Family Yacht Charter Tampa Bay
A day on the water the whole family will remember, from dolphin watching to island beach stops on our private 52ft yacht. Safe, roomy, and yours for the day.
Why Families Choose Yacht Away Now
Most family vacations in Florida follow the same script: theme parks, crowded beaches, and fighting for a spot at the hotel pool. A private charter is the opposite of that. Instead of standing in lines, your family is out on the water with dolphins running alongside the bow, and instead of jostling for beach chairs, you are anchored off an island with the sand to yourselves.
Our 52ft Marquis Flybridge was built for comfort and safety. Three decks give everyone room to spread out, whether the kids want to be up on the flybridge with the captain or grandma prefers the shade of the climate-controlled cabin. There is a full bathroom, a galley kitchen, and enough seating that nobody has to rough it.
Your USCG-licensed captain has years on Tampa Bay and knows where the dolphins are, which island beaches work for families, and where the water is calm enough to swim. We have hosted families with toddlers and families with teenagers, multigenerational reunions and groups of four. Tell us who is coming and we will plan the day around them.
Safe & Professional
USCG-licensed captain, full safety equipment, and a crew that looks after your family. We exceed every U.S. Coast Guard regulation.
3 Decks of Space
1,200 sq ft of cabin plus 800+ sq ft of outdoor deck and flybridge. Kids can explore while the adults relax, and nobody feels cramped.
Climate-Controlled Cabin
Full air conditioning in the main salon, two private cabins for naps or changing, and a complete bathroom.
BYOB: Bring Everything
Pack whatever your family likes: juice boxes, snacks, sandwich fixings, even a birthday cake. We provide coolers and ice, and you are welcome to bring food from your favorite restaurant.
Family-Friendly Activities
Tampa Bay is a natural playground. Here is what your family can experience aboard our yacht.
Dolphin Watching
Tampa Bay is home to a resident population of bottlenose dolphins. Our captain knows exactly where to find them, and they frequently swim right alongside the yacht. Kids absolutely light up when dolphins appear just feet away from the boat.
Island Hopping
Anchor at Shell Key for white sand beaches, or visit Egmont Key to explore the historic fort and lighthouse. Both barrier islands are reachable only by boat, so the beaches stay uncrowded for shelling, wading, and sandcastles.
Swimming & Snorkeling
Our swim platform makes getting in and out of the water easy for all ages. Anchor in a calm, shallow spot and let the kids splash around. The clear Gulf waters are perfect for spotting fish, sea stars, and the occasional friendly manatee.
Kid-Friendly Amenities
A good family day on the water takes more than a nice boat. It takes the details that keep everyone comfortable whatever their age. The shaded flybridge gives little ones a break from the sun without missing the view, and the enclosed, air-conditioned main cabin is a cool spot for naps, snacks, or simply getting out of the heat for a while.
The full galley kitchen has a refrigerator, microwave, and plenty of counter space for making meals or storing provisions. The complete bathroom saves you the stressful moments that come with young children. And because we are BYOB, you bring exactly what your family likes to eat and drink. Pack juice boxes, goldfish crackers, fruit platters, or have a pizza delivered to the marina before departure.
The swim platform at the stern sits just above the waterline, making it easy and safe for kids to wade in and climb out. When anchored in shallow water near an island, the whole family can step right off the boat and onto the beach. Many families tell us this is the part their children talk about for months afterward: an entire island beach practically to themselves.
Your Family Day on the Water
Every family charter is built around your group, but a typical full day looks like this. We set the pace and the stops around your family's ages and interests.
9:00 AM: Morning Departure
Board at our St. Petersburg marina and load coolers, snacks, and beach gear. The crew gives a quick safety briefing, the kids meet the captain, and you cast off into the calm morning water of Tampa Bay.
10:00 AM: Dolphin Spotting
Cruise through the known dolphin corridors. The captain slows down as pods appear and the kids line up along the rail with cameras ready. Dolphins often swim within arm's reach of the bow.
11:30 AM: Island Beach Time
Anchor at Shell Key or Egmont Key and step off the swim platform onto white sand. The kids explore tide pools, collect shells, and build sandcastles, and lunch happens aboard the yacht whenever everyone is hungry.
2:00 PM: Swim Stop & Return
One last swim stop in calm, shallow water. Kids play on the swim platform while the adults sit up on the flybridge, then it is an easy cruise back to the marina.
Transparent Pricing
A private yacht is more affordable than you think, especially when the whole family shares the cost.
4-hr: $2,400 · 5-hr: $3,000 (full day adventure)
Island hopping & extended swim time
What Families Are Saying
"Absolutely incredible experience! The crew was professional, welcoming, and made sure every single person in our group had an amazing time. The yacht is immaculate and spacious. We will absolutely be booking again. The whole family is still talking about it!"
"We had the best day on the water with Yacht Away Now. The captain was so knowledgeable about the area and took us to the most beautiful spots. The kids had an absolute blast swimming off the back of the boat. Cannot say enough good things about this experience!"
"What an amazing experience from start to finish! The yacht is gorgeous and so well maintained. The crew went above and beyond to accommodate our group. We saw dolphins, visited a beautiful island, and the kids did not want to leave. Highly recommend for families!"
More Charter Experiences
Family Charter FAQ
Is a yacht charter safe for kids?
Yes. We carry Coast Guard-approved life jackets in every size, infant through adult. A USCG-licensed captain runs every trip, and the day starts with a short family safety briefing. Tampa Bay's protected waters stay calm, and your captain picks the smoothest route for the conditions.
What do kids actually do on a yacht charter?
The hits: swimming at a shallow sandbar, spotting dolphins (they usually find the boat first), shell hunting at Shell Key, and "driving" the yacht with the captain up on the flybridge. The galley keeps snacks and drinks cold all day.
Do babies and toddlers count toward the passenger limit?
Yes. Federal passenger limits count every guest regardless of age, so a lap infant occupies one of the 13 spots. We carry infant and child life jackets on board for every charter; just tell us ages when you book.
How much does a family yacht charter cost?
Weekday charters are $500/hour all-inclusive with a 4-hour minimum, so $2,000 for the whole yacht, captain, and crew. For two families splitting the day, that is comparable to a theme-park outing, without the lines.
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