Join Gilligan's Tiki Tours for a private 2-hour cruise along Sarasota’s Manatee River. Relax on a cozy tiki boat, enjoy good drinks, and watch for dolphins and wildlife—perfect for intimate groups seeking a unique water adventure in Sarasota.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Hang tight — photos are loading
This usually takes just a second.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; manageable for all ages
Wildlife
History
The Manatee River has been a vital waterway for local fishing and trade since the late 1800s, shaping Sarasota’s maritime culture.
Conservation
Gilligan's Tiki Tours emphasizes preserving Sarasota’s natural beauty by practicing eco-friendly cruising and wildlife respect.
Gilligan's Tiki Tours
Join Gilligan's Tiki Tours for a private 2-hour cruise along Sarasota’s Manatee River. Relax on a cozy tiki boat, enjoy good drinks, and watch for dolphins and wildlife—perfect for intimate groups seeking a unique water adventure in Sarasota.
Gilligan's Tiki Tours is a Bradenton, Florida–based boat tour operator offering private, small-group tiki boat experiences and related water outings.
The company specializes in curated private cruises on Sarasota Bay, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Manatee River, with options that include island sandbar visits, sunset cruises, day tours, and self-pilot rentals. Tours accommodate intimate groups—most private cruises support up to six guests while the self-pilot rental seats up to eight—making the experiences suitable for couples, families, and small friend groups.
Trips feature scenic cruising, wildlife viewing, and relaxed time at local sandbars such as Big Pass, with opportunities to swim, sip beverages, and enjoy coastal sunsets. The Private 3 Hour Island Sandbar Tiki Cruise focuses on Big Pass Sandbar access; Private Sunset Tiki Tours present champagne or wine with light snacks during 1.5-hour evening cruises; Private Day Tiki Tours run about two hours on the Manatee River with wildlife spotting; Rent & Self-Pilot Tiki Cruise provides a six-hour rental for guests to pilot their own tiki boat. The business also lists Float Trips, including a multi-hour Gila float option.
Gilligan's Tiki Tours maintains local licensing and operates commercially in the Bradenton and Sarasota coastal area. Reservations, group size limits, and trip durations are stated per excursion to support safety and planning. The operator emphasizes private bookings, short-group formats, and hands-on rental choices for visitors seeking a relaxed, customizable boating experience. Local captains provide navigational knowledge, safety briefings, clear pre-trip instructions to ensure comfortable, well-prepared outings and timely customer support.
Base Location
Bradenton, FL
Operates from the Bradenton/Sarasota coast
Max Guests
Up to 8
Most private cruises seat six
Trip Length
1.5–6 hrs
Sunset to full-day rental options
Tours Offered
5
Sandbar, sunset, day, rental, float
Check availability for sandbar trips, sunset cruises, day tours, and self-pilot rentals — easy online booking for private groups.
Bring Sun Protection
Apply sunscreen and wear hats to stay comfortable under the Florida sun during your cruise.
Dress Casual & Comfortable
Wear lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for being on the water for two hours.
Arrive Early
Plan to arrive 15 minutes early to ensure a prompt departure and get settled on the boat.
Bring Binoculars
Enhance your wildlife viewing experience with binoculars—dolphins and birds are quick to surprise you.
Sunscreen
Protect your skin with waterproof sunscreen for all-day comfort on the water.
summer
Hat & Sunglasses
Wear a wide-brim hat and polarized sunglasses to shield from the sun and reduce glare.
summer
Light Jacket
Bring a light jacket for cooler mornings, especially during winter cruises.
winter
Camera or Smartphone
Capture wildlife sightings and scenic views during your cruise.