodated with multiple boats. And we offer discounts for the additional boats. Our three boats accommodate up to 18 people.
How long is the sandbar party charter?
The sandbar party lasts approximately 4.5 hours, giving your group plenty of time to cruise, anchor at the sandbar, swim, and relax.
Where does the sandbar party depart from?
The charter departs from the Tierra Verde Marina in the St. Pete Beach area. Exact meeting location and parking details are provided after booking.
Can we bring food and drinks on the sandbar party?
Yes. The sandbar party is BYOB. You’re welcome to bring your own food, snacks, and drinks, including alcoholic beverages. An ice-filled cooler is provided onboard.
Is the water shallow at the sandbar?
Yes. The sandbar is selected for its shallow, calm water, which is ideal for standing, floating, and swimming comfortably.
Is the sandbar party safe for families?
Yes. While many groups book the sandbar party for celebrations, it is also suitable for families. The captain remains onboard at all times and ensures a safe, controlled environment.
Will we see dolphins or wildlife during the charter?
Wildlife sightings are common but not guaranteed. Guests often see dolphins and coastal birds while cruising to and from the sandbar.
What should we bring for the sandbar party?
We recommend bringing swimsuits, towels, sunscreen, drinks and snacks, and optional floats. A waterproof phone case is also a good idea.
What happens if the weather is bad?
If Island Ferry cancels the sandbar party due to inclement weather conditions, you’ll receive a full refund or the option to reschedule.