Saint Petersburg Historic Segway Tour

This experience made our article of 4 Best Historical Tours In St Petersburg.

Exploring St Petersburg on a Segway: A Practical and Enjoyable Tour

Taking a Segway tour of St Petersburg offers a fresh way to see the city’s highlights without the fatigue of walking or the hassle of navigating busy streets on your own. This highly-rated experience from Doos Amazing Tours consistently earns top marks for its engaging guides, scenic routes, and the unique perspective the Segway provides.

We’re particularly fond of the way this tour combines history, local wildlife, and sightseeing, all in just two hours. The small-group size (limited to six or seven people) means you get personalized attention, making it ideal for first-timers or anyone looking for a relaxed, informative outing.

One thing to keep in mind is the weather—you’ll want to dress accordingly, as much of the tour is outdoors and exposed to the Florida sun. This tour is best suited for travelers craving a combination of fun, learning, and beautiful scenery—but it’s not for those who prefer a more sedentary sightseeing experience.

Key Points

• Personalized Experience: Small groups ensure plenty of guide interaction.
• Accessible for Beginners: Adequate training makes it easy for first-time Segway riders.
• Rich Local Content: Learn about historic sites, the Tocobaga tribe, and aviation milestones.
• Beautiful Scenery: Cruise along Tampa Bay, past Victorian homes, and the St Petersburg Pier.
• Wildlife Encounters: Spot pelicans, dolphins, manatees, and other local wildlife.
• Great Value: Includes museum entry, safety gear, bottled water, and audio guides for just $70.

Why This Tour Stands Out

What makes this St Petersburg Segway tour so appealing is its perfect blend of fun and education. The fact that it’s a small-group outing, limited to just six or seven people, means you’ll receive personalized guidance. From first-timers to seasoned riders, everyone seems to find it accessible and enjoyable, thanks to clear and patient instruction.

The price point of $70 per person offers solid value when you consider the inclusions: a comprehensive training session, safety gear, bottled water, audio headsets, and entry into the Museum of History. The museum visit is a lovely bonus that enriches the experience, giving you a tangible glimpse into St Petersburg’s past.

Guides like Louisa and Doo receive high praise for their knowledge, patience, and friendly approach. This is crucial because, as many reviews mention, the guides make all the difference—helping nervous riders feel at ease, pointing out interesting sights, and ensuring safety throughout.

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point: North Straub Park

Your adventure kicks off in North Straub Park, where you’ll undergo a short but thorough training session. This phase is important for first-timers and nervous riders, as guides aim to ensure everyone feels comfortable before hitting the open roads. Expect helmets, safety equipment, and an audio headset for clear communication.

Scenic cruise along Tampa Bay and Downtown

Once on your Segway, you’ll glide past several scenic highlights. The Bay Shore Drive offers views of Tampa Bay—perfect for photo ops—while the nearby Victorian-style homes give you a taste of local architecture. Reviewers mention how much they enjoyed zipping through these charming neighborhoods, with one noting how the tour combined beautiful scenery and interesting history.

Historic sites and storytelling

The tour then moves to key sites like the spot where the world’s first commercial flight took off—the St Petersburg-Tampa Airboat Line in 1914. Expect to see photographs of pilot Tony Jannus and the historic aircraft. Guides share stories about early aviation, making this segment both educational and visually stimulating.

Plus, the tour includes a stop to discuss the Tocobaga Indians—whose princess inspired Disney’s Pocahontas—and their villages that once dotted the Tampa Bay area. As one reviewer notes, this is a fascinating piece of local lore that adds depth to the sightseeing.

St Petersburg Pier and wildlife

Next, your route takes you to the iconic St Petersburg Pier, which extends into Tampa Bay. Guides talk about its development and significance, while you observe pelicans and other seabirds diving into the water. Many travelers delight in seeing dolphins, manatees, and pelicans, which they might spot from their Segway. This segment is a highlight for wildlife lovers, with some reviews mentioning dolphins and manatees seen in the wild during the tour.

