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SUNSET CRUISE ST. PETE, FLORIDA
SMALL GROUP SUNSET CRUISES FROM ST PETE
⭐ Top-rated sunset cruise in St. Pete • Small groups • Local captains • BYOB welcome
980+
5-Star Reviews
Experience a breathtaking sunset cruise on the waters of St. Pete, and St Pete Beach with Island Ferry. Only a few minutes from St Pete Beach, you will cruise through the calm Bay waters and residential canals as the sun sets over the Gulf, painting the sky in vibrant colors. Our sunset cruise is limited to just six guests per boat, giving you a peaceful, uncrowded view of the horizon while cruising past the million-dollar waterfront homes, mangrove islands, and the wildlife of Tampa Bay. This small-group sunset boat tour offers a relaxed, scenic way to enjoy St. Pete’s natural beauty—perfect for couples, families, and anyone looking to unwind on the water.
What Makes Our Sunset Cruise Different
Most sunset cruises near St Pete Beach are run on large commercial boats with dozens of passengers. Island Ferry sunset cruises are intentionally small-group experiences, limited to just six guests per vessel. This creates a quieter, more personal evening on the water where you can actually relax, talk with your captain, and enjoy an unobstructed view of the Gulf of Mexico sunset.
Because our boats are smaller and can run in very shallow waters, we can cruise through dolphin areas that larger tour boats can’t reach. We always cruise the calm residential canals of Tierra Verde past the million-dollar homes and mansions, the mangrove islands in the sheltered bay and quiet coves of St Pete Beach where dolphins and shorebirds are frequently seen. Your captain will see to it that you get a great view of the wildlife without imposing on these wonderful creatures.
Our sunset cruise is also flexible. If wind or weather changes, we choose the best route for calm water and clear sunset views. Some evenings feature glowing skies over Pass-A-Grille, while others showcase dramatic colors over Tampa Bay’s barrier islands. No two sunset cruises are exactly alike.
Guests are encouraged to bring drinks and snacks, and there is plenty of room for small coolers. Or you can store your items in our iced coolers. We also provide the music to enjoy along the way. With comfortable seating, friendly narration about local history and wildlife, and a relaxed pace, Island Ferry sunset cruises feel more like a private evening on the water than a typical tour boat ride.
For visitors coming to St Petersburg or St Pete Beach, our small-group sunset cruise offers a peaceful, memorable way to experience the Florida Gulf Coast.
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Max 6 passengers per boat
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Quiet cruise through Tierra Verde and St Pete Beach residential canals
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Wide-open Gulf of Mexico sunset views
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Dolphins, manatees, and shorebirds sightings are very common
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Bring your own drinks and snacks, store your items in our coolers.
This is the perfect sunset cruise for couples, but also suitable for families, and small groups visiting St Pete Beach or Tierra Verde.
Dolphins, Wildlife & Scenic Routes
While the sunset is the highlight of the cruise, many guests are surprised by how much wildlife they see along the way. The calm waters around Tierra Verde, Pass-A-Grille, and St Pete Beach are home to resident Atlantic bottlenose dolphins that are often seen swimming alongside the boat, chasing fish along the seawall, or surfing our wake as we cruise the bay.
In warmer months, manatees are frequently spotted near shallow grass flats, especially in the protected coves we visit. Stingrays glide across the sandy bottom, pelicans dive for baitfish, and shorebirds such as herons, egrets, white Ibis, and terns gather along the beaches and seawall. During migration seasons, you may even see the white pelicans from the Great Lakes region on the barrier island of Shell Key preserve.
Because our boats are small and quiet, wildlife encounters feel natural and respectful. Your captain keeps a safe distance while pointing out animals and explaining their behavior, habitat, and the ecology of Tampa Bay. Many guests say the dolphin sightings and peaceful mangrove scenery made their sunset cruise even more memorable than the sunset itself.
Small-Group Sunset Cruises with Local Captains
Island Ferry specializes in small-group sunset cruises, with a maximum of six passengers per boat. This semi-private format creates a more personal and comfortable experience compared to large tour boats, allowing guests to spread out, take photos, and enjoy the moment without crowds.
Our experienced, licensed, local captains provide light narration along the way, sharing insight into the area’s history, waterfront neighborhoods, and wildlife while keeping the atmosphere relaxed and unhurried.
Where the Sunset Cruise Goes
Island Ferry sunset cruises depart from Tierra Verde Marina Resort, just minutes from St Pete Beach and St Pete. From the marina we cruise through scenic residential canals lined with waterfront homes, and sailboats, before heading toward the open waters of lower Boca Ciega Bay.
Depending on weather and sunset conditions, your captain may guide the boat through our Triangle pass" in the bay, where we most often encounter dolphins, and then into the Vina Del Mar canals. Alternatively, the captain may choose the Intracoastal Waterway, or the seawall along historic Pass-a-Grille village. Each route is chosen for calm water, good wildlife viewing, and the clearest view of the setting sun.
