Category Cruises & Boat Tours

Central Florida · CRUISES & BOAT TOURS

The 15 Best Boat Tours in Central Florida

142 tours

Between the Gulf, the Atlantic, the St Johns and a few hundred lakes, most good Central Florida days finish on a boat. These 15 cruises are the ones to book: sunset sailings, buffet party boats, history cruises and manatee runs, with sailing times, prices and what comes included on board.

Calypso Queen Tropical Party Buffet Cruise

Calypso Queen Tropical Party Buffet Cruise - Clearwater coastline views: how the narration actually helps

1.Calypso Queen Tropical Party Buffet Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,136 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $58Our pick

Sail the Clearwater coastline on the Calypso Queen Tropical Party Buffet Cruise, with lunch or dinner, unlimited rum punch, and DJ night.

“It's great, very affordable, fun time! Food was good, and everyone in my party tied one on with the complimentary drinks!”

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Crystal River Manatee Viewing Cruise

Crystal River: Manatee Viewing Cruise - Boarding the Boat, Meeting Your Captain, and Settling In

2.Crystal River Manatee Viewing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,133 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) Top rated

Dry, one and a half hour manatee viewing cruise in Kings Bay Wildlife Refuge with a USCG licensed captain in Crystal River.

“Cruise is on canals in residential areas where manatees hang out in winter. Guide was very informative.”

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Guaranteed Dolphin Sighting Tour on Tropics Boat Tours

Guaranteed Dolphin Sighting Tour on Tropics Boat Tours - The 1 Hour 45 Minutes on the Water, How It Feels in Real Life

Tampa History Cruise

Tampa History Cruise - Boarding and the First Minutes: What the Start Feels Like

4.Tampa History Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 823 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $30

A 90-minute Tampa Bay history cruise with live narration, pirate tales, and water and soda, starting and ending at PWT3 in Tampa.

“Very informative...lots of information about Tampa! The tour guide was experience and helpful with specific information about Tampa.”

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Clearwater Beach: Dolphin & Island Sandbar Cruise

Clearwater Beach: Dolphin & Island Sandbar Cruise - Boat ride comfort: shade canopy, Bluetooth stereo, and real basics

Sunset Celebration Cruise on Tropics Boat Tours

Sunset Celebration Cruise on Tropics Boat Tours - Price and Value: What $37.15 Buys You (And Why It Makes Sense)

6.Sunset Celebration Cruise on Tropics Boat Tours

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 739 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $37

Two hours on a catamaran from Clearwater Bay with an included champagne toast, sunset views, and possible dolphins.

“What a great cruise! The weather was perfect and the crew was attentive and knowledgeable. They made sure to remind us of safety precautions many times, which was helpful. The first mate, Zack was humorous and entertaining. The trip was as advertised as it lasted just a bit over 90 minutes. The sunset was incredible and the whole experience created many memories for us! I would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a budget friendly activity!”

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Plantation’s Kings Bay Scenic Cruise

Plantation's Kings Bay Scenic Cruise - Price and time: is a $25 cruise good value?

7.Plantation’s Kings Bay Scenic Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 684 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $25Best value

A covered 1-hour Kings Bay cruise in Crystal River for $25, with captain stories and chances to spot manatees, dolphins, and more.

“I have been in Kings bay many times and this was just an easy , relaxing experience for me but my friends had never been and they enjoyed it very much”

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2 Hour Sunset Cruise in Clearwater, Florida

2 Hour Sunset Cruise in Clearwater, Florida - Meeting at 198 Seminole St: Getting on Board Without Stress

8.2 Hour Sunset Cruise in Clearwater, Florida

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 646 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $39

Clearwater Gulf sunset cruise with dolphins, onboard narration, and a 21+ champagne toast. 2 hours on a 46-foot Coast Guard boat.

“Tracy, the Captain, and Tiffany were fantastic! Ensured we got a great view of the sunset. Tiffany spent time interacting with all guest, provided suggestions, and some historical insights of the area. A fabulous experience and highly recommended.”

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1.5-hour Dolphin Sightseeing Cruise from Tampa

1.5-hour Dolphin Sightseeing Cruise from Tampa - Parking near the waterfront: options and what to expect

Mega Bite Dolphin Tour Boat in Clearwater Beach

Mega Bite Dolphin Tour Boat in Clearwater Beach - The One-Hour Narrated Tour: Clearwater Beach Stories On The Move

10.Mega Bite Dolphin Tour Boat in Clearwater Beach

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 545 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $28

Shark-themed Clearwater dolphin cruise with a mega wake, onboard stories, and BYOB snacks. Spot dolphins in about one hour.

“This is a great time had by all! We saw soo many dolphins! They were all around the boat, jumping out of the water! The captain and 1st mate made the ride so much fun!! To see so many dolphins was truly amazing. Best time ever!!”

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Clearwater Evening Yacht Cruise with Optional Dining

Clearwater Evening Yacht Cruise with Optional Dining - Key points to know before you go

11.Clearwater Evening Yacht Cruise with Optional Dining

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 464 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $40

3-hour Clearwater Tampa Bay yacht cruise with live music and optional gourmet 3-course dinner on the StarLite Majesty.

“Our waitress was very friendly and kind. I enjoyed my cruise so much and so did my family. We were celebrating my mom’s 84th birthday and the DJ congratulated my mom…..the food was delicious.”

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Crystal River: Semi-Private Manatee Swim Tour With Heated Boat

Crystal River: Semi-Private Manatee Swim Tour With Heated Boat - The 3-Hour Tour Flow, From 403 NE 2nd St Back to the Dock

Tiki Boat – Downtown Tampa – The Only Authentic Floating Tiki Bar

Tiki Boat - Downtown Tampa - The Only Authentic Floating Tiki Bar - Stop-By-Stop: Straz Center and Amalie Arena, Why They Matter on the Water

See Crystal River – Mantee & Wildlife Viewing Cruise

See Crystal River - Mantee & Wildlife Viewing Cruise - The Wildlife Refuge Stop: Why Crystal River Is the Real Deal

14.See Crystal River – Mantee & Wildlife Viewing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 349 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $42

A small-group, 1.5-hour Crystal River manatee cruise with live narration, shade-covered boats, and the chance to spot more wildlife than solo.

“We saw about 50 manatee on the 1:45pm tour. Captain Marty is knowledgeable and funny. Boat was roomy and comfortable. Boat is covered and has windows that can open. Manatees are easily seen from the boat and they come close.”

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St. Augustine: Treasure Hunt Cruise with Onboard Show

St. Augustine: Treasure Hunt Cruise with Onboard Show - Starting at the St Augustine Municipal Marina: quick prep that prevents stress