Return and museum visit

The tour wraps up back at North Straub Park, but many participants choose to extend their adventure at the St Petersburg Museum of History. This museum hosts a vast collection, including the world’s largest autographed baseballs, and offers a deeper look into the city’s pioneers, establishments, and stories. The inclusion of this museum visit, which is part of the package, adds a layer of cultural understanding that many find worthwhile.

What Makes It Worth the Cost?

At $70, this tour offers exceptional value considering the inclusions and the quality of the experience. You’re not just paying for riding a Segway but also for expert-guided storytelling, museum access, safety gear, and scenic vistas.

First-time riders praise the ease of learning—many mention how the guides, like Louisa and Doo, make the process smooth and enjoyable. Safety is a recurring theme; guides are attentive to traffic and ensure everyone feels comfortable navigating the city streets. Several reviews specifically highlight how safe and patient the guides are, which is reassuring for nervous or inexperienced riders.

The scenic routes—including Tampa Bay, Victorian neighborhoods, and the pier—offer a mix of natural beauty and historic charm. The wildlife sightings, such as dolphins and pelicans, elevate the experience from mere sightseeing to a memorable encounter with local nature.

The Experience for Different Types of Travelers

This tour suits a broad range of travelers. First-timers will appreciate the easy learning curve and small group size. History buffs will enjoy the stories about early aviation, indigenous culture, and local pioneers. Families with teenagers—particularly those over 11—will find it fun and active, with many reviewers citing it as a great activity for teens and adults alike.

Those who prefer a relaxed pace while covering a lot of ground will love this tour, as it balances sightseeing with manageable riding. It’s not overly strenuous, and the quick training means you don’t need prior experience. For wildlife enthusiasts, the possibility of seeing dolphins or manatees from your Segway adds a special touch.

Practical Details and Tips

• Duration: About 2 hours, including training and sightseeing
• Price: $70 per person, which covers museum entry, safety gear, water, and guided narration
• Group size: Limited to 6-7 people for intimacy and attention
• Booking: Book 11 days in advance on average; availability depends on the time of year and demand
• Timing: Multiple departure times are available, making it flexible for your schedule
• Age and weight restrictions: Minimum age 11; weight between 100 lbs (45 kg) and 300 lbs (136 kg) for safety
• Clothing: Comfortable shoes (no heels), weather-appropriate clothing recommended
• Accessibility: Near public transportation; safety gear provided to ensure comfort

Final Thoughts

This Saint Petersburg Historic Segway Tour provides a fun, informative, and scenic way to explore the city’s most notable spots. The combination of expert guides, scenic routes, and wildlife sightings makes it stand out as a memorable activity—especially if you enjoy active sightseeing.

With consistent rave reviews praising the guides’ knowledge and friendliness, the tour clearly prioritizes safety and fun. It’s an excellent choice for those wanting to learn about St Petersburg’s history in a relaxed and engaging manner, all while enjoying Florida’s beautiful landscapes.

If you’re after a unique perspective and don’t mind a bit of outdoor adventure, this tour is a fantastic way to spend a couple of hours getting to know one of Florida’s most charming coastal cities.

FAQ

• How long does the tour last?

Approximately 2 hours, including training, riding, and sightseeing.

• What is included in the price?

The tour includes Segway rental, training, safety equipment, bottled water, audio headsets, and museum entry.

• Is it suitable for beginners?

Yes, the guides provide a thorough training session, making it accessible even for first-time Segway riders.

• What should I wear?

Comfortable shoes without heels and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended.

• Are there age restrictions?

Riders must be at least 11 years old; those under 18 need a parent’s accompaniment.

• How many people are in each group?

The tour limits to 6-7 participants, ensuring personal attention.

• What about safety?

Helmets and safety gear are provided; guides are vigilant about traffic and rider safety.

• Can I see wildlife during the tour?

Many reviewers have reported seeing dolphins, manatees, and pelicans in Tampa Bay.

• What’s the best time to book?

Booking around 11 days in advance is typical, but check availability for your preferred date.

• Can I cancel if my plans change?

Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.

This tour offers an engaging way to see St Petersburg, blending history, nature, and fun—all in just two hours. Perfect for curious travelers who love a mix of learning and adventure with a local guide.