Clearwater’s combination of beautiful waterfront, warm weather, and lively maritime scene makes it a fantastic place for dinner tours that blend scenic views, good food, and entertainment. Whether you’re after a romantic sunset cruise, a lively afternoon dance, or a sightseeing adventure with a gourmet meal, Clearwater offers options that suit various tastes and budgets. The city’s well-developed harbor and access to Tampa Bay mean your evening can be filled with sparkling water views, live music, and opportunities to spot dolphins or seabirds. Plus, the relaxed Florida vibe guarantees you’ll feel comfortable whether dining on deck or inside a climate-controlled cabin.
Unlike crowded theme parks or beaches, these dinner cruises offer a relaxing way to see Clearwater from the water while enjoying a meal or drinks. Many include options to upgrade with full meals, making it easy to combine sightseeing with a tasty bite. For visitors looking to make their trip memorable, these tours provide a lively or romantic atmosphere, depending on what suits your mood.
Quick Overview
Below are the three best dinner tours in Clearwater, each with its own unique appeal:
- A romantic evening yacht cruise with live music and optional gourmet dining, perfect for couples.
- A daytime sightseeing cruise that offers a more casual, wildlife-focused experience, with optional lunch.
- A daytime dance cruise on Clearwater Bay that combines lively music with an optional three-course lunch.
Find more details on each below to see which fits your style.
1. Clearwater Evening Yacht Cruise with Optional Dining
At number one, this evening yacht cruise combines the elegance of a sunset sail with the opportunity to add gourmet dining onboard. The StarLite Majesty yacht offers open-air decks and a climate-controlled dining cabin, providing flexible viewing options. The cruise lasts about 3 hours, giving ample time to relax and soak in the stunning Tampa Bay scenery. As the sun dips, you can purchase a delicious dinner—ranging from salads and bread to entrees from an 11-item menu, plus dessert and drinks. The focus here is on creating a romantic, intimate atmosphere perfect for couples.
What makes this tour stand out is the combination of live music, beautiful waterfront views, and the chance to dance or stroll on deck. All reviews highlight the great service and beautiful scenery, with many mentioning the relaxing environment. For a special date night or a quiet celebration, this cruise offers a perfect balance of elegance and fun. The price at around $32 per person is quite reasonable given the quality of experience, especially when considering its popularity and positive reviews like “It was a great experience with great food, great service, and beautiful scenery.”
Bottom Line: If you’re seeking a romantic evening with optional dining in a setting that combines sunset views, live music, and gentle sea breezes, this cruise is hard to beat.
2. Clearwater Daytime Yacht Sightseeing Cruise with Optional Dining
Number two on our list is a more daytime-oriented experience—a 2-hour narrated sightseeing cruise along Tampa Bay and Clearwater’s inland waters. This tour is perfect if you prefer a less formal environment and want to combine wildlife viewing with some history. The StarLite Majesty yacht is again the vessel of choice, and passengers can select the open-air deck or climate-controlled cabin. The emphasis here is on sightseeing—spot dolphins, seabirds, and learn about local landmarks directly from the captain.
The optional dining adds a nice touch, allowing you to purchase fresh appetizers or a full lunch from the onboard chef. Many reviewers comment on the good-sized portions and the pleasant staff, making it a relaxed and informative experience. The tour costs about $26.70, which is great value considering it includes a narrated cruise and the chance to see marine wildlife in their natural habitat. It’s suitable for families, nature lovers, or anyone interested in a casual yet engaging water adventure.
Bottom Line: For travelers who want a scenic, wildlife-focused cruise with the option to add a tasty lunch, this tour delivers a balanced experience at a fair price.
3. Clearwater Daytime Yacht Music Cruise with Optional Dining
Finally, the daytime yacht music cruise blends lively entertainment with sightseeing on Clearwater Bay. This 2.5-hour dance cruise starts with relaxing on the outer decks, enjoying drinks from the on-board bars, and listening to live music. The highlight is the upbeat atmosphere, perfect for those looking to combine scenery with a party vibe. For an extra touch of indulgence, you can upgrade to include a 3-course lunch with six delicious options, plus a variety of beverages.
Guests consistently mention the fabulous music, delicious food, and friendly staff. The cruise is best suited for groups, celebration outings, or anyone wanting a lively daytime experience. For around $32.06, this cruise offers a good mix of entertainment and scenic cruising, especially for those who enjoy dancing or lively music. Some reviews note that the service can be slow, but the overall experience remains positive with many saying they would return.
Bottom Line: If you want a spirited daytime cruise with music and the option to enjoy a gourmet lunch, this lively dance cruise could be the highlight of your trip.
How to Choose the Right Dinner Tour
When deciding among these options, consider your priorities:
- For an intimate, romantic experience, the Clearwater Evening Yacht Cruise is the top pick, especially if you enjoy live music and sunset views.
- If wildlife viewing and casual sightseeing appeal more, the Daytime Sightseeing Cruise offers a relaxed, educational experience with optional lunch.
- For a lively, party atmosphere in the daytime, the Daytime Yacht Music Cruise is ideal, especially if you like dancing and upbeat music.
Budget-wise, all these tours are quite comparable, with prices ranging from about $26.70 to $32.06 per person, but the value depends on what experience you’re after—romance, wildlife, or fun.
Booking early is advisable, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred date and time. Think about how much time you have available and whether you want a formal dinner, wildlife watching, or a lively party.
Final Thoughts
Clearwater’s dinner cruises offer a variety of ways to enjoy the water, good food, and entertainment. The Clearwater Evening Yacht Cruise tops the list for romance and sunset views, while the daytime sightseeing provides a laid-back wildlife adventure. The daytime dance cruise adds a lively, upbeat option for those who want to combine music with scenic cruising.
If you’re planning your trip, consider what kind of experience will make your stay memorable—whether it’s a romantic evening, a wildlife-filled afternoon, or a fun daytime party. Booking early is always a good idea, especially for popular sunset cruises or weekend dates. Whatever your choice, Clearwater’s waterways set the perfect scene for a special night or day on the water.