yachts in tampa

Welcome To Tampa Yacht Sales - Your Best Source For Buying And Selling Your Boat In Tampa Bay

Tampa Yacht Sales is a professional and knowledgeable boat & yacht brokerage company with over 22 years of success delivering boats & yachts matched to our customers needs. We provide a full array of services including domestic and international sales, service, marine financing, insurance, documentation and extended service agreements. We focus on the details of your purchase or sale to create a seamless and simple process worthy of the title – “The two Happiest Days of a boater’s life”.

Our marketing and sales expertise will deliver superior results in a timely fashion. We won't settle for second best.

Our experienced brokers are equipped with the know-how, marketing resources, and marine industry connections to help you through a seamless transaction.

Cudjoe Key, Florida, United States

Apollo Beach, Florida, United States

Mar 07, 2024

Jan 17, 2024

Dec 21, 2023

Great experience selling my boat with Shane Faunce and Tampa Yacht Sales. It was absolutely seamless from the listing to the survey to the delivery to the new owner. I would not hesitate to use this firm again, you are getting absolutely the best team in the business. Thanks again Shane.

2006 Sea Ray 260 Sundancer Apollo Beach, FL

We just concluded the sale of our Sea Ray 48 DA with Shane at Tampa Yacht Sales. We couldn’t have asked for a smoother, more professional transaction. From listing to closing, Shane’s service was exemplary. Thanks, Shane, for an excellent result!

2006 Sea Ray 48 Sundancer Venice, FL

Shane is the best broker in the entire Tampa Bay area…he has sold several boats for me with quick success…getting me the price I wanted! He is fair, honest and an all around great guy. You won’t be disappointed if you list your boat with him or buy a boat from his quality inventory.

Grady-White 336 Canyon Tampa, FL

Renaming and Christening our 2011 Meridian 441 Sedan Bridge this Sunday that we recently purchased through Shane Faunce of Tampa Yacht Sales. We were extremely pleased with the great job he did of representing both the seller and us, the buyer, throughout the process. He always stayed on top of the process and he and the Tampa Yacht Sales staff were always courteous and helpful in every aspect of working with us to secure our dream boat! We would highly recommend them to both buyers and sellers. Thanks so much to your entire staff!! Merry Christmas!!!

2011 Meridian 441 Sedan Bridge Pensacola, FL

I’ve acquired many boats over the years and dealt with a number of brokers. I can honestly say that my dealings with Shane at Tampa Yacht sales was the most professional of all. The most impressive part of this purchase was the service after the sale. Shane has been there for me within minutes of a need thru texting or on site. A true professional and there aren’t many out there.

2001 Sea Ray 340 Sundancer St Petersburg, FL

Outstanding broker! Our first experience buying a boat and it was a pleasure dealing with Shane. When we’re ready to move up to a larger boat, I know we’ll be calling Shane.

2011 Meridian 391 Sedan Bridge Cape Coral, FL

Your Ticket To Luxury

Sunburst Yacht Charters is the highest-end luxury Tampa yacht rental experience. Docked at the Harbour Island Marina outside of Jackson’s Bistro, booking a super yacht is the perfect way to impress business partners and clients, reward colleagues, or celebrate a special occasion.

Gain access to our over-the-top luxurious yacht, the amazing central and scenic location, and a professional, experienced crew – a truly unique experience, right here in Tampa.

Chartering the Vanguard for a sunset, half day, or full day cruise is an amazing way to experience the natural beauty and serenity that we enjoy around Tampa Bay.

Whether it’s happy hour, a holiday party, a birthday or just a weekend getaway, booking the Vanguard for a docked event grants you both a stunning venue on Harbor Island.

With four bedrooms accommodating eight guests in total, bring friends and family with you as you visit any of the picturesque ports available to our yacht.

The M.Y. Vanguard is the pride and joy of our operation, an 83’ Sunseeker yacht with one-of-a-kind interior and exterior customization that oozes elegance.

Splashed Out, an 88ft Sunseeker built in 2010, is the newest member of our fleet. This yacht has many upgrades including robust new systems for security and waste water treatment, she’s ready to join the fun!

Thanks to our central location, the Sunburst Yacht Charters is ideal for corporate yacht rentals, at-dock events and overnight accommodations . Host a private happy hour for your office, or use our yacht as a base of operations to spend a weekend exploring Downtown Tampa, Water Street and Channelside. Our Yachts are guaranteed to make a memorable venue for holiday parties, whether it be Gasparilla, Christmas, or New Year’s Eve. Bartending and catering services are available upon request.

Sunburst Yacht Charters has the highest customer service standards, as evidenced by our glowing reviews. From the first time you call to speak with our expert yacht concierge until the time you disembark, our carefully selected crew will impress you at every turn with their thoughtfulness, expertise and professionalism. While there are plenty of places to rent a boat around Tampa Bay, Sunburst Yacht Charters stands far above the competition as the premier Tampa yacht rental company.

“If you are looking for the best luxury yacht experience in Tampa Bay, I highly recommend Sunburst Yacht Charters. The yachts in their fleet were in pristine condition, very clean, and decorated elegantly. Crew and owners were all extraordinarily helpful as well as professional and always gave an unparalleled service.”

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Yachts For Sale In Tampa

Boaters, along with Cruise Ships, Coast Guard vessels, tankers, container ships and more, enter Tampa Bay from the Gulf of Mexico beneath the magnificent 430’ high Sunshine Skyway Bridge with cable stays that resemble a ship’s mast and sails when viewed from a distance. The Skyway built in 1987, connects St. Petersburg with Terra Ceia at lower Tampa Bay. Tampa Bay covers a nearly 400 square mile area of great fishing (over 200 species including redfish, snook, trout and mangrove snapper), wakeboarding and other watersports, and recreational boating. The Bay provides boaters access to the many natural sandbar formations and islands, such as Shell Key, Caladesi Island State Park, Egmont Key Wildlife Refuge, Pine Key (Beer Can Island aka Tiki Bay Island), Greer Island Beach, Three Rooker Bar (very popular with weekend boaters), Turtle Beach and many more. Shell collecting is another popular activity.

United Yacht Sales can help you find the perfect yacht for sale in Florida . Give us a call today at 1-772-463-3131 about purchasing a new boat or listing your current yacht on the brokerage market.

YACHTS LOCATED NEAR Tampa Florida

240' Delta 2006

Palm Beach, Florida, United States

191' TRINITY Custom 2009

Florida, United States

185' Delta Marine 2001

Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States

185' Oceanfast Full Displacement 2004

180' Benetti 2003

170' Amels 2004

169' Feadship Custom 51M 2003

170' Commercial Crew Boat 1991

Merritt Island, Florida, United States

164' TRINITY Trinity 164 2011

West Palm Beach, Florida, United States

165' Naval Yachts 2025

165' Trinity Yachts 2009

164' Trinity Yachts 2011

High Occupancy

164' Oceanfast Custom 1989

164' Heesen Yachts 5000 Aluminum 2022

160' Christensen Custom 2017

Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, United States

• Page 1 of 245

Tampa features two waterside walkways; the Bayshore Blvd sidewalk on Hillsborough Bay in South Tampa, is the longest continuous sidewalk in the world at 4.5 miles and 10’ wide. The other is Riverwalk, 2.4 miles along the Hillsborough River in downtown Tampa, lined with restaurants, shops and more. Boaters can find dockage and tie up and enjoy a walk and meal downtown. During the St. Patrick’s Day festivities, a section of the Hillsborough River is dyed green, similarly to the famous Chicago River.

Bayshore Blvd is also the staging site of the Gasparilla Parade of Pirates, held annually the last Saturday of January with festivities in the city and on the water featuring the pirate sailing vessel, Jose Gasparilla. The event, since 2005 (though its history is much earlier), attracts about 200,000 people to the area for celebrating in pirate-carnival style. Along the pirate theme, is the fleet of Pirate Water Taxis with 15 stops along Tampa’s Riverwalk, Channel District, downtown and Davis Island.

Davis Island is the location of many palatial and exclusive waterfront estates, none as well-known as the home of Derek Jeter, the Hall of Fame former NY Yankees baseball star, current CEO and part owner of the Florida Marlins NBL team. And guest residence of new Tampa Bay Buccaneers Quarterback, Tom Brady! Tampa’s NHL hockey team, the Tampa Bay Lightning, won the coveted Stanley Cup this year while the NBL team, Tampa Bay Rays (St. Petersburg), the #1 American League East baseball team, are now in the World Series. Go Tampa Bay!

