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PRIVATE SANDBAR CHARTER ST PETE – SMALL GROUP BOAT PARTY
HALF-DAY SANDBAR PARTYING,
WITH THE CROWD, OR IN A SECLUDED SETTING
⭐ Private charter • Small groups • Licensed professional captains • BYOB welcome • Shallow-water sandbar stop
Enjoy a private sandbar charter in St Pete Beach and the Gulf with Island Ferry of St Pete. Our small-group sandbar trips leave from Tierra Verde, and are limited to just six guests per boat. We give you a relaxed, uncrowded cruise on your way to the beautiful sandbars on the Gulf. You choose whether we stop at a secluded spot, or the party-crowd spot. We have several sandbars to choose from.
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Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, bachelorette party, family vacation, or just a fun day on the water, our private sandbar charters offer the perfect mix of sunshine, shallow water, and unforgettable Florida Gulf Coast scenery. Island Ferry’s sandbar party charter is ideal for groups who want a private, flexible experience. No matter what occasion you're planning, this charter gives you a safe and comfortable way to enjoy St. Petersburg from the water. Because this is a private charter, your trip is tailored to your group’s pace—spend more time floating, more time cruising, or simply relax at the sandbar and enjoy the view.
What Makes Our Sandbar Charter Different
Many sandbar tours around St Pete use large party boats with dozens of passengers. Island Ferry charters are small-group, private experiences with your own captain and flexible route. With just six guests onboard, you can enjoy quiet cruising, personalized stops, and more time exploring the best sandbars. You get to choose whether you want to party with the crowds, or have a private secluded celebration. Our 25ft boats are less imposing with a shallow draft, allowing us to reach shallow sandbars near Shell Key Preserve and Pass-A-Grille that larger boats cannot access. If dolphins appear, your captain can adjust course for a closer look. If the tide changes, we can move to another sandbar with better water depth and clearer views. Guests are encouraged to bring drinks, snacks, and music, making the charter feel like your own private boat day rather than a crowded tour. We provide HQ bluetooth speakers to deliver that party vibe. For couples, families, and small groups visiting St Petersburg, this creates a more relaxed and memorable sandbar experience.
Where the Sandbar Charter Goes
Island Ferry sandbar charters depart from Tierra Verde Marina Resort near St Pete Beach. From there we cruise through scenic residential canals and shallow bays toward Shell Key Preserve, Pass-A-Grille sandbars, or other tide-dependent sandbar locations around on the open waters of the Gulf. Our captain chooses the best sandbar each day based on tide levels, wind direction, and water clarity. Some charters stop at Shell Key sandbars with wide shallow areas perfect for relaxing in ankle-deep water. There are other options in the areas of Fort DeSoto Park, or the outer barrier island of Egmont Key. There is also the far-flung sandbar of Passage Key. Others explore quiet mangrove islands or hidden coves where dolphins and shorebirds are common. Upon arriving at one of the popular local sandbars where the water is typically shallow, calm, and perfect for swimming, we throw anchor, and your group can jump in, float, play, and relax while enjoying Florida sunshine and Gulf Coast vibes. This experience is designed for comfort and fun—no crowded tour boats, no rushing, and no complicated logistics. Just a private captain, a great sandbar, and your crew enjoying an amazing day on the water. Because every charter is private, we can adjust your route based on what your group wants most—a party crowd atmosphere, quiet and private seclusion, or even a more free-spirited adult environment.
Perfect for Birthdays, Bachelorette Parties & Family Trips
Private sandbar charters are popular for celebrations and group outings around St Pete Beach and St Pete. Guests often book sandbar trips for: • Birthday parties • Bachelorette and bachelor parties • Family reunions • Vacation groups • Engagement celebrations • Small corporate outings Our sandbar party is BYOB, so you can bring your own favorite cocktails, rather than be forced to buy something not to your liking. Also bring your favorite snacks, and lunch, and enjoy them while anchored in shallow water. Island Ferry provides an ice-filled cooler so you can keep everything cold and convenient throughout the trip. This makes the Sandbar Party a great option for groups who want a fun, social experience without having to necessarily share space with others. And our boat provides a private home base to rest up. Many guests tell us their sandbar charter was the highlight of their St Petersburg vacation.
Comfort and Safety on the Water
Island Ferry has built a strong reputation for providing memorable small-group experiences paired with top-notch professional service, and our Sandbar Party certainly upholds that standard. Throughout your journey, your licensed captain is dedicated to ensuring a smooth and experience from the very beginning to the very end. Meanwhile, the boat's shaded spaces provide a means where you can take a break and relax between your swimming and floating activities. This charter is perfectly suited for groups who are eager to have an enjoyable day on the water while also placing a strong emphasis on safety and responsible practices. It's an excellent opportunity to unwind and have fun in secure environment. This charter is perfect for groups who want to have fun while still enjoying a responsible, safety-focused day on the water.
Wildlife Sightings Along the Way
Even when you’re out on a party charter, waterways of Tampa Bay and St. Pete have a knack for throwing in some unexpected surprises that can really enhance your experience. You might find yourself watching dolphins playfully swimming alongside the boat, which is a treat! Plus, as you cruise your way to and from the sandbar, don’t forget to look out for manatees, rays, and a variety of coastal birds other interesting marine life that call these waters home. While it’s pretty common to spot wildlife during your adventure, you can never be 100% sure you’ll see something every time. That’s the beauty of it—each day on the water is a new adventure bringing its own unique moments that make every trip feel special and memorable!
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.
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 Shell Key, visit our Shell Key Visitor's Guide online.
Our Tours-Central page has summaries of all of our tours.
Book Your St. Pete Sandbar Party Charter
Availability is limited because this is a private charter. Reserve your Sandbar Party in advance to secure your preferred date—especially for weekends, holidays, and peak travel months.
Charter Details, Pricing, and Duration
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Tour Type: Private Sandbar Party Charter
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Duration: Approximately 4.5 hours (at least 3 hrs on the sandbar
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Price: $499 per boat (includes passage for up to 6 passengers) plus 20% gratuity for the crew.
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Departing from: Tierra Verde Marina in St. Pete, FL
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Availability: Leaves on weekends at 1030am, call to book special dates.
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We Provide: Floats and toys and coolers with ice
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Capacity: We're limited to a maximum of 6 people per boat irrespective of age or weight. We have multiple boats for larger parties.
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Cancellations: No refunds for cancellations less than 48 hours before your scheduled departure. No refunds for "no shows". We give FULL refunds if Island Ferry cancels for inclement weather.
What to Bring for Your Sandbar Party
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Swimsuits and towels
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Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
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Drinks and snacks (BYOB)
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Waterproof phone case (recommended)
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Your favorite floats (optional)
TOUR CALENDAR
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.