Board a 50-foot catamaran in St. Pete for a three-hour sunset cruise that lands on Sand Dollar Island and returns under the illuminated Sunshine Skyway Bridge. Expect dolphin sightings, short shore time for shelling, and a narrated light-show finale.
Board a 50-foot catamaran in St. Pete for a three-hour sunset cruise that lands on Sand Dollar Island and returns under the illuminated Sunshine Skyway Bridge. Expect dolphin sightings, short shore time for shelling, and a narrated light-show finale.
The catamaran slips away from a St. Pete marina as the sky goes flat and full of color — low, warm light that gilds waterfront estates and bounces off the bay. Dolphins arc alongside the bow; gulls wheel and call. The boat eases out past the Pinellas Bayway and into shallower waters where barrier islands—Shell Key and Sand Dollar Island—hold sandbars and tidal pools that seem to glow at dusk.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Coastal Cruises · St. Petersburg, Florida
The catamaran slips away from a St. Pete marina as the sky goes flat and full of color — low, warm light that gilds waterfront estates and bounces off the bay. Dolphins arc alongside the bow; gulls wheel and call. The boat eases out past the Pinellas Bayway and into shallower waters where barrier islands—Shell Key and Sand Dollar Island—hold sandbars and tidal pools that seem to glow at dusk.
This stretch of Tampa Bay carries layers of human and geological history: Fort De Soto’s Civil War-era batteries nearby, the rebuilt Sunshine Skyway Bridge rising where earlier spans fell to storm and collision. The shallow shelf here was formed by longshore sediment transport, creating the living sandbanks guests step onto at Sand Dollar Island. Local culture leans marine — fishing, shelling, and sunset-watching are nightly rituals.
Expect a relaxed, social outing: about three hours aboard a 50-foot catamaran with a small onboard bar and restrooms. The itinerary pauses at Sand Dollar Island for a 30–45 minute shore stop to walk and shell, then drifts toward the Skyway for the evening light show and a narrated return under star-pricked sky. Bring a light jacket and non-slip shoes for stepping onto sand at dusk, and a small dry bag for electronics.
Timing matters — arrive early for best boarding, and pick a sunset slot for the richest colors and peak dolphin activity. The cruise is suitable for most fitness levels but pay attention to low-light footing during the shore stop. Leave no trace on the preserve beaches and follow crew instructions for safe boarding and reboarding.
Yes, the catamaran includes an onboard restroom for guest use during the three-hour cruise.
Yes—guests disembark for a 30–45 minute shore stop to walk, shell, and photograph; follow crew directions for safe landing and reboarding.
Yes—the cruise times the return to pass the Sunshine Skyway Bridge while its nightly light display is active; the show is visible from the vessel.
Infants must sit on an adult’s lap and service animals are permitted; check the operator’s waiver and boarding instructions prior to departure.
Coastal Cruises operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




The catamaran slips away from a St. Pete marina as the sky goes flat and full of color — low, warm light that gilds waterfront estates and bounces off the bay. Dolphins arc alongside the bow; gulls wheel and call. The boat eases out past the Pinellas Bayway and into shallower waters where barrier islands—Shell Key and Sand Dollar Island—hold sandbars and tidal pools that seem to glow at dusk.
The catamaran slips away from a St. Pete marina as the sky goes flat and full of color — low, warm light that gilds waterfront estates and bounces off the bay. Dolphins arc alongside the bow; gulls wheel and call. The boat eases out past the Pinellas Bayway and into shallower waters where barrier islands—Shell Key and Sand Dollar Island—hold sandbars and tidal pools that seem to glow at dusk.
This stretch of Tampa Bay carries layers of human and geological history: Fort De Soto’s Civil War-era batteries nearby, the rebuilt Sunshine Skyway Bridge rising where earlier spans fell to storm and collision. The shallow shelf here was formed by longshore sediment transport, creating the living sandbanks guests step onto at Sand Dollar Island. Local culture leans marine — fishing, shelling, and sunset-watching are nightly rituals.
Expect a relaxed, social outing: about three hours aboard a 50-foot catamaran with a small onboard bar and restrooms. The itinerary pauses at Sand Dollar Island for a 30–45 minute shore stop to walk and shell, then drifts toward the Skyway for the evening light show and a narrated return under star-pricked sky. Bring a light jacket and non-slip shoes for stepping onto sand at dusk, and a small dry bag for electronics.
Timing matters — arrive early for best boarding, and pick a sunset slot for the richest colors and peak dolphin activity. The cruise is suitable for most fitness levels but pay attention to low-light footing during the shore stop. Leave no trace on the preserve beaches and follow crew instructions for safe boarding and reboarding.