Though there are loads of waterfront restaurants and bars, only some have dockage or private beachfront accessible to boaters for tie up and dine. The Sail Plaza, Tampa's only 360-degree waterfront restaurant is located on the Riverwalk near the Convention Center and features a dog-friendly patio bar offering cocktails and bites. Dockage is nearby for boaters along with a Pirate Taxi stop. Rick’s on the River, a casual setting known as a fun place for live music and drinks, is a marina, bar and grille and features an oyster bar. Ricks is located on the Hillsborough River with a full marina offering wet slips for rental as well as dockage for the restaurant. Ulele is a native American inspired restaurant and brewery on the Hillsborough River and the Riverwalk, accessible by Pirate Water Taxi.

Columbia Café at the Tampa Bay History Center is located on downtown Tampa waterfront, with indoor and outdoor seating overlooking Garrison Channel that separates downtown from Harbour Island. The Columbia Café, on the Riverwalk, features Cuban/Spanish cuisine, and is Florida’s oldest restaurant and the largest Spanish restaurant in the world! Fee-based boat dock has 8 tie-ups available to boaters; maximum stay is 72 hours. Whiskey Joe’s Bar & Grill, with deck seating and tiki bar is located off Courtney Campbell Causeway (to Clearwater) on Old Tampa Bay, allows boaters to beach on their private beachfront.

And there is the Yacht Starship fleet of four 3-Diamond rated dining yachts that cruise Tampa Bay at evening, offering grand views of Tampa’s skyline, the Bay, exquisite sunsets and award-winning cuisine, along with Holiday and specialty cruises. The largest vessel seats 600 passengers; together the four Yacht Starships can accommodate over 1,000 passengers. The two dock locations are Channelside Harbour near the ferry terminal or Clearwater Beach. Private Charters are available from other local ports. Pirate Water Taxi stop #1 is at the cruise terminal area in the downtown area and is a short walk from the Florida Aquarium. The Aquarium is 200,000 square feet of space exhibiting more than 14,000 animals from Florida and around the world, including Madagascar’s lemurs. One of its features is a 500,000-gallon Coral Reef habitat. The Florida Aquarium is also accessible by the streetcar line of Channelside Bay Plaza.

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SPEAK TO A SALES PROFESSIONAL

TAMPA LUXURY YACHT RENTALS

42′ Prestige Flybridge

48′ Azimut Flybridge

50′ Prestige Flybridge

94′ Ferretti

Tampa Luxury Yacht Rentals has the best luxury fleet in the business for yachting, boating, boat tours, yacht rentals with jet skis & watertoys.

Corporate Events, Holiday Vacations, Party Boats, Shore Excursions, & more...

Our event staff will help you plan your dream yacht charter. Contact us for all your luxury yacht charters & private boat rentals in the Tampa Bay area.

We can accommodate any fishing or diving charter upon request.

Luxury Boat Rentals in Tampa. Contact us for any yacht charters, boat tours & party yacht rentals today.

Tampa Bay’s best choice for boat rentals and watersports. 

Board our super yacht cruise for your amazing party boat adventure. Event Catering & Sound Systems. This party boat adventure is amazing. 

Yacht charters tampa bay, yacht rentals tampa fl, yacht charter tampa, renting a yacht in tampa, tampa bay yacht rental. call # 813-551-2775.

Frequently asked questions

Coast guard regulations only allow up to 12 or 13 guests maximum on each luxury yacht, plus the captain and crew.

We provide the yacht, the fuel, the captain, the crew members, the drinks, the bottled waters, and a cooler full of ice. Your bring your own food and alcohol.

Downtown St. Pete, Downtown Tampa, Beer can Island, Egmont Key,…

Our 94′ Ferretti out of Tampa Bay includes a Jetski. Other boats may not include a Jetski but you can add a Jet-Ski for an additional cost to any boat. 

All Inclusive price means that basic tip and docking fee is already included in the price.

Our clients say

Tampa Luxury Yacht Rentals has the best luxury fleet in the business for yachting, boating, boat tours, yacht rentals with jet skis & watertoys. Our event staff will help you plan your dream yacht charter. Contact us for all your luxury yacht charters & private boat rentals in the Tampa Bay area. Corporate Events, Holiday Vacations, Party Boats, Shore Excursions, & more… We can accommodate any fishing or diving charter upon request.

YKnot US Yacht Charters                                           Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and Sarasota. Call Beverly at 352.317.5269                                to Book your Charter today!

YKnot US Yacht Charters is here to fulfill your yachting dreams. Perhaps you would like to take a trip to a remote island (or 3), find a secret sandy beach, get a private tour of historical sites, or maybe just relax with friends amidst stunning city views. It can be done at your command. 

Relax and unwind without a worry, as we take care of all your desires. Want to lounge with champagne on the sun pads? Your crew will be there for you. 

Our yacht is immaculately maintained and ready to impress. We are proud to keep our yacht updated with the newest technology and believe that our yachts offer the best value in Tampa Bay. Because we appreciate our clients, we often run promotions to those subscribed on our website, or following us on social media. 

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Welcome aboard!

Sunset Tours with a superb Captain

Tampa Bay Yachting!

10% OFF CHARTER FEES*

*when booked at least 30 days in advance.

OVERNIGHT DESTINATIONS

Let Dreamer be your reindeer this holiday season

Have a large group? Customized events for corporate meetings or retreats and family vacation charters are available. Contact us today to charter Dreamer and Day Dreamer together. 

Yachting in Tampa, FL

Ready for yachting in Tampa, FL? In the Sunshine State's heart, Tampa is your gateway to scenic beauty, cultural richness, and aquatic adventures. With access to Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, it's a haven for yacht enthusiasts seeking luxury on the water. Enjoy leisurely cruises on the Tampa Riverwalk or thrilling offshore adventures, and discover the charm and sophistication that make yachting in Tampa an unforgettable experience.

42' Prestige Flybridge

48' Azimut

50' Prestige Flybridge

50' Prestige

57' Princess

44' Aquila

53' Cruisers

54' Sea Ray

75' Tarrab

65' Neptunus

67' Uniesse

72' Viking

74' Neptunus

90' Boundless

120' Bilgin

84' Sunseeker Manhattan

Why charter a yacht in tampa, fl, yacht charter in tampa, traverse hidden treasures with tampa bay luxury yacht charters, yacht rentals in tampa, boat rental in tampa, .css-1uazooj{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;width:100%;outline:2px solid transparent;outline-offset:2px;transition-property:var(--chakra-transition-property-common);transition-duration:var(--chakra-transition-duration-normal);font-size:1rem;-webkit-padding-start:var(--chakra-space-4);padding-inline-start:var(--chakra-space-4);-webkit-padding-end:var(--chakra-space-4);padding-inline-end:var(--chakra-space-4);padding-top:var(--chakra-space-2);padding-bottom:var(--chakra-space-2);padding:10px 16px;}.css-1uazooj:focus-visible,.css-1uazooj[data-focus-visible]{box-shadow:var(--chakra-shadows-outline);}.css-1uazooj:hover,.css-1uazooj[data-hover]{background:var(--chakra-colors-blackalpha-50);}.css-1uazooj[disabled],.css-1uazooj[aria-disabled=true],.css-1uazooj[data-disabled]{opacity:0.4;cursor:not-allowed;} .css-1pkhz46{font-size:var(--chakra-fontsizes-sm);font-weight:600;-webkit-flex:1;-ms-flex:1;flex:1;text-align:left;} how do i book a yacht on yachtlife .css-g5ledl{width:1em;height:1em;display:inline-block;line-height:1em;-webkit-flex-shrink:0;-ms-flex-negative:0;flex-shrink:0;color:currentcolor;vertical-align:middle;font-size:8px;}, when is my payment collected is it refundable.

Once you confirm your reservation, your broker will process your payment.

