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Looking for the best tours in St Petersburg, FL? As a local, I’ve seen it all! To help save you time, I’ve summarized the highest-rated experiences so you can best enjoy your day.
St Petersburg is a beautiful city located on the west coast of Florida. It is known for its stunning beaches, clear waters, and vibrant nightlife. Visitors to St Petersburg can enjoy many different activities, including taking a tour to see some of the top sights.
Tours are a great way to see everything that St Petersburg has to offer in a short amount of time.
There are many different types of tours in St Petersburg available, so there is something for everyone!
Read Next: 25 Exciting Things to Do in St Pete Beach, FL
The 9 Best Tours in St Petersburg
Let’s get to it, starting with one of the best tours for a hands-on experience on the water.
1. Kayak Tours in St Pete Beach
⭐️ Rated: 5 out of 5 (2,627 Reviews) | ⏳ Tour Length: 2 hours
Why choose this tour? If you are looking for something different, this is it! There just aren’t a lot of opportunities where you can explore an island and see so much wildlife up close. Plus, you can travel light since they include all the kayak equipment and gear.
The kayak tour is led by an experienced guide that has a deep knowledge of the local waters to highlight areas you wouldn’t otherwise see on your own.
The water is very clear, so you will see hundreds of fish. You will also likely see bottlenose dolphins, manatees, crabs, birds, and other forms of wildlife. Plus, you’ll get to explore Shell Key, a private island only accessible to boaters. It has some of the best shelling in the St Petersburg area.
Plus, I love that their fleet is small (5 kayaks) so you will receive an exclusive experience (10 people maximum).
The Clear Kayak Tour of Shell Key Includes:
- Tandem kayaks
- Paddles
- Seats
- Dry bags
- Safety equipment (i.e., lifejackets and whistles)
What to Bring with You:
- Towel
- Camera
- Bottled water
- Wear a swimsuit, sunscreen, hat, and sandals or water shoes
What past customers have said:
“Hands down this was my favorite experience while vacationing in St Pete! Tour guide was great and super knowledgeable about the creatures and the waters we were traveling through. I loved that the kayaks were clear and we could see everything. Shell Key was also super cool to stop at and explore.”
– Marisa, (see more St Pete Kakak Tour Reviews)
☑︎ Location: Billy’s Stone Crab, 1 Collany Rd, Tierra Verde, FL 33715
Pro Tip: Tierra Verde has a lot of fun things to do in addition to kayaking. Afterward, enjoy a drink on the upper deck of Billy’s Stone Crab. Sea Worthy + Raw Bar is also one of my favorite restaurants and is just steps away.
2. Dolphin Tour Cruise + Snorkeling to Shell Key Preserve
⭐️ Rated: 5 out of 5 (856 Reviews) | ⏳ Tour Length: 2 hours
Why choose this tour? This dolphin-watching and snorkel tour has it all! Within a two-hour experience, you will get to see dolphins, see a remote boater’s island, and snorkel up close with fish. You will also see wildlife like pelicans and manatees.
This is one of the most popular tours in St Petersburg for all that it offers at a reasonable price.
Choose from various departure times to best fit your vacation schedule.
The Dolphin & Snorkeling Tour includes:
- Snorkeling equipment
- Boat seating
- Bottled water
- Cooler with ice (can bring your own drinks too)
“This was a great tour and well worth every penny. Our Captain, Kurt was awesome! Got to see so many dolphins and even a manatee and shelling on Shell Island was cool too. Highly recommend.”
– Greeocean13, (Dolphin Tours & Snorkeling Reviews)
☑︎ Departure Location: 200 Madonna Blvd, Tierra Verde, FL 33715
Pro Tip: After your boat trip, check out Vista at the Top for drinks at the Residence Inn across the street from the marina. You will get panoramic views of Boca Ciega Bay, Fort DeSoto, and more!
3. St Pete Helicopter Tours
⭐️ Rated: 5 out of 5 (27 Reviews) | ⏳ Tour Length: 20 mins
Why choose this tour? This helicopter tour experience will give you the most amazing views of St Petersburg and the Florida coastline. You will soar above some of the most beautiful sights in the area.
