Clearwater Dolphin Watching & Island Hopping Tour
Enjoy a captain-led day of dolphin watching, island hopping, swimming, and sunsets
From$600
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Discover what we've curated for you
Enjoy a captain-led day of dolphin watching, island hopping, swimming, and sunsets
Discover what we've curated for you
4–8 hrs
Up to 6 people
Private Boat with a Captain
Charter a private Hurricane deck boat with a captain to explore Clearwater, Dunedin, and Indian Rocks Beach. Watch for dolphins, hop among secluded islands, swim, shell, and enjoy coastal scenery at your own pace.
Maximum 6 people per charter. No smoking and no bathroom on board; plan accordingly. Beer, seltzers, or white wine allowed; no hard liquor or red wine, and avoid glass bottles.
Where do we meet the boat?
Pickup is from multiple docking locations; you will be advised of the most convenient spot before your trip.
What do we do on our boat day?
Choose activities like dolphin watching, island hopping, sightseeing, shelling on sandbars, and swimming.
What can we bring?
Space is limited; bring towels, phones, and necessary personal items. There are dry spaces for items you want to keep dry.
Can we bring our own alcohol?
Yes, beer, seltzers, or white wine are allowed. No hard liquor or red wine; please drink responsibly and avoid glass bottles.
Do you have a cooler on board?
Yes, a small cooler with ice is provided. You may bring a small additional cooler; no Styrofoam coolers.
Is there music on the boat?
Yes, you can connect your device via Bluetooth.
Can we bring food or snacks?
Yes, bring sandwiches or snacks, or visit waterfront restaurants. Avoid greasy or staining foods.
What should we wear?
Wear bathing suits if swimming or shelling. Weather can change quickly; bring appropriate clothing.
Do I need sea sickness medication?
Conditions can vary and some motion is possible; medication is not provided.
What wildlife might we see?
Possible sightings include dolphins, sea turtles, manatees, rays, fish, Osprey, and crabs.
Is there a bathroom on board?
No. The captain can stop at an island, marina, or restaurant if needed.
Should we tip the captain?
Tips are appreciated; similar to a restaurant percentage is recommended.
Full refund with 24 hours’ notice. Full refund if the operator cancels due to weather or unforeseen circumstances. No-shows are charged the full price.
We operate out of Clearwater, Dunedin and Indian Rocks Beach.
A Boat Day delivers consistently excellent experiences with a team of talented captains who know how to make time on the water special. Captains Matt, Eric, Will, BJ, and Marcos all get enthusiastic shoutouts for their knowledge of local waters, friendly personalities, and ability to enhance every trip. They're skilled at finding dolphins and manatees, taking guests to secluded beaches for shelling, and creating memorable moments whether you're celebrating a bachelorette party, attending a boat wedding, or just spending quality family time together. The boats themselves impress visitors with their cleanliness and amenities. The pontoon with the upper deck and water slide is a huge hit, adding an extra element of fun to beach stops. Guests love visiting boat-access-only islands to collect sand dollars and seashells, while the dolphin encounters are often described as trip highlights. The captains excel at getting dolphins to play in the boat's wake, and they're happy to snap group photos. Communication is solid, with staff accommodating weather changes when needed. Multiple reviewers mention they'll definitely book again on future trips to the area.
Our family of seven (two small children) had the best time! We made a last-minute decision to book a half day excursion on June 13th. A Boat a Day made the process seamless and easy. Communication was great and they responded quickly to my questions. We were lucky to not only have Marcos as our Captain, but Captain BJ rode along as well to assist. Both were excellent! Captain Marcos was very informative of the islands we visited and made the trip very laid back and relaxing for us. We rented a boat with a slide, which was something new for us to experience. Fortunately, for us, upon return to the marina the dolphins were in a playful mood and Captain Marcos was able to get them to interact with us by following us in the wake of the boat. It was the highlight of the trip! Thank you, Marcos and BJ, for such a wonderful adventure!
Stephanie Dowell
June 28, 2025
Our family of seven (two small children) had the best time! We made a last-minute decision to book a half day excursion on June 13th. A Boat a Day made the process seamless and easy. Communication was great and they responded quickly to my questions. We were lucky to not only have Marcos as our Captain, but Captain BJ rode along as well to assist. Both were excellent! Captain Marcos was very informative of the islands we visited and made the trip very laid back and relaxing for us. We rented a boat with a slide, which was something new for us to experience. Fortunately, for us, upon return to the marina the dolphins were in a playful mood and Captain Marcos was able to get them to interact with us by following us in the wake of the boat. It was the highlight of the trip! Thank you, Marcos and BJ, for such a wonderful adventure!
Stephanie Dowell
June 28, 2025