Cruising guide · Tampa Bay
A private Tampa Bay boat charter from downtown St. Pete.
Tampa Bay is the backyard: sheltered water off the downtown waterfront, the Skyway to the south, and two of the best barrier islands on the coast within an hour. Here is where a private charter goes and how long each run takes.
At a glance
Ten minutes from the slip to open water.
The water
What the bay looks like from the boat.
Relentless is berthed at Demens Landing on the downtown St. Petersburg waterfront, on the west shore of Tampa Bay. Clear the marina and the bay opens up in every direction: the downtown skyline behind you, the Sunshine Skyway to the south, and the passes to the Gulf beyond it.
The bay is broad and mostly sheltered, which makes it a comfortable place for a first charter or a group that would rather cruise than cross open water. The Gran Turismo 40 runs at 25 knots with Air Step hull and pod drives, so distances that look long on a map go quickly.
Golden hour on the run home toward downtown St. Pete.
Where we go
Three routes, three charter lengths.
Shell Key, four hours. About half an hour south and west to the sandbar off Shell Key Preserve, then close to three hours anchored in waist-deep water. Read the Shell Key guide.
The bay and the beaches, six hours. Time for the sandbar and a long lunch at anchor, or a slower run down the beaches and back up the bay without watching the clock.
Egmont Key and the Gulf, eight hours. Under the Skyway to the mouth of Tampa Bay, the 1858 lighthouse and the Fort Dade ruins, with open Gulf water on the way. Read the Egmont Key guide.
The charter
What every charter includes.
Every charter is private: up to six guests, a USCG-licensed captain, fuel and water toys. The boat is a 2019 Beneteau Gran Turismo 40 with an opening glass hardtop, a cockpit lounge, a grill and wet bar, two cabins and a head with a separate shower. You bring the people, the food and whatever you want to drink aboard.
A 4-hour charter is $1,692 and a 6-hour charter is $2,292. A full 8-hour day is $3,096 Monday to Thursday and $3,192 Friday to Sunday. Prices are for the whole boat, not per person.
Questions
Before you book it.
Where does the charter leave from?
Demens Landing on the downtown St. Petersburg waterfront. It is about ten minutes from the slip to open water in Tampa Bay.
Do I need boating experience?
No. A USCG-licensed captain runs every charter. You bring the people; the captain handles the boat, the route and the anchoring.
Can we go into the Gulf of Mexico?
Yes. The run south under the Sunshine Skyway leads to the mouth of Tampa Bay and the Gulf. The full 8-hour day is built around it, with Egmont Key as the stop.
How much does a private Tampa Bay charter cost?
A 4-hour charter is $1,692 and a 6-hour charter is $2,292. A full 8-hour day is $3,096 Monday to Thursday and $3,192 Friday to Sunday. Prices are for the whole boat, up to six guests.
What happens if the weather turns?
The captain watches the forecast and picks the route for the conditions on the day. If it is not safe to go out, we'll work with you on the date.
Book
Book a day on Tampa Bay.
Pick a date, charter length and start time in the booking form and the charter agreement follows. Departures from Demens Landing, downtown St. Petersburg.
Updated September 2026.