• If you are booking for a single day and your reservation is confirmed more than 7 days in advance, a deposit of either $1,000 USD or 50% of the total cost of the reservation (whichever is greater) is processed immediately in order to hold the yacht. Once your embarkation date is 7 days away, the remainder of the amount due is processed.
• If you are booking for a single day and your reservation is made 7 days or less in advance, the total price of your reservation is processed immediately.
• If you are booking for a multi-day charter and your reservation is confirmed more than 30 days in advance, a deposit of 50% of the cost of the yacht is processed immediately in order to hold the yacht. Once your embarkation date is 30 days away, the other 50% is collected for the price of the yacht, plus the APA, plus the taxes due.

Terms of refunds are dictated by the Charter Agreement. Generally, once a payment is collected, it is non-refundable. In certain circumstances, as dictated by the Charter Agreement, credits can be provided so you will be able to enjoy your yacht charter at a future date that is convenient for you.

Why is there a 3% credit card convenience charge?

Are my payment details saved on the app, what if your servers get hacked is my payment information really safe.

+1-833-779-2248

Whether you are looking to relax, explore the bay, search for dolphins or take a dip at a sandbar, ULTRA-YACHT Charters are the perfect get away. Each charter is fully customizable to begin and end when you'd like, with multiple convenient pick-up locations.

Learn more about our charters and fleet below.

Captain & Fuel Included

All ULTRA-YACHT Charters are captained by a USCG licensed captain who will host you and operate the boat while you and your guests relax and enjoy. 

From Towels to Sunscreen on Board

Leave your worries at the dock. All ULTRA-YACHT charters are stocked with towels, sunscreen, and safety provisions. 

You Choose Your Adventure

Sarasota Bay and nearby waters offer plenty of things to do! From relaxing on sandbars to exploring islands to looking for dolphins, tell us what you'd like to do and our captains will take you there.

Relax and Enjoy the Luxuries of ULTRA-YACHT

Champagne and drinks included. Passengers are more than welcome to bring your own food or drink onboard as well, or let us take you to one the many wonderful seaside restaurants we enjoy. 

About Tampa

Visiting Tampa and looking for things to do and places to go? Here are some our favorites!

Gold Charter From $799

27' Formula Luxury Performance Bowrider

Ideal for open air fun in the sun. Enjoy our Bimini Top and Bluetooth Stereo with complimentary Dasani Water, Perrier, Champagne and Michelob ULTRA Beer for responsible adults.

Platinum Charter From $999

31' - 34' Sea Ray or Formula Luxury Cruiser

Outdoor fun with the added comforts of an inside cabin complete with a full bathroom, TV, refrigerator, sitting area and Bluetooth Stereo. Enjoy complimentary Dasani Water, Perrier, Champagne and Michelob ULTRA Beer for responsible adults.

Experience Tampa

Florida has much more to offer than a relaxing vacation on the beach! Tampa is filled to the brim with exciting activities and adventures. Whether you're looking to go sightseeing on the breathtaking Tampa Riverwalk, spend a day shopping or watch a Buccaneer's game at the Raymond James Stadium - the possibilities in Tampa are truly endless. ULTRA-YACHT experiences are available in Tampa as well! We can pick you up in Tampa and take you under the Skyway Bridge and drop you off for a night out on the town. For more great activities to do during your stay, head to VisitTampaBay.com .

Customize Your Cruise

Dolphin watching, an evening on the water sunset cruise, spend a night on the water, multi-day get-a-way.

• Contact (813-526-4471)

Yacht Charters in Tampa Bay.

The finest selection of luxury yachts in Tampa Bay at the lowest prices. Search Below!

35 ft – 49 ft

50 ft – 79 ft

Recent Listings

My Way – 46ft

La Bella Vita – 75 ft

Liquid Asset – 36 ft

Passion – 50 ft

Inspire – 42 ft

Island Soul – 90 ft

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Experience legendary performance, style, and fun in beautiful Tampa, Florida

Inspire – 42 ft (Starting at $2,500)

Capacity : 12 people

Length : 42 feet

Bedrooms : 2

Bathrooms : 2

Liquidity – 48 ft (Starting at $2,800)

Length : 48 feet

Bedrooms : 3

Passion – 50 ft (Starting at $3,200)

Length : 50 feet

EXPLORE TAMPA / ST. PETERSBURG WITH LIQUID FUN CHARTERS

Enjoy a day cruising with friends and family on the open water, explore local scenery, and experience the beautiful Tampa weather! Charter one of our 3 amazing yachts, combining comfort & style for up to 12 people, customized just for you. We love being on the water and can’t wait to share our experience with you!

I highly recommend liquid fun yatch charters, the crew was so accommodating and fun, we had so much fun and the yatch was super clean and perfect for our day out on the water. I would absolutely rent from them again! 

– Lorena C.

Kevin and his crew were so easy to book with and wonderful captains the day of! So accommodating and truly made the experience one to remember! I would recommend Liquid Fun Yacht Charters to anyone considering a fun, relaxing time on the water in a very well equipped and clean yacht! We had a wonderful time and plan to do again very soon! – Amanda D.

• SELLER EXPERIENCE
• BUYER EXPERIENCE
• 813-714-7784

The Best Choice in Brokerage

Landmark Yacht Sales is the top-rated yacht brokerage in the Tampa Bay area with the reviews and referrals to prove it.

Since 2014 we’ve been providing our clients with the experience, direction, and resources necessary to successfully navigate the boat purchase and sale process.

Visit the links below for more information on our services.

• Our Listings

Listing Details

2021 Yamaha SX190

2004 Sea Ray 270 SunDeck

2012 Sea Hunt Triton 210

2008 Mako 20 CC

2006 Hydrophilic Egmont 23

2019 Chaparral 210 SunCoast

2024 Deno 2400 CC

2017 Edgewater 248 CX

2019 Sportsman Masters 267

2009 Sea Ray 350 SunDancer

2023 Crevalle 26 HCO

2021 Regal 29 OBX

Because we represent boats in multiple locations and some require advanced coordination for showings or sea trials, our listings are available to be shown by appointment only.

Please speak to the listing broker directly or contact our office for more information.

Meet Our Partners

One of the benefits of working with Landmark Yacht Sales is the direct line of communication you’ll have with one of our partners throughout the entire brokerage process.

Justin Roetken and Rob Buscaino draw on decades of experience to ensure your next boat purchase or sale is a successful one.

Recently Sold

Five-Star Results

Landmark Yachts is fantastic! Justin went far and above my expectations. Helpful efficient and great communication. He helped me buy and sell my last boat. I recommend LandmarkYachts to anyone looking for help buying or selling a boat!

Landmark Yacht Sales did a great job for me. I was remote and Rob arranged a quality inspection, sea trial and transportation. The transportation was particularly impressive because the original driver canceled the night before and Rob miraculously was able to find a new quality driver overnight! I would highly recommend Landmark Yacht Sales.

Decided to pass on one of Rob's listings. While he was the broker and had incentives to push, he didn't at all. Was completely upfront with me and even offered to give advice if I was buying another boat from another broker. That is professionalism at its best. I may write one review a year, if that, so shows how impressed I was. From what I'm told, hard to find honest boat brokers - you got one here.

Rob could not have done a better job. He was professional, responsive and just all around the nicest guy! Kept us calm when we needed it, answered all of our questions and handled EVERYTHING. Would highly recommend Rob and Landmark Yacht Sales!

Rob has been a huge help and I’ve worked with him on multiple boats! Highly recommend! Great communicator and stays on top of the listings and data.

I would 100000000% recommend Rob if you are looking to sell your boat. He went above and beyond. Made it effortless on our end. Absolutely effortless. Seriously, he made selling it easier than buying it and I literally just had to sign some papers and walk away. Thank you for everything!!

Rob was amazing, from our first conversation through closing. Please reach out to them if you you’re looking to sell or buy.

We purchased a Intrepid boat through Lamdmark Yacht sales. Rob and his team where so professional I would highly recommend there services he is extremely trustworthy and a pleasure to deal with. Greg K

Justin was an absolute pleasure to work with. He is very professional, knowledgeable and friendly!! We had a great experience and smooth transition. Even after the sale was completed Justin checked on us and assisted us with a few things. We loved working with him!

When our family was looking for our first boat Rob came to us well recommended. Rob helped educate us through the myriad of boat choices for the Tampa Bay Area and guide us through our first boat purchase and sale of that boat a few years later. From beginning to end and all the ownership in the middle - Rob is a great and trusted resource. With Robs help on the front and back end - we are the only boat owners I know of that owned and used a SeaRay boat for several years and sold for less than 10% of the purchase price. Thanks Rob!

