Have you planned a trip to Florida and are looking for the best private boat tours in Sarasota? Here are the top picks!
The Sarasota area is a great place to explore Florida’s crystal clear waters, and with a private boat or private yacht, you can escape the busyness of other tours.
Plus, you’ll get to spend time with just your family and friends!
From nature cruises to see wildlife to sightseeing tours and sunset tours, you can make this trip into whatever you’d like!
In this post, I’ll share the top-rated tours with you, so you can get out and have an unforgettable experience touring Sarasota, FL.
I’ve been to Florida’s Gulf Coast many times and I’ve picked the best private boat tours so you just need to pick the right one for you and enjoy your time on the water!
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Best Private Boat Tours In Sarasota!
Photo Credit- Jennifer Havennhill
Tour Rating: New on Viator ⭐️ Length: 6 Hours Check Rates Here
If you want to spend the best time with your family on private charters in Sarasota, then this tour is perfect for you.
You’ll be able to spend almost an entire day out on the pristine Florida waters as you sit back and relax while the captain drives you where you’d like to go.
Up to five passengers can cruise around the Gulf of Mexico on this boat.
One of the best parts is that it’ll be just your group, so you don’t have to worry about sharing your time with anyone else.
Choose between a variety of activities like snorkeling, fishing, swimming, wildlife watching, or just sitting back and enjoying the Florida sunshine.
You can even ask the captain to dock the boat anywhere between Sarasota and Punta Gorda so you can spend time relaxing on a secluded beach.
Pack up your own food, throw on your swimsuits, and head out for a fun day on the water with this private boat in Sarasota.
✅ What’s included in this tour:
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Private boat for up to 5 guests
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Inflatable floating devices
Photo Credit- Siesta Funship
Tour Rating: 5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Length: 4 Hours Check Rates Here
On this half-day adventure, you’ll set out into the teal waters off of Sarasota and head towards North Siesta Key Bridge.
Only your group will be on this tour, so it’s perfect for a fun-filled family day.
Your knowledgeable captain will lead the way, and you can sit back and keep an eye out for wildlife. This area is great for spotting manatees and dolphins!
You’ll make a stop at a sandbar to get out and swim and enjoy the warm water of Sarasota Bay.
It’s the perfect way to get away from some of the crowds at other beaches.
Enjoy the relaxing nature of this tour, or plan some adventure by using the included stand-up paddleboards.
The tour also includes beach toys, so it’s a great time for families with kids.
And as you make your way back to Sarasota, your captain has the perfect way to end an unforgettable day.
You’ll make a stop at a tiki bar and restaurant to grab a bite to eat and a drink.
Here’s what a past guest said about this tour:
“Really nice day out with Captain Joe and Cosmo. Big boat with a ton of toys for kids. Joe was very nice and had a lot of good information about the Sarasota area, would go out again if we were back in the area.”
Charlie_C ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
✅ What’s included in this tour:
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Private boat for up to 6 guests
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Stand-up paddleboards
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Coolers with ice and water
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Beach chairs
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Beach toys
Photo Credit- ULTRA-YACHT
Tour Rating: 5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Length: 4 Hours Check Rates Here
If you’re looking for a way to spend half of a day exploring Sarasota, then embark on this private custom charter through Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.
The best part about this tour is that you can customize your day to make it however you want.
Your captain and friendly team will guide you around the local water, but you get to give them special requests and choose what to do!
From swimming at the sandbars and beaches to getting in the water and snorkeling or cruising around in search of wildlife, there are so many ways to spend your day.
Some people even just enjoy sitting back and relaxing as the captain drives you around and shows some of the most popular destinations.
Or adventure up to Egmont Key, Anna Maria Island, Downtown Sarasota, or Longboat Key to explore.
You can choose which departure time works for you and then head out into the crystal-clear water to start your day.
The tour includes snacks and drinks, so all you’ll need to pack is your swimming gear or anything else that you might need to have an enjoyable day.
Here’s what a past guest said about this tour:
“Captain Carlos was fantastic! He gave us a tour of the area while masterfully navigating the waters. We even saw a few dolphins at play. We stopped to pick up lunch at Tide Tables and took it with us to a sand bar to eat and play. The water felt amazing and the area was absolutely beautiful. The boat was in great condition and was stocked with water, Perrier, champagne, and beer…”
delaramotlagh ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
✅ What’s included in this tour:
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Private boat for up to 6 guests
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Snacks, soda, bottled water, and alcoholic drinks
Photo Credit- Sarasota Boat Tours
Tour Rating: 5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Length: 4 Hours Check Rates Here
Gather a group of 6 of your best friends, family, or partner and embark on this fun-filled adventure around the Sarasota area.
You’ll have a fantastic day on the water, whether it be for a romantic trip, a special occasion, or a family vacation.
This fully customizable private boat tour allows you to plan out your perfect day and make it a great experience.
