727-742-2277
St. Pete Sunset Cruise — Intimate, Adults-Only, Unforgettable
The most personal sunset cruise in St. Petersburg. Just you, the Gulf, and up to five other guests — no crowds, no noise, no rush.
⭐ 2,900+ Five-Star Reviews 🚢 Max 6 Guests Per Boat 🍷 BYOB Welcome 📍 Departs Tierra Verde — Minutes from St. Pete Beach 📅 Year-Round, Every Evening
$69 per person
Private tours available
2900+
5-Star Reviews
1000+
5-Star Reviews
A Sunset Cruise in St. Pete Built for Two — Not Twenty
Most sunset cruises in St. Petersburg put you on a boat with 40 or 50 strangers. Loud music. A crowded bar. Someone else's bachelorette party.
That's not what we do.
Island Ferry's sunset cruise is intentionally intimate — a maximum of six passengers per boat, led by an experienced local captain who knows these waters like his own backyard. The atmosphere is calm, unhurried, and genuinely private-feeling, even on a shared cruise.
As the sun drops toward the Gulf, you'll cruise through the sheltered waterways near St. Pete Beach and Tierra Verde, passing through quiet channels and open coastal water as the sky turns gold, pink, and deep orange. Dolphins surface at dusk. Shorebirds settle for the evening. The Pinellas Bayway glows in the fading light.
It's the kind of evening you'll still be talking about a year later.
Six Guests Maximum — Here's Why That Matters
When you book a sunset cruise in St. Pete, you're choosing between two very different experiences.
On a large commercial cruise boat, you're one of dozens. You wait in line for a drink. You compete for a railing spot to see the sunset. The captain is managing a crowd, not guiding an experience.
On an Island Ferry sunset cruise, there are never more than six passengers aboard. That means:
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You get a real railing spot — every time
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Your captain can actually talk to you, answer questions, and share what he knows about the coastline, the wildlife, and the history of the area
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The boat is quiet enough to have a genuine conversation
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When dolphins appear, everyone sees them — not just the people at the front
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The whole evening feels like yours, not like a ticketed event
This is the sunset cruise people in St. Pete recommend to their friends.
What to Expect on the Water
Your cruise departs from Tierra Verde Marina, just minutes from St. Pete Beach, and explores the calm, scenic waterways of the Gulf Coast as the sun descends.
The route takes you through:
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The sheltered intracoastal waters near Tierra Verde and St. Pete Beach
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Open Gulf views as the sun approaches the horizon
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The Pinellas Bayway — beautiful at dusk and glowing in the evening light
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Coastal mangrove shorelines rich with wildlife
Wildlife you may see: Bottlenose dolphins are frequently spotted in the evening hours — often feeding or traveling near the surface. Pelicans, ospreys, herons, and egrets are commonly seen along the shoreline. In cooler months, manatees are a regular sighting in these waters.
Every sunset is different. The colors, the clouds, the wildlife — no two evenings are ever the same. That unpredictability is part of what makes this cruise worth experiencing more than once.
Duration: Approximately 2 hours Departure time: Approximately 1 hour before sunset, every evening Departs from: Tierra Verde Marina Resort, St. Petersburg, FL
BYOB Welcome — Your Evening, Your Way
Bring your favorite wine, champagne, craft beer, or cocktails. We provide coolers with ice so your drinks stay cold from departure to dusk. There's no onboard bar, no minimum spend, and no one pushing drink packages on you.
Pack a cheese board. Bring chocolates. Uncork something special. This is your evening — we just provide the boat, the captain, and the most beautiful backdrop in St. Pete.
Comfortable seating, shaded areas, and smooth, calm water ensure the cruise feels relaxed from the moment you step aboard.
The Sunset Cruise St. Pete Couples Come Back For
Our adults-only sunset cruise is the experience most often chosen for:
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Anniversary celebrations — mark the occasion on the water, not at a restaurant
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Date nights — genuinely different, genuinely memorable
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Engagement proposals — our captains are happy to help make the moment perfect
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Romantic getaways — couples visiting St. Pete from across the country make this their first booking
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Birthday evenings — a private-feeling experience without the private charter price
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Just because — sometimes the best reason is no reason at all
If you're looking for the most romantic thing to do in St. Pete, this is the answer most locals give.
Reserve an Evening You’ll Always Remember
St. Pete's sunsets are famous for a reason. The Gulf Coast light is unlike anywhere else — warm, cinematic, and different every single evening. The best seat in the house isn't on a beach towel or a hotel balcony.
It's on the water.
Island Ferry's sunset cruise in St. Pete has earned 2,900+ five-star reviews because we do one thing exceptionally well: we give couples a genuinely beautiful, genuinely intimate evening on Tampa Bay's most scenic waterways.
Spots are limited. Book online or call 727-742-2277.
Sunset Cruise Details & Pricing
DETAIL INFO
Experience: Adults-only romantic sunset cruise
Price: $69 per person / $399 private
Duration: Approximately 2 hours
Group size: Max 6 passengers
Departure: Tierra Verde Marina Resort, St. Pete
Schedule: Every evening, year-round
Food & drinks: BYOB — coolers with ice provided
Parking: Free at the marina
Best for: Couples and adults
Cancellations: Full refund if Island Ferry cancels for weather. No refund for cancellations under 48 hours or no-shows.
TOUR CALENDAR
Visit our main site Island Ferry of St Pete Eco-Tours
Visit our Dolphin Cruise microsite
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this cruise adults-only?
Yes. This is an adults-only sunset cruise designed specifically for couples and adults seeking a quieter, more intimate experience. Children are not accommodated on this particular tour. For family-friendly options, see our Dolphin Cruise to Shell Key at islandferry.biz.
How is this different from other sunset cruises in St. Pete?
Most sunset cruises in St. Petersburg operate large boats with 40–60 passengers. Island Ferry's sunset cruise carries a maximum of six guests. The difference in atmosphere is significant — it's quiet, personal, and genuinely intimate rather than a ticketed event on a crowded vessel.
Is the cruise private?
The standard cruise is shared but intentionally small — max 6 guests. If you'd like a fully private experience, purchasing all six seats makes it your private cruise. We also offer a dedicated private sunset charter at $399.
Will we see dolphins?
Dolphins are frequently spotted in the St. Pete Beach and Tierra Verde area, particularly in the evening hours. While wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, dolphins are seen on the majority of our sunset cruises. Manatees, rays, and shorebirds are also commonly spotted.
What should we bring?
Bring your favorite drinks and snacks — BYOB is encouraged and we provide coolers with ice. A light layer is recommended in cooler months. Bring your phone or camera for sunset photos. Comfortable, casual clothing is ideal.
Where exactly do you depart from?
We depart from Tierra Verde Marina Resort in St. Petersburg, FL — just minutes from St. Pete Beach. Full directions and parking details are provided after booking. Free parking is available at the marina.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Safety is our top priority. If weather or water conditions are unsafe, the cruise will be rescheduled or you'll receive a full refund. We monitor conditions closely and contact guests in advance whenever a change is necessary.
Do you run sunset cruises year-round?
Yes — we operate every evening, year-round, including through winter. Florida's mild winters make for excellent cruising conditions, and sunsets in the cooler months are often the most dramatic of the year.
Can we bring a small group of friends?
Yes, up to 6 passengers total. If your group exceeds 6, please contact us about a private charter option, or book separate tours for different evenings.
How do I book?
Book online via our calendar or call us at 727-742-2277. Availability is limited due to our small-group format — advance booking is strongly recommended, especially for weekends and holidays.