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• Sell My Boat
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• Become an Anchor Captain
• Hire Local Captains
• List Your Boat

Basic Information

Tampa Yacht Rental

Boat and yacht rentals in tampa bay, thank you for making anchor the #1 yacht rental company in tampa bay, tampa bay loves yachting.

Welcome to Tampa Bay, one of the fastest-growing cities in the US. If you are looking for a fun day on the water with friends, you've come to the right place. With over 75 boats and yachts available for rent or charter, Tampa Bay is the perfect yacht charter destination. Whether you're celebrating a bachelor or bachelorette party, birthday, or just hangin' with your crew, Anchor is top-rated yacht rental company in the greater Tampa Bay area. 

Day Charters

Tampa Bay has plenty to offer for a perfect yacht charter. We offer 4 hour rentals, 6 hour rentals, and full-day rentals. We also offer multi-day trips. Day charters are an affordable way for you and your crew to rent a private yacht with Captain and Crew included. Also included in the price is local cruising fuel, cleaning fees, service fees & taxes, and even some gratuity on most charter listings. Most of our boats have a 13 guest max, not including the Captain and Crew. 

Boat rentals and yacht charters to Beer Can Island

Beer Can Island is a locally famous boating destination, smack dab in the middle of the bay. If you're renting a yacht from downtown Tampa or St. Petersburg, Beer Can Island is a perfect destination only requiring a 4 hour (half-day) rental. If you want to stay at the island longer, we also offer 6 hour and 8 hour trips. The water may not be crystal clear, but this is the most popular party spot for boats for a reason. Hundreds of boats and yachts gather here every weekend for shenanigans and debauchery.

Boat rentals and yacht charters to Egmont Key

Egmont Key is a popular boating destination with beautifully clear / turquoise water. Egmont Key is located south of St. Pete, so if your boat or yacht is departing from Tampa Bay, you'll need to book a minimum of a 6 hour charter, or save money with the discounted full-day yacht charter options. 

Boat rentals and yacht charters to Johns Pass Sandbar

Johns Pass is located a bit further south and is a great local meet up location for boaters. If you've chartered a boat or yacht from downtown Tampa, you'll want to be sure to book a 6 hour rental or 8 hour rental to ensure you have enough time to get there. Johns Pass is a really fun local sandbar where boaters party 7 days a week. Mostly on Saturdays and Sundays. 

Weather in Tampa Bay

Always keep in mind the weather when planning your yacht rental experience. Tampa Bay is an ideal location for a yacht charter, either while on vacation or “staycation” because of the wonderful weather patterns. With winters ranging in the 70°s and summers in the 90's, there's no wrong time to visit. While it may rain frequently in Tampa Bay, the storms are almost always scattered and very short in duration, often times only lasting a few minutes and then the sun is shining again. If you're traveling to Tampa Bay in the cooler months of the year, be sure to pack some layers to wear while on your boating trip, especially if you plan to go yachting in the evening. If you're traveling during the summer months, remember to stay hydrated and take some extra precautions when it comes to sun care.

When planning to rent a yacht in Tampa Bay, your Captain will keep an eye on the weather patterns. The Captain will warn you of any weather that could cause your yacht charter to be canceled, rescheduled, or departure time pushed back. Safety is always our top priority.

Other popular yachting destinations near Tampa Bay

Tampa Bay is located near several other wonderful boating and yachting destinations, so if you can't find the boat rental or yacht charter you're looking for in Tampa Bay, check out these other amazing locations. St. Petersburg is a short 15-20 minute drive away. Anna Maria Island and Sarasota have an amazing selection of boat rentals and yacht charters, only a 45 minute drive from Tampa Bay. 

Anchor Yacht Charters & Boat Rentals

601 S Harbour Island Blvd Suite 109 Tampa, FL 33602

Tampa Bay Yacht Rental Article 

120’ BILGIN Super-Yacht

Half Day $9,500 – Full Day $15,000

Overall Length

Whats included, book star sapphire.

What You Will Do

You will board Star Sapphire and our crew will welcome you with a complimentary champagne toast. We will leave the dock and take you for a tour around Tampa Bay in the inter-coastal waterways. This is a very scenic route with the perfect mix of nature and stunning waterfront architecture.

When you choose the 8 or 7 hour trips, we will take you to Pine Key Island. This island is only accessible by boat. It is truly one of the most unique islands in Florida that is enjoyed EXCLUSIVELY by boaters. A beautiful white sand beach and lush greenery provide the perfect backdrop for this tropical destination.

Guests enjoy swimming, relaxing, and socializing with friends on the island and kids of all ages love the huge waterslide (weekends only)! A Tiki Bar is at the center of the action with live DJs and plenty of dancing, drinks, and food. With all it has to offer, Pine Key in Tampa Bay is the perfect playground for visitors of all ages! There are sand volleyball courts, a wooded area with trails, and beaches all the way around the 11-acre island. This is one of the most unique experiences in all of metro Tampa/St. Pete/Clearwater and again, you can only get there by boat… and even better, on a luxury yacht!

Regardless of the length of your trip, you will have access to a large floating “Lily Pad” for swimming safely behind the boat. This is included in all trips and it’s a favorite activity for all ages. 

Call or Text: 727-710-2596

Experience the only SUPER yacht in Tampa Bay!

No amenity, expense, or luxury touch has been spared to make this the perfect charter vessel. Oozing European finesse and Italian accents, she is dressed to impress with stunning luxury finishings.

A number of impressive features including a massive fly-bridge with jacuzzi, large granite bar with stainless steel grill, panoramic 180-degree views and a very private sun deck above the flybridge with built-in lounges, make Star Sapphire the perfect yacht to make unforgettable memories in luxury, style and comfort.

The spacious salon features floors in intricate thin-cut Italian granite, ornate glasswork and custom carpets. A mineral called blue sodalite from Zimbabwe frames the bar with Italian marble lines counter tops and stunning blue Murano glass accents doors and windows.

Adorned with the most luxurious touches and embellishments expected of this European builder, Star Sapphire is a “5 Star” custom yacht with a rich, modern contemporary feel. Her high-quality finish and attractive detailing with fine cut thin Italian granite, supple leathers, hand-blown glass fixtures and built- in furniture, make Star Sapphire one of the most unique vessels in the West Coast of Florida.

Available Add ons

Optional FIRST CLASS Additions FOR Your Yacht Charter

Private Chef

Indulge in the height of fine dining and elevate your charter experience to the next level by having a private chef on-board!

Our chef will customize an exquisite menu just for your trip based on your dietary needs and preferences. All meals are prepared, seasoned, and served with great care and attention to detail. When you add the 360 degree water views, stunning sunset taking place in the background and great service, the culinary experience is like nothing else in Tampa Bay. Truly a ‘Magic Moment’!

We also offer mouthwatering catering packages that are beyond delicious and presented in a way to make your social media pics the envy of all!

Whether you’re hosting a birthday party, corporate outing, wedding party, bachelor/bachelorette, we can help you plan the event of a lifetime.

Wine Tastings / Craft Spirits / Bartender

Whether you are looking to have a certified Sommelier, a wine educator or simply wanting someone creating delicious libations during your charter, we’ve got your back.

We offer wine and cheese pairing experiences, caviar and champagne tastings and full bar options.

Photographer / Videographer:

Document your entire charter experience by adding a digital memory package that will last forever. Professional photography and videography available upon request. Custom drone videos are also available.

Professional Luxury Yacht Photoshoot:

Undoubtedly, one of the best photoshoot locations in Tampa Bay will be this luxury yacht. Whether it is a pre-wedding photoshoot, bachelorette, profile pictures or for your Instagram. This elegant contemporary luxurious yacht will be the perfect backdrop for a stunning photoshoot that’s unlike any other. Walk away with professional photographs and picture-perfect memories.

Water Sports

Ever wonder what flying above water feels like? Book a charter and choose the e-Foils package! You will learn how to ride e-foils with two certified instructors who will come on-board and teach you everything you need to know. Before the end of the trip, you will be riding the waves and making unforgettable memories.

Equipped with a powerful lithium-ion battery, hand-held Bluetooth controller, and integrated hydrodynamic fuselage, eFoils can get up and flying no matter the weather. Once riders get a good grasp of the basics, they can start to explore different conditions like chasing swells and boat wakes, or just going on awesome adventures.

