Private Sunset Sailing Cruise - St. Petersburg, FL - private sailing charter in St. Petersburg
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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.

Google Reviews

Why they choose us

Rated 5.0 from 21 Google reviews Read all reviews on Google →

My wife and I booked a sunset cruise with Teal Tide Sailing Charters, and it was hands-down one of the best date nights we’ve ever had. If you’re looking for a romantic thing to do in St. Pete, this is it. Captain Noah was fantastic! He was friendly, professional, and made the whole experience feel incredibly intimate without ever hovering. The boat was beautiful, the water was calm, and the sunset looked unreal. We felt like we had the entire gulf to ourselves. It was the perfect mix of relaxing, romantic, and memorable. We’ll absolutely be booking again.

Nic DeBickero

If you’re looking for an extraordinary sailing experience, look no further than Captain Noah. From the moment we stepped aboard his stunning vessel, it was clear we were in the hands of someone who truly loves the sea — and loves sharing it with others. Noah didn’t just take us out on the water; he read it. Using his expert local knowledge, he knew exactly where pods of dolphins were gathering, and he brought us right into the heart of the action. Watching these magnificent creatures leap and play alongside the boat was pure magic — the kind of moment you replay in your mind long after you’ve returned to shore. What sets Noah apart is his rare combination of skill and warmth. He’s the kind of captain who listens, adapts, and makes every person on board feel like the trip was designed just for them. His boat is as impressive as his seamanship — beautifully maintained and the perfect stage for a day you won’t forget. Six hours felt like sixty minutes. That’s how good this experience was. If you want a sailing adventure that delivers real wonder — not just a boat ride — Captain Noah is your guy.

Susan Sackett-Wilk

Captain Noah was so accommodating and went above and beyond to make sure we had the best time. 10/10 recommend

Payton M

Took me and my family out on Cay Michele And she surely didn’t disappoint. Five stars from beginning to end. The boat was pristine, and the captain was great. We will surely be back . thanks again Captain Noah for the memories.

Timothy Gonzalez

We recently had our engagement photos taken on the Teal Tide sailboat, and it was an absolutely amazing experience! The boat was immaculate and pristine, it was perfect. Noah, the captain was fantastic, very accommodating to the photographer and us making sure we got the best shots!!! We couldn't have asked for a better setting or service. Highly recommend!!!

tori gray

What a great experience. Noah is an awesome Captain and he works with you on the itinerary. His sailboat is beautiful and he takes excellent care of it. We had such a fun evening on the sunset cruise. I highly recommend this adventure.

gina maniaci

They recently changed their name to Teal Tide Sailing. My husband and I went out sailing with Captain Noah on his beautiful sailboat and we had the BEST time!!! The boat was perfectly clean and so comfortable. It's a classic boat but it looks like new. We had incredible weather for the sail. We sailed along Treasure Island and the Captain's mom was on the beach waving at us! It was really sweet. Everything was perfect. Thank you Capt. Noah!!!!

Amy Maraschky

We had an incredible sunset cruise on this beautiful sailboat. The boat is immaculate, detailed with gorgeous woodwork and extremely comfortable - truly a stunning setting to enjoy being out on the water Captain Noah was professional, knowledgeable and genuinely kind, making everyone feel at ease from the moment we stepped aboard. It doesn't hurt that he's easy on the eyes - but it's his warmth and attentiveness.. and the delicious food he catered that really set this experience apart If you're looking for a unique , elegant and unforgettable time on the water, I can't recommend this sailboat enough!

Karen DeBickero

My family and I were visiting St Pete and this was BY FAR the highlight of the trip. We went on Captain Noah’s boat for a sunset cruise and it was incredible. Not only is boat extremely clean and comfortable, but captain Noah went above and beyond. He answered all of my questions about the boat and sailing, and is super knowledgeable about the area and points out key landmarks. Would definitely recommend and will be booking this again for my next trip to St Pete!

Nick Waytula
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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.

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