St. Pete Beach Private Boat Rentals & Charters — Lagoon Pontoons Day Cruises
Difficulty
easy
Duration
4 hours
Fitness Level
Minimal fitness required — able to step on/off a low dock and move around a deck; those with balance issues should take care.
Overview
Board a Lagoon pontoon and spend four hours skimming sandbars, spotting dolphins, and anchoring at quiet coves off St. Pete Beach. Captained options make these private charters accessible for families and first-timers while offering flexibility for fishing, sunset cruises, or a laid-back day on the Gulf.
St. Pete Beach Private Boat Rentals & Charters — Lagoon Pontoons Day Cruises
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The engine hums, not loud enough to drown the gulls but enough to make conversation feel like a trade with the tide. You push off from a low-key launch on St. Pete Beach, the sand behind you whitening into the shallow shelf of the Gulf. A tritoon eases into a ribbon of water between sandbars; a pod of bottlenose dolphins puncture the surface ahead, as if leading the way.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring reef-safe sunscreen
The sun is intense on flat water and conventional sunscreen harms seagrass and coral — choose reef-safe formulas and reapply often.
Book a morning for wildlife
Dolphins and manatees are most active in calm morning hours; for glassy water and better viewing, aim for the 10:00 a.m. departure.
Pack a dry bag and extra ice
Phones and snacks survive better in waterproof bags; bring an insulated cooler or add-on ice to keep food and drinks cold aboard.
Consider a captained trip if unfamiliar
Hiring a captain reduces navigation stress and can open access to protected stops and local insights about tides and fishing spots.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Bottlenose dolphins
- Manatees
History
Egmont Key and nearby barrier islands were strategic points during the 19th century; Fort Dade’s ruins on Egmont are a reminder of the area’s military past.
Conservation
Seagrass beds and nesting beaches are fragile — use mooring zones where available, avoid anchoring on grass, and use reef-safe products to minimize impact.
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Adventure Hotspots in St. Pete Beach
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects skin while minimizing damage to seagrass and marine life.
summer specific
Dry bag or waterproof phone case
Keeps electronics and valuables dry during splashes or sudden rain.
Polarized sunglasses
Reduces glare on the water and improves visibility for spotting wildlife.
Light layers and a windbreaker
Evenings and open-water winds can be cool; a lightweight jacket adds comfort.
spring specific