Private Sunset Sailing Cruise - St. Petersburg, FL - hero image
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Private Sunset Sailing Cruise - St. Petersburg, FL

3 or 4 Hour Private Luxury Sailboat Charter

Duration 3–4 Hours
Guests Up to 6
Book This Charter

What to Expect

Drift into the magic of the evening

Board SV Cay Michele in Gulfport, a quiet waterfront village just south of downtown St. Petersburg, and sail into one of the best sunsets on Florida's Gulf Coast. Our private sunset cruise takes you across the calm, protected waters of Boca Ciega Bay, past barrier islands and coastal wildlife, with an unobstructed view of the sun setting over the Gulf of Mexico. At 45 feet with handcrafted teak throughout, SV Cay Michele is nothing like the crowded pontoon tours and party catamarans that fill this waterway. This is a real sailboat, a private crew, and your evening on the water. Choose catered or BYOB, with air conditioning, a full head, and a Bluetooth sound system aboard.

Visiting from Tampa?

Full Access to Amenities

Refrigeration, air conditioning, and Bluetooth sound system so you can relax in comfort with your music and cold drinks.

Professional Captain & Crew

Our experienced captain and crew ensure a safe, smooth sail so you can focus on the views and your company.

Catered or Bring Your Own

Optional catered food and drinks, or bring your own favorites (no corkage fee) to enjoy as the sky fades to gold.

Sunset Departure Times

Every sunset cruise is timed to the actual sunset in St. Petersburg. Your 3-hour charter departs 2 hours before sunset; 4-hour charter departs 2.5 hours before. We confirm your exact time after booking.

Departure Location

Depart from Gulfport, FL, a charming waterfront village 10 minutes south of downtown St. Petersburg. Free parking, easy access, and far from the tourist crowds. 4630 29th Ave S, Gulfport, FL.

Golden hour sunset view from the deck of SV Cay Michele in Boca Ciega Bay
Capt. Noah DeBickero - Owner & Operator of Teal Tide Sailing

Your Captain

Licensed, local, and passionate

Your charter will most likely be captained by Capt. Noah DeBickero, owner and operator of Teal Tide Sailing and a U.S. Coast Guard-licensed 100 Ton Master. Noah lives and sails these waters year-round and knows every channel, sandbar, and sunset angle on Tampa Bay.

Occasionally, your charter may be led by one of our other USCG-licensed captains, including Capt. Richie Mahoney (1600/3000 Ton Master) or Capt. Michael Martin (100 Ton Master). Every captain on our crew meets the same standard of professionalism, local expertise, and genuine hospitality.

Meet the full crew

Why St. Pete

Sunset Sailing from the Heart of St. Pete

St. Petersburg's Gulf-facing coastline gives you something Tampa can't: a direct, unobstructed view of the sun dropping into the Gulf of Mexico. There's no skyline in the way, no bridge to peer around. Just open water and sky.

We depart from Gulfport, a laid-back waterfront neighborhood with its own art district, Tuesday night street market, and a handful of restaurants worth arriving early for. It's about 10 minutes south of downtown St. Pete and 20 minutes from St. Pete Beach. You're close to everything, but far from the tourist crowds.

Before or after your cruise, downtown St. Petersburg has plenty to offer: dinner on Beach Drive, a walk along the St. Pete Pier, craft cocktails near the Vinoy, or a stroll through one of the city's many galleries. If you're staying on St. Pete Beach or Treasure Island, you're only 15–20 minutes away.

On the water, expect calm conditions in the sheltered waters of Boca Ciega Bay, regular dolphin sightings (especially in the evening), and the kind of golden-hour light that makes everything look like a postcard. This isn't a narrated tour or a party boat. It's a private evening under sail.

Private sunset sailing cruise on the Gulf of Mexico near St. Petersburg, Florida
Guests enjoying wine and charcuterie aboard SV Cay Michele
Guests enjoying a sunset sailboat charter in St. Petersburg, Florida
Couple on a private sunset cruise aboard SV Cay Michele in St. Pete

Common Questions

Frequently asked questions

What time does the sunset cruise depart?
Departure is timed to the sunset, so it changes with the season. Our 3-hour private sunset cruise departs about 2 hours before sunset; the 4-hour cruise departs 2.5 hours before. After you book, we'll confirm your exact departure time based on the date. As a general guide, summer departures are typically around 6:00–6:30 PM, while winter departures may be as early as 4:00–4:30 PM.
Where exactly do we meet, and where do I park?
We depart from a private dock in Gulfport, FL. The address is 4630 29th Ave S, Gulfport, FL. Free parking is available near the marina. After booking, we'll send you detailed arrival and parking instructions so there's no guesswork. The area is quiet and easy to navigate, nothing like the crowded boat ramps you'll find closer to the beaches.
How far is Gulfport from downtown St. Pete and St. Pete Beach?
Gulfport is about 10–15 minutes from downtown St. Petersburg and roughly 20 minutes from St. Pete Beach or Treasure Island. If you're coming from the Tampa area, it's about 25–30 minutes via I-275. We're easy to reach from anywhere in the St. Pete area.
Is the sunset cruise BYOB? Can I bring food?
Yes. We're fully BYOB with no corkage fee. Bring whatever you'd like: wine, beer, cocktails, champagne, snacks, charcuterie, a full picnic. We have onboard refrigeration to keep everything cold, plus a cooler and ice. If you'd prefer not to pack your own, we also offer catering options. Just let us know when you book, and everything will be set up and waiting when you arrive.
Is this a private charter, or will there be other people on the boat?
Every sunset cruise with Teal Tide Sailing is completely private. It's just your group (up to 6 guests), your captain, and SV Cay Michele. You'll never share the boat with strangers. This is fundamentally different from the large group sunset cruises in St. Pete that pack 30–49 passengers onto a catamaran. Our experience is intimate, unhurried, and entirely yours.
Why is your cruise 3–4 hours when most sunset cruises are 1.5–2 hours?
Most sunset boat tours in St. Pete are short group rides. They run a tight schedule because they're loading and unloading large groups multiple times a day. Our private sunset cruise gives you a full 3 or 4 hours because it's only your group aboard. You have time to settle in before sunset, actually watch the full light show without rushing, and enjoy the afterglow on the water once the sun goes down. There's no rush to get back to the dock for the next group.
Is there a restroom on the boat?
Yes. SV Cay Michele has a full enclosed head (marine restroom) below deck. This is a real advantage over most pontoon and catamaran sunset cruises in the area, which don't always have restroom facilities. It's worth considering on a 3–4 hour cruise.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Safety is always the priority. If conditions are unsafe for sailing, the captain will contact you in advance to reschedule at no additional cost. Light rain or overcast skies aren't usually a problem. SV Cay Michele has a cabin with air conditioning if you need to step below deck. Some of the most dramatic sunsets actually happen when there are a few clouds in the sky.
Book your Private Sunset Cruise charter

Ready?

Book your Private Sunset Cruise

Private sailing charters and cruises for Up to 6 in St. Pete, just 20 minutes from Tampa. Check availability and reserve your charter aboard SV Cay Michele.

Check Availability

Or call 727-591-7245 · noah@tealtidesailing.com