It might look hard, but it really isn’t. Old or young, surfer or not, heavy or lightweight, efoils are designed with everyone in mind. No Paddle – No Waves – No Wind – Just Fun

Floating "Lily Pad"

Regardless of the length of your trip, you will have access to a large floating “Lily Pad” for swimming safely behind the boat. This floating foam island allows you to rest, kick-back, tan, hang out, or lounge… It is the ultimate water playground for the entire family!

Things to Keep in Mind:

• Per Federal US Coast Guard Regulations, maximum 13 passengers allowed. No exceptions will be made.
• The Yacht has surround system throughout, you can stream your favorite playlist from your i- phone.
• This vessel comes with life jackets, emergency and first aid kits. If you have known allergies or medical requirements, please bring medication in the event of an emergency.
• Your day begins at the time stated in your signed Charter Agreement. If you are late to the dock, we will not adjust the duration of the trip, we must follow the Charter Agreement.
• Children are allowed on board and are counted as a passenger.
• Shoes must be removed before entering the yacht. Barefoot or socks but no shoes allowed.
• We require 50% down to secure the date and the balance is due 20 days prior to your trip.

What Not to Bring:

• Chocolate of any kind.
• Confetti cannons or glitter of any kind are prohibited.
• Smoking is not allowed, vaping only.
• Spray sunscreen is not allowed. Lotion only.
• Shoes must be removed before entering the yacht.
• Parking is very limited at the marina, please plan accordingly. Only 2 vehicles allowed.

• Phone: 727-598-1681
• Email: [email protected]
• Experiences

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Tampa Bay Yacht Rentals

Experience Florida’s ultimate yacht adventures

Let’s Get Underway: Tampa Bay's Premier Yacht Rental Company

Our Fleet of Luxury Yachts in Tampa

Beneteau Monte Carlo 6 (MC6)

$2,500.00 /2 hours $3,900.00 /4 hours $5,700.00  /8 hours

• Corporate Events, Engagements, And more...
• Bahamas, Florida Keys

$1,200 /2 hours $1,900  /4 hours $2,800  /8 hours

• Boating Day, Sunset Cruises, And more...
• Sarasota Bay, Tampa Bay

Axopar 28 Cabin BRABUS Line

$700 /2 hours $1,300  /4 hours $2,100  /8 hours

• Executive Transport, Island Hopping, And more...
• Gulf Islands, Tampa Bay

Williams SportJet 345

$125 / Hour $20-40 / Per person Round-Trip Transfers Custom

• Sightseeing, Island Hopping, And more...
• Tampa Bay, Clearwater

Featured Yacht Experiences

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• Office: 600 Cleveland Street Suite 399, Clearwater, FL 33755
• [email protected]
• +1 727-598-1681
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Locally owned and operated for 23 years

Tampa & Clearwater

Welcome Aboard Yacht StarShip

With two decades of service, Yacht StarShip’s dining cruises have become a seaworthy staple. Cruise the waterways of Tampa Bay or Clearwater while enjoying a premier dining experience and an open bar that’s free at sea on select cruises.

award-winning

Premier Dining Cruises

Set sail on the waterways of Tampa Bay and Clearwater with Yacht StarShip and delight in a different kind of dining experience, with many cruises featuring an open bar that’s free at sea! When you come aboard our yachts, you can expect unmatched service, exquisite views and a delicious meal aboard America’s first 3-Diamond rated dining yacht. Experience stunning Clearwater sunsets or the bright city lights of Downtown Tampa as you sip and savor your way through our upscale cuisine and cocktails.

you are the captain

Host a Private Charter

Yacht StarShip’s fleet of four luxury yachts are perfect for any size event from 25 – 600 guests and feature top quality service, breathtaking views, entertainment, and award-winning cuisine. Our all-inclusive event packages make planning easy seabreezy. Whether you want to tie the knot on a yacht, or create a sea of memories with a social celebration, our dedicated crew is here for you.

a sea of memories

Specialty Cruises

Yacht StarShip wants to be your celebration destination. With holiday cruises all throughout December, we have a cruise that fits the occasion with specially-themed menus and decor. Simply book your holiday cruise and let us do the rest.

Upcoming Cruises

Set Sail with Yacht StarShip

Book your next adventure with us! 

Grady Irvin - July 2023

This was a great family night out for my moms 42nd birthday and I will for sure be coming back. The scene, view, music and environment was a whole win!!

Riley Liles - Brunch Cruise September 2023

Herbert brown - september 2023.

The food was delicious! Our server was really great. Everyone in our party had a wonderful time.

David Chalupa, Clearwater Dinner Cruise - December 2022

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How to rent a yacht in tampa, find the perfect boat.

Enter your desired location and date to explore our fleet of yachts.

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Enjoy your day on the water with friends and family!

Why Boatsetter?

As the global leader in peer-to-peer boat rentals, Boatsetter offers an easy, safe and accessible way to experience on-the-water adventure. With boat rentals in 600+ locations, finding a boat is easy and with the option to tap into the largest network of USCG licensed captains, boating experience is not required.

Get out on the water worry-free, knowing our insurance covers every boating trip

Choosing the right boat rental platform is essential to your peace of mind while on the water. That's why we've gone the extra mile to focus on safety through our exclusive partnership with GEICO Marine and BoatUS. As the first and only boat rental marketplace to offer insurance on every peer-to-peer rental, you are protected during all rentals with insurance coverage and on-water assistance through TowBoatUS.

Got questions?

Frequently asked questions

What makes Boatsetter different from other boat rental platforms?

What makes Boatsetter different is peace of mind. Boatsetter is the first and only boat rental marketplace to offer insurance on every peer-to-peer boat rental. We know choosing the right boat rental platform is essential to your experience while on the water. That's why we've gone the extra mile to focus on safety through our exclusive partnership with GEICO Marine and BoatUS. As the first and only boat rental marketplace to offer insurance on every peer-to-peer rental, you are protected during all rentals with insurance coverage and on-water assistance through TowBoatUS.

How to rent a boat on Boatsetter?

At Boatsetter, our mission is to make getting out on the water as easy as possible. With our intuitive booking system, you can rent a boat as soon as today. -First, you must determine your budget and the type of boat you want to rent. -Next, decide where you would like to boat and the kind of boat you would like to spend the day on. -Finally, determine if you will be needing a boat captain and reach out to the boat owner. That’s it! You’re officially on your way to a fantastic day out on the water.

How much does it cost to rent a boat?

The cost to rent a boat depends on whether you are renting for a half-day or a full day, the boat features and the boat size can impact your boat rental price. Rental prices can range from $200 to $1,000 plus depending on the boat rental itself and the length of time of the rental.

How many people can fit on the boat rental?

The number of people who can fit on boat rental largely depends on the boat’s size and how many life jackets are on board. Currently the coast guard allows a maximum of 10-12 people on a Boatsetter boat rental.

How much does it cost to rent a yacht?

The cost of renting a yacht depends on the boat’s size and the amount of time you’ll use the yacht. The onboard amenities and luxurious accommodations also dictate the price. You can contact our yacht specialists for a custom quote by visiting https://www.boatsetter.com/luxury-yacht-charters .

How old do you have to be to rent a boat?

You must be 18 years old to rent a captained boat and 25 years old if you would like to rent a bareboat charter.

Do I need a boating license to rent a boat?

Boating license requirements vary from state to state. As a renter, you are responsible for understanding local state requirements.

Can you rent a yacht for the day?

Boatsetter allows you to rent a yacht for the day. Single-day yacht rentals are available for a select number of yachts. To chat with a yacht specialist please visit https://www.boatsetter.com/luxury-yacht-charters .

Can you rent a yacht for the week?

Boatsetter allows its customers to rent a yacht for the week. Renting a yacht for a week gives you more access to the wide range of yachts available on our platform. You can either book a rental directly through the site or connect with one of our charter specialists to plan your trip here: https://www.boatsetter.com/luxury-yacht-charters .

Can you rent a yacht for the month?

Booking a month-long yacht rental is a detailed and hands-off process when working with our team of yacht charter specialists. We tailor each yacht charter to our client's specific wants and needs. Our luxury yacht charter specialists can be reached at (954) 715-4114 or by visiting https://www.boatsetter.com/luxury-yacht-charters .

