Tampa History Cruise
Tampa, USA
- 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Why travelers loved this
·
Explore our promoted experiences
Overview
Explore one of Florida's most picturesque harbors on this Tampa history cruise that transports travelers back in time across stunning blue waters. See the real-life pirate ship known as Gabriella up close and take in views of million-dollar homes, popular museums, and the famous 'Plant Hotel' as you listen to expert commentary about the city's rich past.
- Learn about Tampa's history on a cruise
- Listen to live on-board commentary while you sail
- Multiple departure times make it easy to fit into any schedule
- Light refreshment are provided
What's Included
- History Cruise
- Bottled water
- Soda/Pop
- Parking
- Transportation to/from attraction
- Gratuities (optional}
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- PWT3 - History Center/Amalie ArenaTampa, FL 33602, USA
Departure Point: Behind The Tampa Bay History Center at the dock Tampa FL. Address: 801 Old Water Street Tampa, FL 33602 Directions: Dock (water taxi dock #3) behind the Tampa Bay History Center 801 Old Water Street. Parking at parking lots on Chanelside drive Board the blue boat with yellow top
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
This history cruise starts at the dock, where you can seamlessly board the boat, without having to wait in long lines to buy your ticket.
As you glide past Tampa’s picturesque harbors, live onboard commentary helps you learn about how the city grew from a Spanish outpost, including stories about a local pirate ship called “Gabriella”.
To help boost your comfort and hydration levels, the trip includes soft drinks as well as bottled water.
Access plenty of great photo opportunities, including million-dollar mansions, museums, and the Plant Hotel, then finish the experience by docking at the port where you started the tour.
As you glide past Tampa’s picturesque harbors, live onboard commentary helps you learn about how the city grew from a Spanish outpost, including stories about a local pirate ship called “Gabriella”.
To help boost your comfort and hydration levels, the trip includes soft drinks as well as bottled water.
Access plenty of great photo opportunities, including million-dollar mansions, museums, and the Plant Hotel, then finish the experience by docking at the port where you started the tour.
Henry B. Plant Museum (Pass By)
Tampa Water Taxi Company (Pass By)
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 1 day of travel. In this case confirmation will be received as soon as possible, subject to availability
- Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers
Supplied by
Frequently Asked Questions (4)
Q:Is there parking near the departure point for the Tampa History Cruise?
A:Yes - the nearest parking is at either the Garrison Street parking lot or the Channelside Parking Garage. Note: There may be fees for parking.
Mar 2021
The answers provided are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Maria_R
Great activity! Educational and well organized. Mark is very knowledgeable and engaging. He knows a lot about the history and modern state of Tampa and shares it in easy and understandable way! Our 9 year old loved the trip and fun facts about the area. Simple but clean boat with beautiful views along Tampa. Great value for a reasonable price and central departure location close to many popular places to visit in Tampa before/after the tour. Highly recommend for a relaxing family friendly activity.
Reviews
4.2
based on 905 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Lan_B, Jul 2026
Cruise was canceled. I only received 1 refund. Waiting to receive a refund for the other 2 tickets I paid for. Difficult to find who to write to to resolve issue.
Lisa_D, Jul 2026
Mark was excellent captain. He covered great facts of the city. Tour covered lots of scenery of the different islands.
Michael_B, Jun 2026
Frustrating experience. The boat trip in Tampa was canceled a few hours before it was scheduled to begin, allegedly for upcoming heavy rain, but the weather was fine in fact.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Weather changes quickly in FL this time of year. We look at weather not just at departure time but at the entire length of trip. During your trip lighting would have been within 4 miles of us. (Lighting can kill up to 11 miles from source). We will not endanger you or our crew. We gave you 2 hours notice as that is the minimum time before departure we give notice.
Sorry but we don't make the weather.
Theresa_I, Jun 2026
Casual and comprehensive history of sights along the waterways of Tampa. Captain Mark shared very interesting facts about the past and present of the area in an entertaining way. Free cold water on board was appreciated.
mark_h, Jun 2026
So we doesn't actually go, but we booked based on all the positive reviews. Unfortunately, a schedule change caused us to be able to go, but they were very understanding and gave us a refund. We do hope to be able to go when we are back in Tampa sometime.
Nitokki_L, Jun 2026
Excellent experience. Loved hearing the history and seeing different sites along the tour. Tampa has a really interesting history and the tour made me want to dive more into it.
Andrea_H, Jun 2026
This was very informative and a lot of fun even if you're NOT a history person like me! They even offer ice cold water for free!
Ryan_H, Jun 2026
Captain Mark is such a good guide. He is warm and energetic, and what he teaches about Tampa Bay history is informative even to Tampa natives like me! He seemed to keep everyone engaged. I like that he repeats the main point of most of his stories to ensure that everyone heard it, and he speaks loudly and clearly, which is especially good since he’s got to be heard over a boat motor. This is the second time I’ve been on the tour in a month. My family said they’d like to go on the tour again too because it was so enjoyable.
