Spend nine private hours on a 42' Bali catamaran island-hopping from St. Pete—swim, snorkel, paddle and end with a champagne toast as the sun slips behind the bridge. Small groups (up to 6) get a fully crewed, customizable day on the Gulf.
Spend nine private hours on a 42' Bali catamaran island-hopping from St. Pete—swim, snorkel, paddle and end with a champagne toast as the sun slips behind the bridge. Small groups (up to 6) get a fully crewed, customizable day on the Gulf.
You step aboard a 42-foot Bali catamaran as the marina loosens its morning ties—salt on the air, a cool Atlantic breeze tugging at the shade cloth. The boat slips past concrete piers and city glass, and the city skyline recedes while gulls wheel and the Gulf lays out a flat, watchful face. For nine hours you move between islands and inlets: anchoring for swims at sandbars, skimming past the squat silhouette of Egmont Key, and finishing with a low, private sail into the bruised gold of sunset.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Sweet Escape Charters · St. Petersburg, Florida
You step aboard a 42-foot Bali catamaran as the marina loosens its morning ties—salt on the air, a cool Atlantic breeze tugging at the shade cloth. The boat slips past concrete piers and city glass, and the city skyline recedes while gulls wheel and the Gulf lays out a flat, watchful face. For nine hours you move between islands and inlets: anchoring for swims at sandbars, skimming past the squat silhouette of Egmont Key, and finishing with a low, private sail into the bruised gold of sunset.
This route threads together St. Petersburg’s coastal history and its geology. Egmont Key, a small barrier island at the mouth of Tampa Bay, holds a Civil War-era fort and a 19th-century lighthouse; its beaches are built from sediment carried by currents and storms over centuries. Fort De Soto’s parkland protects mangrove hummocks and tidal flats that teem with migratory shorebirds—places shaped by the push and pull of tides more than human hands.
Culture on these waters is local and relaxed: captains who grew up watching hurricanes and harbor tides will point out the best shallow spots, and fishing families still head to the same creeks for snook. Onboard, the experience is curated—snorkel gear, stand-up paddleboards, floating mats, chilled drinks, a group charcuterie board and a celebratory toast make the day feel private and effortless.
Practicalities: the charter fits up to six guests and runs about nine hours. Expect 20–30 miles of cruising depending on stops and conditions; time at each anchor depends on currents and sea state. The crew assesses snorkel conditions and will not land on protected islands like Egmont when regulations or weather prohibit it. Bring ID for the lead traveler; boarding usually begins 15 minutes before departure and the captain verifies your booking onboard.
For comfort and safety, plan for sun and motion—reef-safe sunscreen, non-slip shoes and a light wind layer are worth their weight. If you get queasy, take a ginger or over-the-counter motion pill before leaving the dock; the catamaran’s stability helps but open Gulf swells can still move you. Hydration matters: salty air dries you out faster than you think.
Timing is everything: the day portion makes for good snorkeling and paddling when winds are lighter; the final hour of the charter pushes into golden hour, when bridge spans and city lights sharpen and the crew will often drop sail for a quiet, celebratory glide. This is less a fast-paced tour and more a private day on the water—equal parts exploration and pause, with the Gulf daring you to slow down and notice.
easy.
9 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels; you should be comfortable getting on/off a ladder into water and spending several hours on a boat.
The booking includes a USCG-licensed captain and first mate, snorkel gear (conditions permitting), paddleboards, floating toys, bottled water, soft drinks, and a shared charcuterie board—plus fuel.
Yes—anchoring for swims is part of the tour when conditions and local rules allow; the crew will advise on the best spots.
Wine or champagne for the toast is included; check with the operator about bringing additional alcohol prior to boarding.
The charter covers up to 6 guests per booking.
The tour may be canceled for unsafe weather; full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours before departure or if the operator cancels due to conditions.
Infants must sit on an adult’s lap; service animals are allowed—notify the operator during booking for any special arrangements.
Egmont Key hosts a 19th-century lighthouse and Civil War-era fortifications—it was a strategic sentinel controlling access to Tampa Bay.
Avoid stepping on seagrass when boarding from shallow sandbars, use reef-safe sunscreen, and don’t feed wildlife; the area relies on protected habitats and responsible boating.
Sweet Escape Charters operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




You step aboard a 42-foot Bali catamaran as the marina loosens its morning ties—salt on the air, a cool Atlantic breeze tugging at the shade cloth. The boat slips past concrete piers and city glass, and the city skyline recedes while gulls wheel and the Gulf lays out a flat, watchful face. For nine hours you move between islands and inlets: anchoring for swims at sandbars, skimming past the squat silhouette of Egmont Key, and finishing with a low, private sail into the bruised gold of sunset.
You step aboard a 42-foot Bali catamaran as the marina loosens its morning ties—salt on the air, a cool Atlantic breeze tugging at the shade cloth. The boat slips past concrete piers and city glass, and the city skyline recedes while gulls wheel and the Gulf lays out a flat, watchful face. For nine hours you move between islands and inlets: anchoring for swims at sandbars, skimming past the squat silhouette of Egmont Key, and finishing with a low, private sail into the bruised gold of sunset.
This route threads together St. Petersburg’s coastal history and its geology. Egmont Key, a small barrier island at the mouth of Tampa Bay, holds a Civil War-era fort and a 19th-century lighthouse; its beaches are built from sediment carried by currents and storms over centuries. Fort De Soto’s parkland protects mangrove hummocks and tidal flats that teem with migratory shorebirds—places shaped by the push and pull of tides more than human hands.
Culture on these waters is local and relaxed: captains who grew up watching hurricanes and harbor tides will point out the best shallow spots, and fishing families still head to the same creeks for snook. Onboard, the experience is curated—snorkel gear, stand-up paddleboards, floating mats, chilled drinks, a group charcuterie board and a celebratory toast make the day feel private and effortless.
Practicalities: the charter fits up to six guests and runs about nine hours. Expect 20–30 miles of cruising depending on stops and conditions; time at each anchor depends on currents and sea state. The crew assesses snorkel conditions and will not land on protected islands like Egmont when regulations or weather prohibit it. Bring ID for the lead traveler; boarding usually begins 15 minutes before departure and the captain verifies your booking onboard.
For comfort and safety, plan for sun and motion—reef-safe sunscreen, non-slip shoes and a light wind layer are worth their weight. If you get queasy, take a ginger or over-the-counter motion pill before leaving the dock; the catamaran’s stability helps but open Gulf swells can still move you. Hydration matters: salty air dries you out faster than you think.
Timing is everything: the day portion makes for good snorkeling and paddling when winds are lighter; the final hour of the charter pushes into golden hour, when bridge spans and city lights sharpen and the crew will often drop sail for a quiet, celebratory glide. This is less a fast-paced tour and more a private day on the water—equal parts exploration and pause, with the Gulf daring you to slow down and notice.