How to rent a private yacht?

Renting a private yacht is a very detailed experience that caters to your exact needs while onboard one of our luxury yachts. To plan your private yacht rentals experience please visit https://www.boatsetter.com/luxury-yacht-charters .

How much does it cost to rent a pontoon boat?

The cost of renting a pontoon boat depends on the size, location, and rental time of the boat. Prices can range anywhere from $200 for a half-day rental or just under a $1,000 for longer rentals.

How much does it cost to charter a yacht?

The cost to charter a yacht varies depending on the boat size and the length of the charter. Prices typically range from less than $1,000 to $5,000 plus if you’re wanting to charter the yacht overnight.

How much does it cost to rent a boat for the day?

The cost of renting a boat for the day on average ranges from $200 to $1200. The cost to rent a boat varies depending on the size of the boat and the length of time that you will be using the boat.

How does the boat insurance work?

Boat insurance typically covers loss caused by things such as fire, sinking, storms, and collisions. The extent of the coverage varies depending on the policy.

Do I need my own insurance to rent a boat?

You do not need boat insurance when renting with Boatsetter. Coverage is provided under the Peer-to-Peer Boat Rental Policy, which is underwritten by GEICO Marine Insurance Company. The policy was written from the ground up as a stand-alone recreational boat rental insurance policy covering the period of time that the boat is being rented and is available for all non-commercially insured boats.

Does Boatsetter screen renters?

Yes. We use a system called Cognito to ensure that payment information matches the renter's identity. We also require renters taking out a captained boat to be at least 18 years old and on a bareboat to be at least 25 years old.

Is listing my boat on Boatsetter free?

Yes! Listing a boat is completely free. We only take a commission when your boat is rented. We only make money when you do!

What if I'm not comfortable having a renter drive my boat?

If you are not comfortable having a renter drive your boat, we have an expansive network of licensed and experienced captains. Once your boat is listed, you can filter through our network of captains and favorite captains in your area that you would like to operate your boat.

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Honestly...It was perfect. Andres and his first mate literally felt like family to us. It was a special day. Thank...

Luxurious Leopard...

Couldn’t have asked for a better experience, our captain and crew was exceptional. From the minute we booked the...

Our party of 11 had a great time on the boat. Very clean boat, nice hosts, etc. I would definitely recommend.

Day Sails &...

50' Cruiser...

Had a relaxing day on a beautiful yacht! Captain Frank was extremely friendly and attentive. Stopped for a casual...

Andres and Luana gave me and my friends a fantastic experience.

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40' Pleasure...

Group of 6 had a great time cruising in the bay!

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80ft Ultra Luxury...

Captain Andres and Lu were absolutely incredible. I can’t say enough wonderful things about them, their hospitality,...

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• Life & Culture

What’s it like to dine on Tampa’s new riverboat cruise Craft? We took a ride.

• Helen Freund Times staff

TAMPA — We almost didn’t make the boat.

Traffic snarled through downtown Tampa and stretched onto the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway, delaying what would have been a 45-minute drive from St. Petersburg to nearly an hour and a half in stop-and-go congestion.

We had reservations for Craft, Tampa’s brand-new riverboat dinner cruise set to depart at 7:30 p.m. — and a friendly confirmation email reminding us that our purchase was nonrefundable. We’d been encouraged to arrive 45 minutes early, when we would have presumably been able to commence a leisurely boarding, river breeze in our hair, Champagne flute in hand.

Life had other plans. At 7:25 p.m., my dinner date and I swung our car into the Garrison Street parking lot, narrowly avoiding getting struck by an oncoming streetcar.

Following a quick security wand-down (the boat adheres to U.S. Coast Guard rules) and a $30 event-fueled parking fee (Tim McGraw was playing a show at nearby Amalie Arena), crew members greeted us with a quick photograph and a glass of bubbly before sending us on our way.

“Welcome to our maiden voyage!” they exclaimed as we rushed aboard.

Shortly after 7:30 p.m., we were off, out of the Ybor Turning Basin and into the sunset.

Described as a “culinary and cocktail river journey,” Craft debuted its inaugural dinner cruise on March 15. The multimillion-dollar project is the latest endeavor from Jill and Troy Manthey, who also run several other entertainment-on-the-water concepts, including Yacht StarShip, Pirate Water Taxi and the Bay Rocket.

Designed with European riverboats in mind, the 130-foot-long vessel boasts a sleek, white silhouette with less than 11 feet of vertical clearance — meaning it can comfortably drift beneath many of Tampa’s low-lying bridges. But this ship’s real appeal lies in the coupling of an elevated culinary program, contemporary aesthetic and craft cocktails.

A trip aboard Craft includes a two-hour cruise up and down the Hillsborough River and a three-course prix-fixe meal. To start, there are lunch, brunch and dinner trips on deck, but a happy hour option may soon be in the works.

Running any kind of marine operation comes with steep operating costs — including fuel, dock rental fees and staffing — and the experience here is priced accordingly. But it still comes with a good deal of sticker shock. For two people on a Friday evening, we paid $392.59 for the boat ride and the three-course dinner — not including gratuity or drinks.

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I love a fancy boat ride as much as the next person, but the pricing gave me pause.

Would the experience be worth it?

Things were a lot smoother once we got on board.

We entered through the front of the boat, or bow, and were shown to our seats inside a narrow dining room, flanked by windows overlooking the water. Wood paneling combined with slight nautical touches lent the space a warm, industrial-chic vibe.

Servers clad in white collared shirts and gray aprons whisked back and forth between the tables, balancing martini coupes and taking orders. In an attempt to let the crew develop their sea legs, the boat wasn’t fully booked that evening, but the dining room still felt abuzz with excitement and curiosity.

Clutching our Champagne, we glided through Sparkman Channel at dusk, glitzy Harbour Island homes glowing in the evening light as a Maggie Rogers track played softly in the background. We let out a collective exhale as the chaos of the day faded away.

Over the course of the roughly two-hour cruise, the boat steered up the Hillsborough River, passing Riverwalk landmarks including the Tampa Convention Center, Armature Works and Rick’s on the River, before turning around and heading back.

Guests were encouraged to explore the boat. The Bow and Stern bar, beautifully designed and fashioned out of a vintage 1914 cruiser, provided additional seating in the rear for those looking for more of an al fresco experience.

Throughout the evening, the crew moved back and forth between the dining room, the bar and the kitchen, sometimes stepping out on the deck to alert passengers when their meals had been delivered. Guests roamed the boat taking photographs, while patrons inside chatted up their neighbors, much of the voyage illuminated by the lights of downtown Tampa.

Craft’s strongest selling point is its culinary program, and the menu here is a far cry from the goblets of white wine and dry chicken associated with most dinner cruises.

Designed by chef Allison Beasman (formerly of Edison: Food + Drink Lab), the list of contemporary New American dishes runs the gamut from a black grouper served with Little Neck clams and Pernod cream to a Wagyu coulotte with kabocha caramel and a Korean barbecue octopus. As part of the prix-fixe deal, guests are able to pick an appetizer, entree and dessert from a menu of roughly 13 different dishes.

Part of what makes the vessel stand out is the addition of an open kitchen with gas stoves, and the concept’s design allows guests to get a peek of the action if they’re on their way to the bathroom or the bar.

When it came time to order dinner, our server patiently guided us through the menu, pointing out the additional dishes we could choose if we wished to add a little something extra onto our prepaid meal. We opted for the olive oil-marinated sheep and goat’s milk cheese ($18), which was just as tasty as our server touted. It arrived in a rich red pepper-packed pisto, drizzled with a healthy glug of olive oil and served with crusty bread for dipping.

Dishes are made to order and don’t necessarily arrive at the same time as other passengers’ meals. Our appetizers showed up roughly 45 minutes into the trip, a delightful baby kale salad lightly dressed in a white balsamic vinaigrette that was toothsome with chicory and shaved carrots and plumped up with fried baby potatoes and a healthy shaving of ricotta salata. Also good was the hearty tomato bisque with roasted bone marrow and blackened cipollini onions.