Stacey_S, May 2026
Very knowledgeable guide . Great way to get the history of the city and enjoy beautiful views at the same time.
Elisabeth_G, May 2026
Wonderful tour and directions clear enough to get there. My family and I learned a lot of new things about Tampa. Great views 👏
Jennifer_F, May 2026
Very knowledgeable and informative captain! Learned a lot! The captain was considerate and offered bottled water several times.
Connie_H, May 2026
My mother and I showed up and waited for about 30 minutes. Another passenger finally got a hold of somebody and said it had been canceled. Nobody had been notified of this. I had to pay $20 for parking. I wouldn't have lugged my '83-year-old mother all that way if I had been notified!
Pavel_K, May 2026
Canceled less than 30 mins prior to the scheduled time ruining a carefully designed weekend itinerary. Not sure what went wrong as no explanation was provided.
I would have offered a free cruise if I were the organizer.
Julie_C, Apr 2026
It was a very enjoyable ride as well as very informative regarding Tampa’s history. Mark was a good boat driver and very friendly and full of Tampa history!
Bob_I, Apr 2026
Very informative ride on the boat. Learned about the history of the area. And saw a few of the mansions along the Bay.
Diane_S, Apr 2026
Small group size ensured it was easy to see planned and unplanned (like the dolphins we saw) sights. Beautiful day for a cruise!
Barnez_C, Apr 2026
Would recommend this tour. Great views. Very informative and an enjoyable experience all around! 👍 🛥️
Robyn_L, Apr 2026
Fun and informative! The boat and the speakers on the boat were a bit old but overall a beautiful afternoon
Lorraine_M, Apr 2026
Fantastic day on the water learning so much about the area of Tampa! Mark was fabulous! Lovely touch adding the cool beverage!
Debra_D, Apr 2026
This tour was above what it is advertised as. Our captain and narrator was amazing. Full of so may facts. He had our full attention whenever he was speaking.
Tim_S, Apr 2026
Shows a good slice of Tampa. Captain Larry is very responsive. The boat is conveniently located near trolley stop 9 behind the History Museum.
Martin_Q, Apr 2026
They canceled last minute. They claimed it was because of weather but it was sunny and beautiful. My feelings is they didn’t sell enough seats so they didn’t go. A real shame since we were looking forward to it.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
We only cancel a trip because of bad weather. Your safety is our first thought. Weather changes quickly in Florida and we must respond ASAP. Weather is not whats over your head but what will happen during a tour.
Alla_G, Mar 2026
Very old, super noise boat! Uncomfortable seats!
The tour guy was super nice and knowledgeable, but has to scream in Mike that we can hear his speech
Krystina_L, Mar 2026
Definitely get there early for parking and walk time. But what an amazing time! It was the perfect day and Mark was so kind and very knowledgeable! Great for an afternoon date idea.
Steve_F, Mar 2026
Very relaxing. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable. 1.5 hours was a perfect amount of time. Great time!
joann_h, Mar 2026
The tour guide was excellent. It was hard to see at times because of the tall front of the boat. The seats were hard.
Lynn_H, Mar 2026
Mark was extremely knowledgeable, professional, and friendly. Fun facts about Tampa and the boat ride was so nice.
Lawrence_E, Mar 2026
Leisurely cruise along the downtown Tampa waterways. Captain had many interesting facts and stories about the history of the area, and spoke very clearly. It was fun to see some of the mansions, too.
Anna_B, Mar 2026
Our guide Mark was so knowledgeable and friendly! He talked for the whole hour and a half and he did not stutter once. He knows his stuff! He seems very passionate about his city and its history.
jordan747, Mar 2026
Our boat captain was so well versed in the history of Tampa it made for a fun trip. He added little known fun facts and kept up a lively commentary the whole trip. Beautiful trip on the water.
From $30.77
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
Compare Similar Experiences
Current
Tampa History Cruise
905
1 hour 30 minutes
Free Cancellation
From
$30.77
Customers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Explore Similar Things to Do
Attractions in Tampa, USA
- Gizella Kopsick Palm Arboretum Tours & Tickets
- Tampa Museum of Art Tours & Tickets
- Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Tours & Tickets
- Sunshine Skyway Bridge Tours & Tickets
- The Florida Aquarium Tours & Tickets
- Honeymoon Island Tours & Tickets
- Clearwater Beach Tours & Tickets
- Tampa Riverwalk Tours & Tickets
- Clearwater Marine Aquarium Tours & Tickets
- Fort De Soto Park Tours & Tickets
- Downtown Tampa Tours & Tickets
- Amalie Arena Tours & Tickets
- Caladesi Island Tours & Tickets
- Ybor City Tours & Tickets