Top Clearwater Day Trips

Spot dolphins and other marine life on this playful boat ride aboard a one-of-a-kind 50-foot shark-themed vessel. This specialized boat creates a mega wake that attracts dolphins, and the boat’s shark design is fun for all ages. While on board, you’ll hear interesting Clearwater Beach facts and stories, as you spot attractions and famous homes on land and dolphins in the water.

Take a daytime or evening cruise around Clearwater, Florida aboard the Calypso Queen. A lunch or dinner buffet, as well as an open bar featuring rum punch, wine, and beer, is included. A full bar and dessert available for purchase. The evening cruise includes a DJ and dancing.

Cruise out on the Gulf of Mexico and watch the sun dip below the horizon on this cruise from Clearwater. Sail along the Intercoastal Waterway, keeping an eye out for bottlenose dolphins and listening to commentary about your surroundings. Just as the sun is setting, guests 21 and older enjoy a champagne toast before sailing back to the dock.

Embark on a scenic journey to find bottlenose dolphins on this dolphin-watching cruise from Clearwater in Florida. Enjoy the incredible views along the Intracoastal Waterway, passing celebrity mansions while listening to the captain’s commentary. Snacks and beverages are available for purchase on board. Dolphin sightings are guaranteed on this exciting tour—in the unlikely event you don’t see them, you can take another cruise at another time for free.

Watch as day turns into night off the coast of Florida on this sunset cruise from Clearwater. Enjoy the scenery and peaceful calm of a late-afternoon cruise on board a vessel with plenty of space to stretch out and soak up the breathtaking view. Watch a beautiful Florida sunset as the sun glows and gently settles into the Gulf of Mexico. Toast the new evening with a glass of Champagne.

The Gulf of Mexico is known for wild dolphin sightings and this tour from Clearwater Beach helps you discover the pods. Climb aboard the Little Toot, a tugboat-style boat, that creates a big wake that dolphins like to play in. While you’re out on the water, enjoy lively commentary about the dolphins and the surrounding area.

Spice up any Florida vacation with a cruise on Tampa Bay. Beginning in Clearwater, enjoy a beautiful sunset (depending upon the time of year) and listen to live music on board the elegant 'StarLite Majesty' yacht. Choose from one of the open-air observation decks or the climate-controlled dining cabin inside. For dinner (at own expense), choose from several delicious gourmet meal entrees along with salad, dessert, and coffee or tea. Then dance the night away or take a romantic stroll along the deck.

Dolphin encounters are quite common in the Gulf of Mexico, but this boat tour lets you get a closer look at them. Sail out towards Compass Island and keep your eyes peeled for the playful creatures while your captain provides commentary about your surroundings. Then, once you reach the island, jump in the water to search for marine life, collect shells, or simply enjoy the water.

Take a tour of one of Florida's handful of wineries on this excursion in Clearwater. Follow your guide through a tour of the winery whilst you learn about wine production methods. Then, enjoy a tasting of three onsite-produced wines. Nibble charcuterie as you go to keep your palette neutral so you are able to pick up on the unique flavor profiles.

Set out on Salt Therapy with Captain Chris, a U.S. Coast Guard veteran with over 40 years on the waters of Clearwater and the Gulf Coast. This 5-hour private charter lets you experience Florida’s west coast the way locals do—with freedom, sunshine, and salty smiles. Swim at hidden sandbars, hunt for shells on quiet islands, or watch dolphins race the wake through the Intracoastal. Whether you’re floating, exploring, or relaxing to your favorite playlist, this trip moves at your pace. With flexible stops, multiple pickup points, and a laid-back atmosphere, it’s the perfect blend of sightseeing, island time, and good company. All Captain Clearwater charters are private, customizable, and flexible based on weather and guest preference. Highlights • 5-hour private charter aboard Salt Therapy • Swim, explore, and dolphin-watch • Visit hidden islands & sandbars • Cooler, ice & bottled water provided • Pickup in Clearwater, Belleair & IRB Spend the day chasing sunshine—“Boat Like a Local.”

Get out on the water with a private fishing charter from Clearwater. You'll have the chance to try your luck at fishing in the Gulf of Mexico while admiring the coastal scenery. Depending on the conditions, that could be Caladesi Island State Park or Sand Key Park. Species you might catch include redfish, black drum, trout, cobia, and jack crevalle.