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
THE EXPERIENCE
St. Pete's most intimate sunset cruise
Most sunset cruises near St. Pete Beach mean crowds, a loudspeaker, and the feeling that you're on a floating bus. Island Ferry's sunset cruise is the opposite — deliberately small, quiet, and personal.
Six passengers maximum per boat. You'll cruise through the residential canals of Tierra Verde, past waterfront mansions and mangrove islands, and out toward wide-open bay views as the sun drops to the Gulf horizon. Your captain narrates lightly — there when you want it, out of the way when you just want to watch the sky change.
Bring your own wine, champagne, or cocktails. We supply coolers and ice. No forced entertainment, no announcements — just open water, dolphins at dusk, and one of the best light shows the Gulf Coast delivers every single evening.
Adults-only atmosphere
Designed for couples and adult groups who want a quiet, unhurried evening on the water
BYOB fully welcome
Wine, champagne, cocktails — bring whatever you enjoy. Ice-filled coolers provided
Six guests maximum
Never crowded. You'll always have room to move, take photos, and actually relax
USCG-licensed captains
Local knowledge, light narration on wildlife and neighborhood history
THE ROUTE
Your sunset cruise route & schedule
Board at Tierra Verde Marina
198 Madonna Blvd — meet your captain and you're underway within minutes. Free parking at the marina.
Residential canals & mangroves
Cruise through Tierra Verde's waterfront neighborhoods past million-dollar homes, sailboats, and mangrove islands as dusk settles in.
Open bay — golden hour
Out toward open water as the sun meets the horizon. The sky goes amber, coral, violet — reflected across the bay. Dolphins are frequently seen here.
Return at twilight
Back to Tierra Verde at dusk. A short walk to Island Grille or the Marriott rooftop lounge if you want to extend the evening.
ON THE WATER
Dolphins, manatees & wildlife on Tampa Bay
Evening is the most active time along the St. Pete coastline. The mangroves come alive as the day cools and dolphins move inshore to feed. Wildlife sightings are common — not guaranteed, but frequent.
Bottlenose dolphins
Feed actively at dusk, often bow-riding or surfacing alongside the boat in the shallower bay channels
Brown Pelican
Masters of the coast — in the air, on the water, and diving for fish along the seawall
Manatees
Spotted in the calmer canal sections, especially spring through fall near shallow grass flats
Roseate Spoonbill
Striking pink wading birds seen along mangrove shorelines, especially in warmer months
Great blue heron
Patient stalkers in the mangrove shallows — remarkable and unhurried up close at evening
Osprey
Watch for dramatic dives into the shallows — active hunters in the final hours of daylight
PRICING AND BOOKING
Sunset cruise pricing — semi-private or private charter
Both options depart nightly from Tierra Verde Marina and follow the same route. The only difference is who's on the boat.
Semi-private cruise
Share the boat with up to 5 other guests. Relaxed, intimate, and still far quieter than any large commercial cruise. The most popular way to experience the sunset.
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Up to 6 passengers total per vessel
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Adults-only atmosphere
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BYOB — ice-filled coolers provided
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Approximately 2 hours · departs evenings year-round
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Blankets provided in cooler months
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Free parking at Tierra Verde Marina
PRICE
$69 per person
DURATION
Approx. 2 hours
DEPARTURE
198 Madonna Blvd, Tierra Verde Marina
CANCELLATION
No refund within 24 hours
Private charter
The entire boat is yours. No strangers, no shared experience — just your group and the Gulf. The go-to choice for anniversaries, proposals, and date nights.
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Entire vessel exclusively for your group
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2–6 guests — no one else onboard
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Captain's full attention to your group
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Same BYOB policy · ice coolers provided
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Perfect for anniversaries & proposals
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Same route, same duration, private magic
PRICE
$399 for entire boat
DURATION
Approx. 2 hours
DEPARTURE
198 Madonna Blvd, Tierra Verde Marina
CANCELLATION
No refund within 24 hours
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
$549 / 6ppl
Private Egmont Snorkeling Charter
A half-day private charter visiting three islands — Egmont Key, Outback Key & Shell Key. $549 per 6 people. See details
$54pp
Guided kayak tours to Shell Key
Paddle through mangrove tunnels to Shell Key's open beach. Beginner-friendly. From $54pp.
$549 / 6ppl
Passage Key Charter
A private charter to Passage Key — one of Florida's most secluded barrier islands. Clothing-optional. $549 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
$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
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the sunset cruise?
Our sunset cruise in St. Petersburg lasts approximately 2 hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the changing colors of the sky, calm waterways, and scenic views as the sun sets.
Where does the sunset cruise depart from?
The sunset cruise departs from the Tierra Verde / St. Pete Beach area, just minutes from downtown St. Petersburg. Exact departure details are provided after booking.
Is the sunset cruise good for couples and families?
Yes. Our small-group sunset cruise is perfect for couples, families, and visitors of all ages. The calm waters, relaxed pace, and shaded seating make it comfortable and enjoyable for everyone.
Can we bring food or drinks on the sunset cruise?
Yes — our St. Pete sunset cruise is BYOB. You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks, including wine or cocktails. We provide an ice-filled cooler onboard for your convenience.
Will we see dolphins or wildlife during the sunset cruise?
Wildlife sightings are common but not guaranteed. Guests often see dolphins, as well as pelicans, herons, ospreys, and other coastal birds, especially during the evening hours when the water is calmer.
How many people are on each sunset cruise?
Island Ferry specializes in small-group sunset cruises, with a maximum of six passengers per boat. This creates a more personal, relaxed experience without crowds.
Is the sunset cruise narrated?
Yes, but lightly. Our local captains provide casual narration, sharing insight about the area, waterfront homes, wildlife, and local history while keeping the atmosphere relaxed and romantic.
What should we bring on the sunset cruise?
We recommend bringing:
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Your favorite food and drinks
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A light jacket (especially in cooler months)
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A camera or phone for photos
Sunscreen is optional depending on the season and cloud cover.
What happens if the weather is bad?
If Island Ferry cancels due to unsafe weather conditions, you’ll receive a full refund or the option to reschedule. Safety is always our top priority.
How far in advance should we book?
Because group sizes are limited, we recommend booking in advance, especially for weekends, holidays, and peak travel seasons.