For our entrees, a seared duck breast arrived fanned out over silky whipped potatoes and a creamy goat cheese fondue, framed by Brussels sprouts and fat wedges of roasted golden beets. Though the duck was cooked a little past the requested temperature, it was still delicious. A plate of sweet and sour braised short ribs packed powerhouse flavors that paired beautifully together, all served over a sweet and sticky coconut rice sidling bok choy and juicy tangerine segments.

For dessert, we paired a perfect few scoops of pistachio ice cream with a chocolate espresso dacquoise, an intensely rich and sweet layer cake featuring a tart blackberry curd and creamy dark chocolate ganache.

The fine print

The water was calm that night and the entire service appeared well-rehearsed — absent of any major hiccups and even graceful at moments. As far as I could tell, there were no seasick passengers or man-overboard scenarios, which felt like some kind of success, though I did wonder what type of balance or physical dexterity would be required to maneuver trays of wobbling martini glasses over stormier seas.

Though tiered pricing exists for Craft — for different seats, times of day or days of the week — there’s no overlooking that a trip aboard the vessel isn’t cheap.

With neither drinks nor gratuity included in the booking price, if you’re looking to enjoy the evening with a couple of libations, it’s going to cost you. The add-ons can feel excessive, from a $50 king crab leg tray to the preboarding photograph crew members try to sell you at the end of the night. A suggested gratuity is presented on your bill, based on the total sales tallied for the table that evening, including the cost of the original reservation.

Some changes are bound to be expected as the company assesses guest interest and feedback. Even after the first week, it appears some prices have been slightly adjusted. Dinner for two people seated in the dining room with window seats now comes to $369.89 after taxes and marine fees, while weekend brunches for the same seats start at $89.95 per person.

It’s hard to imagine making dining here a regular occurrence, but for a special occasion, an evening aboard Craft can be a real delight.

Next time, though, I’ll remember to leave myself plenty of time to get there.

For Craft reservations and information, go to crafttampa.com/ . The riverboat departs from the dock at 603 Channelside Drive, Tampa.

Helen Freund is the food and dining critic, reporting on and reviewing restaurants throughout Tampa Bay. Reach her at [email protected].

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Tampa Bay AirFest takes to the skies Friday at MacDill Air Force Base

TAMPA, Fla. — Tampa Bay AirFest 2024 kicks off Friday at MacDill Airforce Base for the last time until 2027.

Construction of a new hangar at the base is expected to begin later this year and until complete, the AirFest will not be able to take place.

What You Need To Know

Tampa bay airfest 2024 runs friday and saturday gates open at 8 a.m. both days 150,000 are expected for the two-day event  public entrances include the dale mabry gate and macdill avenue gate.

About 150,000 people are expected for the two-day event that will feature performances by the Thunderbirds as well as activities and displays on the ground.

Public entrances include the Dale Mabry gate and the Tanker gate located west of the main gate on MacDill Avenue.

If you don’t want to fight traffic getting on the base, two nearby parks will offer a great view of the sky, including Ballast Point Park on Interbay Boulevard and Gadsden Park on MacDill Avenue.

MacDill has created a guide for the AirFest available by searching Tampa Bay AirFest 2024 on the Apple and Google Play store.

Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay

Relax, refresh and recharge at our waterfront hotel in tampa bay.

Surround yourself in nature on our newly renovated hotel’s 35 waterfront acres designed to help you relax and renew, whether you are visiting Tampa for a romantic escape or a weekend getaway. Enjoy bird watching along the boardwalk, look for manatees from the boat dock, walk the picturesque 9.5-mile bayside trail, or soak up the sun at one of two pools. Live like a local in a villa-style casita room steps away from our bayside pool and award-winning restaurant Oystercatchers.

ROOMS & SUITES

Retreat to our newly renovated, coastal-inspired hotel rooms, many with water or city views. Upgrade your stay in Tampa to a spacious suite or a casita, a villa-style room located near the bayside pool and Oystercatchers restaurant.

Oystercatchers

Hidden among a natural waterfront landscape just 150 yards from the hotel, Oystercatchers is a favorite among locals and visitors seeking fresh seafood. Don't miss the restaurant’s award-winning Sunday brunch, now offered à la carte, where guests enjoy stunning bay views and unique chef creations.

Our pool bars provide guests with a relaxing setting to refresh themselves from the Tampa sun while enjoying cocktails and conversation. Order delectable bites from our chef-inspired pool menu while you sample signature seasonal drinks.

1823 Kitchen & Bar

1823 Kitchen & Bar, located on the hotel lobby level and named for the year Tampa was settled, offers locally inspired dishes and healthy options. Dine in-restaurant by starting your day with a hearty breakfast, or meet friends for a casual dinner with a local craft beer or cocktail. 1823 Kitchen & Bar food can be ordered to-go during service hours.

WEDDINGS & MEETINGS

Weddings & celebrations.

From the first day of planning through the farewell brunch, every detail of your Tampa wedding will be flawlessly executed with the help of our planning team. We are also experienced in hosting cultural wedding ceremonies and receptions, so you can feel confident in honoring your traditions when celebrating your special day.

Meetings & Events

Host your next Tampa event in our updated meeting rooms with large windows and natural light. We offer more than 28,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space, ranging from elegant ballrooms to intimate outdoor patios, including our newest venues—Skylark and Starling—perched high above Old Tampa Bay, both with floor to ceiling windows and magnificent views.

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On-Site Restaurant

Room Service

Pets Are Welcome

Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay is a pet-friendly hotel, with dog-friendly rooms in our casitas.

Up to six nights (Nonrefundable)

Over seven nights (Additional fee)

Individual pet weight limit :   60   Pounds

Destination Fee

A daily destination fee of $30.00 (subject to change) is applied to each room of your stay in order to provide services and amenities, which enhance the guest experience.

Accessibility at Our Hotel

We are committed to providing equal access and opportunity for individuals with disabilities. The features also make this hotel more accessible for older individuals with changing abilities to ensure a seamless experience. Our overall goal is to improve usability throughout the hotel for all guests.

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GETTING HERE

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Hit the beach for fun in the sun, catch a game at Raymond James Stadium or get your thrills at Busch Gardens, all convenient to our hotel.

Gulf Beaches

17 Miles away

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Investigators, new florida law requires local government-funded homeless camps. here’s how it works in one city, orange county leader: ‘we don’t run homeless shelters’.

Erik Sandoval , Investigative Reporter

TAMPA, Fla. – Mervyn McClain has been living on the streets on-and-off for the last 10 years.

“Once you make up your mind that you want to get help and get well, then everything else that comes along with it is not a problem. It’s not an issue,” he said.

He now lives in a secured tent city that is partially paid for by the city of Tampa and run by Catholic Charities of St. Petersburg.

It’s called Tampa Hope .

It’s located in the middle of an industrial area, just east of downtown Tampa, and just south of Ybor City. Only residents and staff are allowed inside the locked gates.

“We partner with the City of Tampa outreach team, the City of Tampa’s police department, city police, their outreach liaisons, and then our own,” Maggie Rogers said. “That is how they come to Tampa Hope.”

Rogers is the executive director of Catholic Charities, and she said it was surprisingly easy to coordinate with all of those agencies.

“They’re all driven to do a similar mission. Maybe not exactly like ours, but it’s a similar mission,” she said. “It’s really just getting them all in the same room, and saying, ‘this is what we’re going to do. How can we work together?’ It just happened organically, and it was a piece of cake.”

Tampa Hope was established as a result of the pandemic.

When people started losing their jobs and their homes, Rogers said the city contacted her to ask if she could help.

She and her team set up Tampa Hope in seven days.

It cost $6.6 million to lay the groundwork for the facility, and it costs between $2 million and $3 million a year to operate.

Rogers said some of the money comes from federal grants, and the city of Tampa has contributed $1 million each year for the last three years.

“We want to give them the best jumpstart possible,” she said. “We want them to succeed. We don’t want them to become homeless again. Does it happen? Absolutely, but we don’t want it. If we can decrease that number or percentage by any chance, we want to take that opportunity to do it.”

Tampa Hope currently houses 125 residents in tents on-site, and pallet homes (or small cottages) that sleep two will boost that number to 325 residents very soon.

She said residents stay until they get jobs, save money and graduate to Catholic Charities’ affordable housing program.

As homelessness hits record levels across the country, similar government-sponsored homeless camps have popped up, including sites in Portland, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Seattle.

There could be more coming to Florida because of a new law that could force some cities and counties to create their own spots like this.

