Looking for the best boat charter in St. Petersburg, Florida? We compared pricing, vessels, reviews, and amenities across the top charter companies serving Tampa Bay in 2026.
1. Yacht Away Now — Best Overall
Vessel: 52ft Marquis Flybridge (3 decks, 1,200 sq ft cabin)
Capacity: Up to 13 guests
Pricing: $300/hr weekday (4hr min) | $2,000-$2,500 weekend all-inclusive | $5,000+ Bahamas
Reviews: 72 Google reviews, 5.0-star average
Departure: St. Petersburg, FL
Yacht Away Now stands out for its combination of vessel quality, transparent pricing, and flawless reviews. The 52ft Marquis Flybridge is one of the largest and most luxurious charter yachts in the St. Pete area, with three full decks, Starlink satellite WiFi, a premium stereo system with Bluetooth on every level, a full galley kitchen, AC throughout, and a 600-mile offshore range that makes it one of the few Tampa Bay charters capable of Bahamas and Florida Keys trips.
Weekend packages are all-inclusive — captain, crew, and fuel are bundled into one price with no hidden fees. The 72 five-star Google reviews speak for themselves, with guests consistently praising the professionalism of Captain Josh and crew, the condition of the yacht, and the personalized attention on every charter.
Best for: Bachelorette parties, sunset cruises, weddings, corporate events, Bahamas trips, and anyone who wants the most yacht for their money in Tampa Bay.
2. Tampa Bay Yacht Charter
Vessel: 2 vessels (43ft range)
Capacity: Up to 13 guests
Pricing: Starting around $950 for 2 hours
Reviews: 97 WeddingWire reviews
Departure: Tampa Bay area
Tampa Bay Yacht Charter is a well-established operator with strong wedding market presence, evidenced by their 97 WeddingWire reviews. Their pricing starts lower at around $950 for shorter charters, making them a good option for budget-conscious couples. The 43ft vessels are smaller than the Marquis Flybridge but still comfortable for groups up to 13. Their WeddingWire dominance makes them a top pick for couples who found them through wedding planning platforms.
Best for: Weddings and shorter charter experiences.
3. Sunburst Yacht Charters
Vessel: 2 vessels (83ft and 88ft)
Capacity: Larger groups
Pricing: Premium (call for quote)
Reviews: 52 reviews, 5.0-star average
Departure: Tampa Bay area
Sunburst operates significantly larger vessels — 83ft and 88ft — making them the go-to choice for bigger events and corporate outings. Their fleet size and vessel length are impressive, though the larger capacity means the experience feels more like a commercial charter than a private yacht. Pricing reflects the vessel size and is on the premium end. They have a solid 5.0-star rating across 52 reviews.
Best for: Large groups, corporate events, and guests who want the biggest possible yacht.
4. Florida Yacht Life
Vessel: Multiple vessels (75-88ft range)
Capacity: Varies by vessel
Pricing: $299-$15,000+ depending on vessel and duration
Reviews: High claimed review count
Departure: Multiple Florida locations
Florida Yacht Life operates a broader fleet across multiple Florida locations, making them more of a statewide charter broker than a single-vessel operation. The wide pricing range ($299 to $15,000+) reflects the variety of vessels available. This can be an advantage if you want options, but the experience can vary significantly depending on which vessel and captain you get. Best for guests who want flexibility or are chartering outside the Tampa Bay area.
Best for: Guests wanting a wide range of vessel options and price points across Florida.
5. Well Played Charters
Vessel: 2 vessels (41ft Regal Commodore, 41ft Sea Ray Sundancer)
Capacity: Up to 13 guests
Pricing: $1,400 minimum
Reviews: Growing review base
Departure: St. Petersburg, FL
Well Played is a local St. Pete operator with two 41ft vessels. Their pricing starts at a $1,400 minimum, which is competitive for weekday charters. They have a strong content marketing presence with extensive blog content focused on bachelorette and bachelor party charters. The vessels are smaller than the Marquis Flybridge but well-maintained. A solid option for smaller groups looking for a more intimate vessel.
Best for: Bachelor and bachelorette parties on a moderate budget.
How to Choose the Right Charter
When comparing boat charter companies in St. Petersburg, consider these factors:
- Vessel size and quality: A 52ft yacht with 3 decks feels dramatically different from a 41ft vessel with 1 deck. More space means more comfort, especially for groups of 8+.
- All-inclusive vs. add-on pricing: Some charters advertise low base rates but add fuel, captain, cleaning, and docking fees separately. Look for all-inclusive packages to avoid surprises.
- Review quality: Read the actual reviews, not just the star rating. Look for specific mentions of the crew, vessel condition, and overall experience.
- Amenities: Does the vessel have Starlink WiFi, a premium stereo, full kitchen, AC, and a swim platform? These details make the difference between a good charter and a great one.
- Offshore capability: If you want the option for Bahamas or Keys trips, you need a vessel with 600+ mile range and proper offshore certification.
Ready to book? Call (727) 609-2248 or fill out our booking form to reserve your charter with Yacht Away Now.