You can choose to visit some of the local beaches and sandbars to relax on or swim at, snorkel from the boat, kick back and enjoy a breathtaking sunset, or create your own dolphin watch cruise as they swim at the side of the pontoon boat.
You can even request the captain to take you on a history tour if you’d enjoy learning about the rich history of Sarasota.
Taking a private boat tour from Sarasota is one of the best ways to experience Sarasota, FL, and this is one of the best boating experiences out there!
Here’s what a past guest said about this tour:
“The dolphin sighting was definitely a highlight of our trip! We enjoyed relaxing at the sand bar and having drinks at the tiki bar. Captain Bobby was the best! He gave us several recommendations of places to eat… and great stories about the history of the area. I would 100% recommend this charter for a most relaxing day on a vacay to Siesta Key!”
Anne_M ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
✅ What’s included in this tour:
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Private boat for up to 6 guests
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Cooler
Photo Credit- Siesta Key Boat Charters
Tour Rating: 5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Length: 3 Hours Check Rates Here
If you’re looking for the best Sarasota private boat tours for families with kids, this is going to be at the top of your list!
It’s one of the best sightseeing tours and has plenty of time for fun at the beach.
On this tour, you can spend half a day exploring the coastal waters of Florida and the backwaters of Siesta Key on a wildlife-watching tour.
Expect to spot sea life such as dolphins, manatees, and colorful fish as you glide through the water.
Aside from the magical wildlife that you’ll see, you’ll also be able to participate in other fun activities like swimming and searching for shells at a tropical beach, relaxing under the palm trees on the sand, and grabbing a tiki drink from a local bar.
You’ll make stops in plenty of locations, including the Casey Key Swing Bridge, Historic Spanish Point, and Venice Inlet.
Each of these has its own unique features to enjoy!
This tour on the pontoon boat is one to remember, as you’ll get to see some of the best spots in the Sarasota area!
Here’s what a past guest said about this tour:
“What an amazing day we had! Captain Justin made our trip very memorable. He’s definitely a people person and very friendly. We had a great conversation and just an all-around great time. If or when we come back to Siesta Key we would 100% book another trip!”
Kristin_B ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
✅ What’s included in this tour:
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Private boat for up to 6 guests
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Snacks and bottled water
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Cooler
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Beach toys
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Bluetooth speaker
Photo Credit- Sarasota Boat Tours
Tour Rating: 5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Length: 2.5 Hours Check Rates Here
If you’re hoping to enjoy a beautiful Florida sunset, then booking this charter boat tour in Sarasota is one of the best ways to do it!
Whether you’re planning a bachelorette party, birthday party, or just a way to get out for a fun experience, this sunset cruise is different from the daytime tours.
Embark out into the turquoise water, and prepare to see one of the most magical sunsets!
Watch as the sun sinks down beyond the horizon as you enjoy whatever drinks and snacks you’ve packed.
Your captain will do all of the driving, and all you have to do is sit back and relax.
You can also make a stop off at a beach if you’d like to take a dip in the water.
Here’s what a past guest said about this tour:
“We thoroughly enjoyed our evening with Captain Bobby! He made us feel super comfortable the entire time. He showed us many great places. Our sweet pup Bella was very welcome and she loved every minute of it. I would definitely do it again!”
Elizabeth_B ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
✅ What’s included in this tour:
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Private boat for up to 6 guests
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Cooler, water, and ice
What To Pack For A Sarasota Private Boat Tour
Now that you’ve chosen the best boat cruises in Sarasota for your trip, you might want to know what to pack. Here are a few must-haves.
Snacks And Drinks
Some tours include snacks and drinks, but most don’t! So be sure to pack your own food for your tour.
Many of the boats do have coolers, but if they don’t, you may also want to pack your own cooler.
Sun Protection
The Florida sun can be very hot and dangerous!
So be sure to pack sun protection such as sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, and a lightweight long-sleeve shirt.
Swimming, Snorkeling, & Fishing Gear
Be sure to wear a swimsuit and pack any other swimming gear you may need such as life jackets, inner tubes, or floaties.
If you plan to snorkel or fish, be sure to have whatever gear you need for that, including a fishing license!
Towels
Also, be sure to have a towel with you to dry off after swimming.
Wrap-Up: Private Boat Tours In Sarasota
There are many ways to explore Florida, but taking a private boat tour in Sarasota is one of the best!
You’ll be able to customize your day and relax as the captain takes care of everything.
It’ll leave you with a longing to come back, and unforgettable memories!
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Booking a last-minute trip to Sarasota?
If so, we have you covered. Here are some top recommended hotels and accommodations!
Top Hotels & Accommodations in Sarasota
Kompose Boutique Hotel Sarasota – (Most Booked Hotel In Sarasota)
Carlisle Inn Sarasota – (Top Rated Sarasota Inn)
Tropical Beach Resorts – (Budget Resort Nearby Beach)
Captiva Beach Resort – (High Rated Resort With Private Beach Access)
Looking To Get Around In Sarasota?
Check out rental car rates here! 🚗