Gov. Ron DeSantis signed HB 1365 last week, which would ban homeless residents from sleeping on public property.

“We don’t run homeless shelters,” Mayra Uribe said.

Uribe is a county commissioner in Orange County.

“We don’t have enough housing for people, and now, the government is going to dictate to us to make homeless camps?” she asked.

She said the law is unfair because state lawmakers are not providing any money to start the sites up or run them.

“We’re not ready for this,” she said. “I don’t think any city or county in Florida is ready for this, and the financial cost that it’s going to be to taxpayers – we don’t have enough as-is, and we’re mandating a bill that is unfunded.”

She questioned where a site like this would go in the Orlando area.

“We have no idea where it would go. I don’t think that there’s any property that anyone would give up at this point,” she said.

Rogers said Tampa Hope does not have any residential neighbors, and her site has not been an issue.

“It’s finding the perfect place,” she said. “I looked for a year-and-a-half for this land, so it’s not like I just flipped a quarter and said, ‘oh, we’ll take that one.’ I probably turned down 30 different locations.”

“This is the start,” McClain said. “This is starting to help, and I would definitely say it offers hope. That’s all you can ask for.”

You can find out more about Tampa Hope by clicking here .

You can listen to every episode of Florida’s Fourth Estate in the media player below:

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About the Author

Erik sandoval.

Erik Sandoval joined the News 6 team as a reporter in May 2013 and became an Investigator in 2020. During his time at News 6, Erik has covered several major stories, including the 2016 Presidential campaign. He was also one of the first reporters live on the air at the Pulse Nightclub shooting.

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Homelessness doubles in orange county’s 32825 zip code, orange county homeless ministry facility deemed unsafe, shuttered.

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Ship striking baltimore bridge evokes mathews bridge ship crash in jacksonville, sunshine skyway collapse in tampa bay, 1980 collapse in tampa left 35 dead after vehicles fell 150 feet into the water.

Brianna Andrews , Reporter, weekend anchor

Associated Press

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – After a container ship rammed into a major bridge in Baltimore, causing it to collapse, some immediately recalled a 2013 incident in Jacksonville when a Navy cargo ship struck the Mathews Bridge. The outcome was much different.

Bridges are lifelines for cities on the water like Baltimore and Jacksonville.

The River City has never had a bridge collapse, but we saw some scary moments in 2013 when a Navy ship being towed by tugboats hit the Mathews Bridge, which connects Downtown and Arlington.

The collision sheared several bolts and dislodged a support beam, forcing the bridge to close for repairs for about a month.

At the time, 56,000 people a day crossed the Mathews Bridge.

The closest thing Florida has seen to the disaster in Baltimore was the collapse of the Sunshine Skyway bridge in the Tampa area in 1980.

A storm blinded a freighter ship’s pilot, which led to the crash that caused a significant chunk of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge to fall into the bay.

Six cars, a truck and a Greyhound bus fell 150 feet into the water, and 35 people died in what is considered one of the worst disasters in Tampa Bay history.

In Baltimore, crews are still in emergency mode on a large scale, and rescuers were initially searching for at least seven people.

Two people were rescued from the waters under the Francis Scott Key Bridge, one in serious condition, according to Baltimore Fire Chief James Wallace.

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The cargo ship crashed into one of the bridge's supports, causing the structure to snap and buckle at several points and tumble into the water in a matter of seconds — a shocking spectacle that was captured on video and posted on social media.

The vessel caught fire, and thick, black smoke billowed out of it.

“Never would you think that you would see, physically see, the Key Bridge tumble down like that. It looked like something out of an action movie,” said Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, calling it “an unthinkable tragedy."

The fire chief said authorities “may be looking for upwards of seven people” but said that number could change. It was not clear if the two rescued were included in the seven.

Sonar has indicated that there are vehicles in the water, where the temperature was about 47 degrees Fahrenheit in the early hours of Tuesday, according to a buoy that collects data for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Earlier, Kevin Cartwright, director of communications for the Baltimore Fire Department, told The Associated Press that several vehicles were on the bridge at the time, including one the size of a tractor-trailer truck. The collapse happened in the middle of the night when traffic would be lighter than during the day when thousands of cars traverse the span.

He called the collapse a “developing mass casualty event,” though he didn't know at the time how many people were affected.

Cartwright added that some cargo appeared to be dangling from the bridge, which spans the Patapsco River at the entrance to a busy harbor. The river leads to the Port of Baltimore, a major hub for shipping on the East Coast. Opened in 1977, the bridge is named for the writer of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

Synergy Marine Group — which owns and manages the ship called the Dali — confirmed the vessel hit a pillar of the bridge at about 1:30 a.m. while two pilots were in control. It said all crew members, including the pilots, were accounted for and there are no reports of any injuries.

The Dali was headed from Baltimore to Colombo, Sri Lanka, and flying under a Singapore flag, according to data from Marine Traffic. The container ship is about 985 feet long and about 157 feet wide, according to the website.

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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Brianna andrews.

This native of the Big Apple joined the News4Jax team in July 2021.

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Baltimore bridge collapse brings back memories of Florida's Sunshine Skyway bridge disaster

A Baltimore, Maryland, bridge partially collapsed about 1:30 a.m. Tuesday after being hit by a cargo ship.

Nearly 12 hours after the collapse, a massive search effort continued for six construction workers who were on the bridge at the time. Several vehicles also were on the bridge at the time of impact and plunged into the river. As of early Tuesday afternoon, two people have been rescued. One was unharmed and the other remains in "very serious condition."

Officials said the crew on the ship warned of a power issue and sent out a "mayday" before the collision.

➤ Photos, video show collapse of Francis Scott Key Bridge

➤ Live coverage: Francis Scott Key Bridge collapses, rescue operations underway

The incident brings back memories of a similar incident that happened in Florida when a freighter hit the Sunshine Skyway bridg e in 1980.

A 1,200-foot section of the bridge collapsed, sending several cars and a Greyhound bus into the waters of Tampa Bay. Thirty-five people died.

Here's what is happening in Maryland this morning, along with happened in Florida decades ago.

What happened in the bridge collapse in Baltimore, Maryland?

The Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed early Tuesday after it was struck b y a large cargo ship, The bridge is a major span critical to East Coast shipping.

The Baltimore City Fire Department received several 911 calls around 1:30 a.m. Several vehicles were reported in the river, and the ship had caught fire.

Live updates: Baltimore's Key Bridge collapses after ship collision; rescue effort underway

"This is currently a mass casualty incident and we are searching for seven people who are in the river," Kevin Cartwright, director of communications for the Baltimore Fire Department, told Reuters.

“Our focus right now is trying to rescue and recover these people.”

Synergy Marine Corp said the Dali,  Singapore-flagged container ship, collided with one of the pillars of the bridge. All its crew members, including two pilots, have been accounted for and there were no reports of any injuries.

Where is Baltimore?

Baltimore is located about 35 miles northeast of Washington, D.C. or about 90 miles southwest of Philadelphia.

Where is Francis Scott Key Bridge and when did it open?

The Francis Scott Key Bridge opened in March 1977 as the final link in Interstate 695, the Baltimore Beltway.

The 1.6 mile bridge crosses over the Patapsco River where Francis Scott Key reportedly was inspired to write the words of the Star Spangled Banner, according to the Maryland Transportation Authority.

The bridge consists of four lanes and is 185 feet high. The cost to build it was $60.3 million. The bridge can handle 11.3 million vehicles per year, or nearly 31,000 cars per day, according to the transportation authority.

More about Key Bridge: Where is the Francis Scott Key Bridge? What to know about collapsed Baltimore bridge

Ship hit Florida's Sunshine Skyway Bridge in 1980

On May 9, 1980, the freighter Summit Venture struck the bridge that joined St. Petersburg and Bradenton  during a thunderstorm, that brought wind gusts in excess of 80 mph and heavy rain. Visibility when the freighter hit one of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge was near zero, according to skywaybridgedisaster .com.

A 1,200-foot section of the bridge collapsed, sending several cars and a Greyhound bus into the waters of Tampa Bay.

Thirty-five people died.

A  new bridge opened in 1987  and the approaches to the old span are now fishing piers.

Contributors: Charles Ventura, Thao Nguyen, Susan Miller, USA Today Network