About this tour
When Jake from our BugBitten team booked a half-day private charter on the Funship, a 25-foot double-decker boat out of Indian Rocks Beach, he got exactly what he came for: a small-group cruise (max 8 people) with a professional captain steering the boat through Florida's Gulf waters. The boat heads out to spot wild dolphins, anchors at shallow sandbars for swimming, and stops at secluded barrier islands where you can hunt for shells. The whole experience runs about 4 hours, and your crew gets the boat to themselves—no strangers, no fixed itinerary beyond what your group fancies. It's a solid pick for marking a birthday or anniversary, or just a family day messing about on the water.
Highlights
- Private charter means no crowded tour boats—just your group and a captain
- 25-foot double-decker gives you shaded upper deck and open-air lower seating
- Dolphins often show up; sightings aren't guaranteed but happen regularly
- Sandbars and barrier islands let you swim and shell at your own pace
- Cooler stocked with ice and water included; no haggling for drinks
- Pickup and drop-off at your meeting point saves mucking about with parking
- Captain handles navigation; you just decide where to linger
What to expect
Jake's crew met the captain at the designated spot in the morning and got a safety rundown before heading out. The boat motors smoothly into the Gulf, and within the first hour you're usually scanning the water for dorsal fins—dolphins do turn up, though timing and numbers vary by season and luck. The real pleasure is the flexibility: your captain takes cues from your group on whether to chase sightings, stay longer at a particular sandbar, or pivot to a shelling spot. You'll anchor in shallow water (waist-deep usually) where the sand is pale and solid, giving everyone a comfortable swim or wade. The upper deck is breezy and good for shade-hunting on hotter days. Expect the 4 hours to move at an easy, unhurried clip—it's not a race.
Good to know
This is brilliant for families, small celebrations, or anyone keen to see dolphins without the zoo-like atmosphere of big tour groups. The double-decker layout and included cooler with ice make it comfortable. Suitable for all fitness levels—you're sitting or floating, not hiking. The captain's local knowledge is a genuine asset; they know where dolphins have been spotted and where shelling tends to be good.
Dolphin sightings aren't guaranteed, so manage expectations. It's a Gulf-side experience—water can be choppy in rough weather, and summer heat is intense even on the water. No shade except the upper deck, so sunscreen is non-negotiable. Swimming ability isn't required (waters are shallow), but comfort in water helps. Captain gratuity isn't included in the price, so budget accordingly.
Max 8 people per booking keeps it intimate. Bring swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and a hat. Life jackets and safety gear provided. Public transport is nearby if you're not driving. Best booked in advance, especially weekends and peak season (May–September).
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.