The Helicopter Tour includes:
- Treasure Island
- John’s Pass in Madeira Beach
- Don CeSar Resort in St Pete Beach (The Pink Palace)
Your experienced helicopter pilot will share interesting tips to make this trip all the more fun. And whatever you do, don’t forget to bring your camera!
What past customers have said:
“Our pilot, Grace, was friendly, skilled and did a fantastic job! We loved the views as we flew over the Pinellas beaches, and Grace pointed out lots of interesting spots. Our smiles never left our faces throughout the trip!”
– Bonnie, (see more St Pete Helicopter Tours Reviews)
☑︎ Departure Location: 540 1st St S, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, USA
Pro Tip: If you’re aiming for sunset pictures, you’ll want to make sure you check the sunset time, and to better coordinate the departure time.
4. Segway Tours St Petersburg
⭐️ Rated: 5 out of 5 (447 Reviews) | ⏳ Tour Length: 2 hours
Why choose this tour? Segway tours are great for those who want to be able to cover a lot of ground quickly. It’s perfect for family outings with children over 10 years and older. Everyone will have fun zooming around town!
These tours typically last around two hours and include stops at popular landmarks and attractions.
Visitors can learn about the history and culture of St Petersburg while seeing the sights.
The Segway Tours in St Petersburg include:
- The St Pete Pier
- Albert Whitted Airport
- Salvador Dali Museum
- Vinoy Park Hotel
What past customers have said:
“Great tour guide! Oliver loves his city and shared so much with us. We saw dolphins, stingray and even a shark on our tour. The location was awesome. So pretty. The Segways are easy to use. It was a relaxing way to see part of what St. Pete’s has to offer.”
– Kimi, (St Pete Segway Tour Reviews)
☑︎ Departure Location: 1 Beach Dr SE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, USA
Pro Tip: After working up an appetite, some of my favorite restaurants include Ceviche and Parkshore Grill for a nice meal out.
5. St Pete Dolphin Tours in the Dolphin Racer
⭐️ Rated: 4.5 out of 5 (119 Reviews) | ⏳ Tour Length: 1.5 hours
One of the most popular tourist activities in St Petersburg is dolphin watching. What better way to see these majestic creatures up close than on a boat tour?
There are several companies that offer dolphin-watching tours in St Petersburg, but my personal favorite is the Dolphin Racer Tour since it moves at a faster pace and you’ll see more of the area!
The Dolphin Racer Tours includes:
- Live, fun commentary on board
- Bottlenose dolphins, birds, and other wildlife
- Bathroom on board
What to Bring with You:
- Drinks (you can purchase for an additional charge on board)
- Camera
- Sunscreen
What past customers have said:
“Fabulous trip. Can’t say enough how enjoyable the whole ride was from beginning to end. We saw plenty of dolphins and captain Zach and first mate Zach, made the trip!!!!!”
– Anthony, (Dolphin Tours St Petersburg FL Reviews)
☑︎ Location: 3400 Pasadena Ave S, South Pasadena, FL 33707
Pro Tip: You will be in direct sunlight the entire tour since there is no cover. Wear weather-appropriate clothing and skin protection to avoid too much sun. I tend to prefer this tour in the spring, fall, and winter months for this reason.
6. Parasailing Madeira Beach
⭐️ Rated: 5 out of 5 (186 Reviews) | ⏳ Tour Length: 1 hour
Why choose this tour? This tour is ideal for thrill seekers that love the outdoors without having to plan a full-day excursion. This particular highly-rated parasailing tour launches from John’s Pass. So, if you haven’t yet explored the many things to do in Madeira Beach, this is your perfect opportunity!
The Eagle Parasailing Tour includes:
- Approximately 10 to 12 minutes of flight time in the air
- Guests take turns, but in the meantime enjoy time on the boat
- Maximum of 12 passengers per trip
- All safety gear is included
What past customers have said:
“Jackson and Chris, they made the experience so much fun. Very knowledgeable and made everyone feel at ease. Jackson took his time with a young boy on our trip and made him feel safe. They are the best!”
– Jennifer, (Parasail Flight Tour at Madeira Beach Reviews)
☑︎ Departure Location: 110 Boardwalk Pl E, Madeira Beach, FL 33708
7. Sunset Cruise Treasure Island
⭐️ Rated: 5 out of 5 (88 Reviews) | ⏳ Tour Length: 2.5 hours
Why choose this tour? If you are looking for a romantic setting or a date night experience, this one is ideal for couples.
