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Full Day John’s Pass Custom Tour- Full-Day Freedom Charter

72 Reviews
  • Local Favorite
  • John's Pass at Maderia Beach, Florida
Full Day Freedom Tour
❮
❯
  • 6 - 8 hrs.
  • Meet at Dock
  • Check-in 20 Minutes before Departure
  • Offered in: English

Why travelers loved this

72 Reviews
Amazing Views
Engaging Activities
Great Photo Spots
Jared T
April 2026

Perfect mix of sightseeing and wildlife. The dolphins were amazing and the history and landmarks kept it interesting. Shell Key was peaceful and untouched just bring what you need. Highly recommend.

Dani K
March 2026

Beautiful relaxing ride out to Shell Key with great views the whole way. We saw dolphins pelicans and even a sea turtle. The captain’s stories about Johns Pass made it even better. Definitely worth it.

Overview

Experience a fully customizable private charter departing from John’s Pass designed for a full day of exploring Florida’s Gulf Coast your way. Cruise through the scenic waters of Boca Ciega Bay and surrounding barrier islands with the freedom to shape your day around sightseeing, wildlife viewing, swimming, sandbar stops, and waterfront cruising. With a private captain guiding the experience, every trip is tailored to your group’s pace, interests, and ideal day on the water.

• Fully private and customizable full day boat charter
• Scenic cruising through Boca Ciega Bay and surrounding Gulf waters
• Flexible route including islands, sandbars, and waterfront destinations
• Wildlife viewing including dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, and coastal birds
• Optional swim stops, sandbar anchoring, and leisure cruising time
• Dock and dine opportunities at local waterfront restaurants
• Local storytelling and landmark highlights throughout the day
• Relaxed, unhurried pace designed entirely around your group

Enjoy a fully private, captain guided boating experience departing from John’s Pass with the freedom to build your perfect day on the water. This charter is designed to be flexible, comfortable, and fully personalized from start to finish.

• Private full day boat charter with licensed captain and crew
• Private sunset cruise option aboard “Shake It Like A…” double decker tri toon pontoon (up to 12 passengers)
• Customizable route through Boca Ciega Bay and Gulf Coast waterways
• Extended time for sightseeing, swimming, sandbars, and island stops
• Cooler stocked with ice and bottled water included
• Onboard sound system with curated playlist for music during your cruise
• Wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the day
• Flexible dock and dine options at select waterfront restaurants
• Fuel, navigation, and safety equipment included
• All required safety equipment provided
• Onboard guidance and local knowledge from your captain
• Open air seating and space for relaxing, photos, and movement onboard
• Bring your own refreshments welcome (no glass or red wine permitted)

also…

• Fully Licensed Captain and Crew
• Water and Snacks Available for Purchase
• Outside Food and Beverage Is Allowed

  • Drivers License or Government Issued Photo I.D and matching Credit Card. 
  • We recommend polarized sunglasses (to see through the water’s surface) 
  • Sunscreen 
  • Light jacket for the sea breeze. 
  • Camera to capture all the fun!

Your tour begins at the designated dock near John’s Pass. Arrive a few minutes early to check in and meet your captain and crew.

We are located inside John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk BEHIND “Scully’s” Restaurant and DIRECTLY south of the John’s Pass Bell Tower and American Flag pole. We recommend you park your vehicle(s) in the Parking Garage Located by “Hooters” and “Bubba Gump” Restaurants. All parking areas are metered or have attendants so parking is an extra fee in all of John’s Pass. Please keep in mind that John’s Pass is a very popular tourist destination and parking is limited especially during Holiday Weekends or Special events so plan to arrive early so you can arrive on time to our destination in order to go out during your scheduled time.

Exact location and directions are available by clicking the button below to open in Google Maps.

