St. Petersburg, Florida, is known for its stunning waterfront, lively arts scene, and warm Gulf breezes. But what makes it stand out as a destination is its ability to combine spectacular views with unique dining and entertainment options. Whether you’re looking for a romantic sunset cruise, an educational daytime trip, or an energetic dance party on the water, St. Petersburg offers dinner tours that cater to a range of interests and budgets. These tours help you see the city from its shimmering bayside and experience the local vibe from a new perspective—on the water.
Unlike typical land-based tours, these experiences put you directly on Tampa Bay, offering stunning vistas of the skyline, harbor, and wildlife. Many include live music, options to purchase drinks and meals onboard, and varying durations to fit your schedule. This guide highlights three top-rated options, so you can find the perfect way to enjoy your evening or daytime in this waterfront city.
Quick Overview
Below, you’ll find a selection of some of the best dinner and sightseeing yacht tours in St. Petersburg. Each offers a different way to enjoy the water—whether you prefer a sunset cruise with dancing, a relaxing daytime sightseeing trip, or a lively dance cruise with live music. All three options include the possibility of adding onboard dining and are highly rated for their memorable experiences. For more details, check out the individual reviews and descriptions linked within each section.
1. Evening Yacht Cruise with Optional Dining in St. Petersburg
Starting with an elegant sunset cruise on the Gulf of Mexico, this tour offers a chance to enjoy a romantic twilight or dance the night away. Onboard the stylish ‘StarLite Sapphire’ yacht, you can choose between the open-air observation deck or the climate-controlled cabin inside. The cruise provides live music, star-gazing, and the opportunity to purchase drinks, with optional dinner available once aboard.
Rated 4.5/5 from 511 reviews, this cruise is appreciated for its relaxing atmosphere and spectacular views. Many reviewers mention the friendly staff and the good quality of service. It’s an excellent pick for couples seeking romance or anyone wanting a special evening on the water. The dinner option allows for a more complete experience but is not included in the base price, which makes it flexible for different budgets.
What makes this cruise stand out is its combination of scenic beauty and entertainment, with enough flexibility to dance or simply enjoy the sunset. The price of around $32 per person for the cruise itself is very reasonable, considering the live music and star-gazing features. Just keep in mind that food needs to be purchased separately, which can add to the experience.
Bottom Line: A perfect choice if you want a relaxed, scenic evening with optional dining, live music, and a chance to see Tampa Bay under the stars.
2. Daytime Yacht Sightseeing Cruise with Optional Dining
For those more interested in learning about the area while enjoying the water, this daytime cruise offers a relaxed, educational experience. The pass-a-Grille Beach cruise on Tampa Bay features live commentary from the captain, who shares insights about local sights and wildlife. The vessel is USCG certified, with outdoor decks and a comfortable indoor lounge for those who prefer shade.
At just under $27 per person, this cruise makes for a great value. It lasts about 2 hours and includes the option to upgrade to a delicious lunch with six meal choices and beverages available for purchase. Many reviews highlight the relaxing atmosphere, the chance to see dolphins, and the interesting commentary that keeps the trip engaging without being overbearing.
What makes this tour unique is its focus on providing an educational experience combined with scenic views of Tampa Bay’s harbors and waterways. It’s suitable for families, wildlife enthusiasts, or anyone wanting a more leisurely introduction to the area’s maritime features.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking a combination of sightseeing, learning, and dining in a relaxed daytime setting.
3. Daytime Yacht Dance Cruise with Optional Dining
If you’re looking to turn up the energy, this dance cruise features live music and a lively atmosphere aboard the ‘StarLite Sapphire’ yacht. Starting in St. Petersburg, it offers a two-and-a-half-hour experience full of scenery, music, and the chance to dance on Tampa Bay. You can choose between the open-air observation deck or the climate-controlled dining cabin inside, both offering incredible views.
Rated 4.5/5 from a small but enthusiastic group of 13 reviews, this tour is praised for its fun, engaging atmosphere and excellent live performances, especially by the onboard singer. A highlight for many is dancing to the live band while watching the bay and passing ships. The cruise also includes commentary from the captain about local points of interest.
The price is comparable to the sunset cruise at about $32 per person, with the added appeal of a party vibe. It’s best suited for those who love music and dancing, or anyone wanting a spirited daytime activity on the water. Food and drinks can be purchased onboard if you choose to upgrade.
Bottom Line: Perfect for energetic travelers who want to enjoy Tampa Bay with music, dancing, and scenic views—ideal for celebrating special occasions or just having fun.
How to Choose
When deciding between these water-based dinner tours, consider what kind of experience you want. If a romantic sunset with the option to dance is your goal, the Evening Yacht Cruise is your best bet. Want a more educational or wildlife-focused adventure? The Daytime Sightseeing Cruise offers a relaxed, informative trip with lunch options. For a lively, dance-filled day, the Daytime Yacht Dance Cruise combines scenic views with fun live music.
Budget-wise, all three tours are quite reasonable, especially considering they include the yacht experience itself. Think about your interests—if you prefer a romantic evening, the sunset cruise is ideal. For wildlife lovers or families, the daytime sightseeing cruise provides a good mix of education and scenery. The dance cruise is best for those looking to kick back, get moving, and enjoy Tampa Bay’s lively side.
Booking early is recommended, especially for the dance cruise or sunset cruise during peak seasons, to secure availability and the best times. Also, check whether meals or drinks are included or need to be purchased separately, as that can influence your overall experience and budget.
In summary, whether you want a peaceful sunset, an educational daytime trip, or a lively dance party, St. Petersburg’s water tours deliver memorable sights and experiences. For a romantic evening, go for the Evening Yacht Cruise. If you prefer learning and wildlife, the Daytime Sightseeing Cruise is a great choice. And for fun, music, and dancing, the Daytime Yacht Dance Cruise guarantees a lively time. No matter what your style, booking early will ensure you don’t miss out on these memorable water adventures in St. Petersburg.