Instead of being disappointed by mediocre food on a sunset cruise, get a more personalized experience and then get dinner afterward at one of the delicious restaurants nearby.
The Sunset Sailing Tour includes:
- Bottled water and sodas
- Restrooms on board
- Comfy seating and blankets
- Ice and cooler on board to bring your own drinks
What past customers have said:
“The view was breathtaking. The crew was top notch, very friendly and entertaining. The boat was comfy and cozy. Perfect way to spend an evening. Worth every penny. Would highly recommend.”
– Tammy, (Sunset Cruise Treasure Island Reviews)
☑︎ Departure Address: 400 Treasure Island Causeway, Treasure Island, FL 33706
8. St Pete Tiki Boat Tours
⭐️ Rated: 4.5 out of 5 (12 Reviews) | ⏳ Tour Length: 1.5 hours
There’s nothing quite like a tiki tour to get you into the vacation mindset. With its gorgeous weather and stunning beaches, St Pete is the perfect place to relax and enjoy some time in the sun.
Why choose this tour? If you’re looking for a fun and unique way to see downtown St Petersburg, then a tiki tour is definitely for you. The tours are led by captains who are happy to share their knowledge and love of St Petersburg with the group.
And of course, what could be more enjoyable than sipping cocktails on a boat while taking in the beautiful Florida scenery? I can tell you that it’s an experience you won’t soon forget!
A tiki tour is a guided boat tour that takes you around to see the sights of St. Petersburg from the water.
The St Pete Tiki Tour includes:
- Ice and cooler for your drinks
- Licensed captain
- Views of the St Pete Pier
What to Bring:
- Bring your own beverages or cocktails
- Snacks
- Camera
What past customers have said:
“We had the best time just cruising and drinking while listening to some Jimmy. Great day in St. Petersburg. Jeremy was an awesome captain.”
– Suzanne, (Tiki Tours in St Petersburg Reviews)
☑︎ Departure Address: 500 1st Ave SE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, USA
9. 4-Hour St Pete Pier to Egmont Key Tour
⭐️ Rated: 5 out of 5 (43 Reviews) | ⏳ Tour Length: 4 hours
Why choose this tour? If you love history, this tour is for you. On this 4-hour tour, you will get to see the best of Old Florida with historical buildings, pristine beaches, and wildlife.
Relax in either the shaded air-conditioned cabin or spend time on the deck as the boat takes you by some of the most famous places in St Pete.
St Pete Pier to Egmont Key Boat Tour includes:
- Bottled water
- Use of snorkel equipment
- 2-hours of exploring the old ruins of Ft. Dade on Egmont Key
- Gorgeous views of the downtown St Pete skyline and the Skyway Bridge
What past customers have said:
“Seriously fun! The guys on the boat were so nice and relaxed, fun music and even a cooler filled with complimentary ice and water, and you could store your own food and drinks as well. Egmont Key was chill with an awesome beach on the other side of the island. The boat stayed on the island the whole time with an air conditioned cabin and 2 restrooms for convenience. Way worth the money.
– Jessica, (St Pete Pier to Egmont Key Boat Tour Reviews)
☑︎ Departure Address: 400 2nd Ave NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Final Thoughts on Tours in St Petersburg
No matter what your interests are, there are a lot of excellent choices when it comes to tours in St Petersburg, Florida. Tours are a great way to learn about the history and culture of the city while seeing all of the popular landmarks and attractions.
There are multiple factors that can affect your experience. For example, the weather from hurricanes to summer heat would make the conditions less ideal. Make sure you decide which tour is best for you and if the conditions are right for it.
As a local, I love to explore and take new adventures. No matter whether you live here or are on vacation, you’re bound to have an amazing time. However, keep in mind safety and knowing your limitations are always key to a successful trip.
Read Next: A Local’s Guide: The 16 Best St Pete Beach Bars & Nightlife!
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If so, I would love to hear about St Petersburg travel experiences! Also, if you take one of these tours, please share your experiences. You can follow me on Instagram, and tag your images to @erinstraveltips and hashtag #erinstraveltips. I look forward to seeing you there!