Open In Google Maps
Full Day Custom Charter Timeline

Full Day Custom Charter Timeline

Onboarding
Your private charter begins at John’s Pass, where your captain welcomes your group aboard and reviews the flexible plan for the day. A brief safety overview is provided before departure as you prepare for a full day of custom cruising.
Departure (15 mins)
Cruise out of John’s Pass and into the scenic waters of Boca Ciega Bay. Enjoy views of waterfront homes, passing boats, and the lively marina district. Early highlights may include Eleanor Island and the John’s Pass sandbar.
Custom Cruise & Sightseeing
The day is fully flexible based on your group’s preferences. Possible routes include Boca Ciega Bay, Gulfport, Treasure Island, Pass-a-Grille, St. Pete Beach, and Tierra Verde, with views of the Don CeSar and downtown St. Petersburg in the distance.

Along the way, your captain shares local history and landmarks including Jungle Prada and other coastal points of interest.
Wildlife Viewing Throughout the Day
Extended time on the water allows for increased wildlife encounters in known habitat zones. Look for dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, spotted eagle rays, and coastal birds such as pelicans, herons, and egrets throughout the trip.
Optional Stops
Your charter can include sandbar stops, swim breaks, island visits, or relaxed anchoring in scenic areas. The pace and stops are fully customizable based on your group’s preferences.
Dock and Dine (Optional)
If desired, your captain can include stops at waterfront restaurants such as Crabby’s On The Pass or The Friendly Fisherman in John’s Pass, or select locations in Treasure Island depending on timing and availability.
Return Cruise
Enjoy a relaxed return to John’s Pass, passing barrier islands, bridges, and waterfront scenery. The final stretch offers great photo opportunities before arriving back at the dock.

Gratuities (20–25% appreciated for excellent service that all goes to the captain and crew)

  • This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
  • Not wheelchair or stroller accessible.
  • Service animals are welcome if safe and under control.
  • Infants must sit on laps and must wear a life vest. (Provided).
  • Most travelers can participate. (Kids 6 years of age or younger must wear a life vest. Provided)
  • This booking requires a licensed and accredited USCG Boat Captain to operate the vessel. We will supply you with a USCG Licensed and Accredited Captain of your choice the day of your rental or you can choose to hire your own (We must verify the boat captain’s credentials prior to your tour date if you choose to supply your own captain).

Discover Johns Pass Village & Boardwalk, a charming waterfront destination in Madeira Beach, Florida. Famous for its fresh seafood, boutique shops, and family-friendly activities, Johns Pass is the perfect starting point for boat tours, dolphin watching, and excursions to Shell Key. Experience the vibrant local culture, scenic views, and endless Florida sunshine at this must-visit coastal hotspot.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the pick-up time?
A: Please arrive 20 minutes before your scheduled pick-up at Johns Pass.

Q: Can children join the tour?
A: Yes, children under 12 must be with an adult.

Q: What should I bring?
A: Swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and a camera.

Common Questions

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Initiate Refund

Questions?

Visit our FAQ page or Contact Us for more immediate assistance.

Reviews

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Head over to our booking page, select this tour and we will see you soon!

Fully Licensed Captains: United States Coast Guard Certified
Private Tours - Seats up to 12
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Meet the Captains

Fully Licensed Captains: United States Coast Guard Certified

Meet "Capt. Sully"
Sullivan Kemper

Captain Sully is one of our USCG licensed captains, a Florida native he’s spent his life on the local waters even living full time on a sailboat! Whether you are looking to go island hopping, relax at the sandbar or do some inshore fishing he will make sure to provide your group with the best trip possible!

Meet "Capt. Garry"
Garrison Gumbs

Garrison is a seasoned boat captain with a deep passion for life on the water and a strong connection to the coastal lifestyle. With years of hands-on experience navigating both inshore and offshore waters, he has built a reputation for being reliable, knowledgeable, and committed to safety above all else. Whether it’s a serious fishing trip or a relaxing day cruising the coastline. His love for the ocean runs deep, and he takes pride in sharing that passion with others, always striving to make each trip enjoyable, successful, and unforgettable.

Meet Our General Manager
Adam

Bio Coming Soon.

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Call: (727) 392-6912