As the sky begins to glow, we position the boat with a wide-open line of sight to the Gulf of Mexico horizon. The reflection of the sunset across the bay’s calm water creates dramatic colors that change minute by minute, giving photographers and nature lovers unforgettable views. After sunset, we cruise back through the twilight canals of Tierra Verde, where evening lights shimmer across the water.
Our sunset cruise departs from:
Tierra Verde Marina Resort
198 Madonna Blvd, Tierra Verde, FL
BYOB Sunset Cruise for Couples and Families
Our St. Pete sunset cruise is designed for comfort and flexibility. Guests are welcome to bring their own food and drinks, including wine or cocktails, to enjoy during the cruise. Shaded seating and a smooth ride make this tour suitable for all ages, whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a peaceful evening on the water.
This cruise is especially popular with couples looking for a romantic experience, as well as families wanting a calm, scenic outing.
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Couples visiting St Pete Beach
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Family vacations
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Small birthday celebrations
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Photography lovers
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Relaxing evening outings
If you want a quiet sunset cruise without crowds, Island Ferry is ideal.
Perfect for Date Nights, Celebrations, and Visitors
Island Ferry’s sunset cruise in St. Petersburg, Florida is ideal for date nights, anniversaries, family outings, and visitors looking to experience the area from the water. The combination of calm conditions, small group size, and beautiful scenery makes this one of the most relaxing and romantic cruises in Tampa Bay.
If you’re looking for a memorable way to end the day in St. Pete, this sunset cruise delivers an unforgettable evening on the water.
Best Time of Year for Sunset Cruises
Sunset cruises run year-round in St Petersburg, Florida, and every season offers something different. Winter sunsets are often especially colorful thanks to clear skies and cooler air, while spring and summer evenings bring warm breezes, dramatic cloud formations, and frequent dolphin activity.
During the calmer months of fall and early winter, the waters around Shell Key and Tierra Verde are especially peaceful, making for a relaxing ride with vivid pastel sunsets. Summer evenings can feature towering clouds and glowing orange skies over the Gulf, creating spectacular photo opportunities.
Departure times adjust throughout the year so you always see the sunset at its peak. No matter when you visit St Pete Beach, a sunset cruise is one of the most memorable ways to experience the beauty of Tampa Bay.
What to Bring on Your Sunset Cruise
Island Ferry sunset cruises are relaxed and comfortable, and we encourage you to bring anything that makes the evening more enjoyable. Most guests bring drinks, snacks, or a small cooler to enjoy while watching the sunset. We provide ice and space for your items on board.
We recommend bringing a camera or smartphone for photos, sunglasses for the ride out, and a light jacket during cooler winter evenings. (We do offer complimentary use of blankets for those winter months.) Comfortable shoes and sunscreen are also helpful, especially in summer months. If you’re celebrating a birthday or anniversary, feel free to bring decorations or music to personalize your cruise.
Because our boats carry small groups, there’s plenty of room to move around, take photos, and enjoy the view without feeling crowded.
Why Guests Love Island Ferry Sunset Cruises
Guests consistently tell us our small-group sunset cruises were the highlight of their St Pete vacation. Many appreciate the quiet atmosphere compared to large commercial boats, while others love the chance to talk with the captain, learn about local wildlife, and watch dolphins up close.
Couples celebrating anniversaries enjoy the romantic setting, families appreciate the calm waters and friendly pace, and photographers love the unobstructed views of the Gulf sunset. With hundreds of five-star reviews, Island Ferry is known for friendly service, safe boating, and memorable sunset experiences around St Pete Beach and St Pete.
Our goal is simple: give every guest a peaceful, beautiful evening on the water they’ll remember long after their trip to St Petersburg.
Reserve Your St. Pete Sunset Cruise Today
Space on our small-group sunset cruises is limited. Book in advance to secure your preferred date and enjoy one of the best sunset experiences in St. Petersburg.
There are other magnificent things offered near St Pete, such as the kayaking adventures to Shell Key, as well as dolphin cruises that take you to Shell Key. The private snorkeling options is also excellent, namely the sunken ruins at Egmont Key.
Other Great Experiences
PLEASE NOTE: We have 4 vessels. If you are travelling with another group, please be sure to book your reservation under the same name if you expect to travel on the same boat with another group who as also booked this tour. Otherwise we cannot guarantee that you will travel together on the same boat.
See our Frequently Asked Questions.
Sunset Cruise Details, Pricing, and Duration
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Tour Type: Guided sunset cruise
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Duration: Approximately 2 hours
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Price: $69 per person
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Group Size: Small groups (up to 6 passengers)
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Departure: Tierra Verde Marina / St. Pete Beach
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Availability: Evening departures, weather permitting
What’s Included on Your Sunset Cruise
Tour Inclusions
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Shaded seating onboard
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Ice-filled cooler for food and drinks
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Blankets during the cooler months
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Bottled water
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Free parking at the Tierra Verde marina
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Knowledgeable local captain
TOUR CALENDAR
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.