THE ISLAND CRUISER

Fishing, Sightseeing & Snorkeling

We offer premium sightseeing, snorkeling,  near shore fishing or beach excursions in Tampa Bay and to the Gulf Beaches. We also offer individual training on your vessel.

Fishing Charters are inside Tampa Bay and along the beaches, depending on time of year and tides. Species Targeted include snook, trout, redfish, flounder, grouper, sheepshead, grouper and snapper.

Conveniently located in Ruskin on Tampa Bay with available pickup and drop off in most locations surrounding the Bay.

Located at The Marinas at Little Harbor

Our Team

Captain Linda


First Mate Sam

First Mate June

About Our Team

Captain Linda and
First Mate Sam

Linda's father was an Annapolis graduate and Naval Officer.  He taught Linda all about being a Captain, including plotting, navigating, fishing and safety guidelines over 20+ years on their 53' Hatteras as the family fished and cruised the Gulf of Mexico, Keys, Bahamas, Cay Sal and Dry Tortugas. 

She and her husband, First Mate Sam, went on to captain their own boats over the next 40 years while raising their family, fishing, diving and cruising the Gulf and the Keys.

With over 50 years of experience, you can feel confident that your trip will be safe and well guided with Capt. Linda and her crew!

Capt. Linda is a licensed United States Coast Guard US Merchant Marine Officer and is fully licensed and insured as a Captain. 

First Mate June

June has spent the last 28 years on the decks of the family boats cruising and fishing the Gulf Coast and the Keys.

She has also captained her own boats for cruising, fishing, snorkeling and spear fishing.

She brings an experienced and unique perspective to our Team and will help ensure you have the trip of your lifetime!

Tips Up  Intrepid 430 Sports Fish 

Fast and luxurious, the Intrepid 430 is a semi-custom sport yacht whose sleek profile and advanced construction set her apart.

With a cabin twice as large as an inboard of similar size, this sleek, big-water day yacht is the complete package – on a more compact and fuel-efficient platform. State-of-the-art accommodations invite you to cruise the islands for a week at a time.

The spacious helm accommodates all the latest flat-screen electronics, while an optional power sunroof overlooks wraparound, club-style seating that inspires joyful camaraderie. A spacious, Euro-styled cabin is flooded with natural sunlight during the day and appointed with world-class amenities. The large settee with high-low table converts to a roomy V-berth at the touch of a button.

The private head compartment features a separate shower. The galley includes a microwave and sink. The cozy cabin even features a pop-up television for catching your favorite shows…when you’re not catching a falling star on another perfect night aboard your custom 430 sport yacht.

This top-quality sports yacht with near-flawless fit and finish, with triple 300hp Yamaha outboards will deliver a top speed of over 40 knots. 

Thanks to the innovative stepped hull design,  the center of gravity is positioned perfectly, producing an extraordinarily well-balanced ride. Waves are flattened at any angle and this makes for a smooth, dry ride.

Full complement of electronics, including XM radio, and Radar make your trip safe and secure. Flybridge with full electronics offers another gorgeous perspective while boating across Tampa Bay.

Gallery 

Tips Up

Tips Up

Mahi

Tarpon

Mahi

Lobster

Mahi

Mangrove Snapper

Reef Donkey

Fresh Fish for Dinner

Florida Bay

Florida Keys

Goliath at Looe Key

Mutton Snapper

Reef Donkeys

Silver King

Gorgeous Sunsets

Almaco Jack

Spear Fishing

Manatee

Giant Ray

Eagle

Porpoise

Fishing

Skyway

Egmont

Skyway

Old Fort Dade Egmont

Egmont Aerial

Old Fort Dade Egmont

Mahi

Tips Up

Tips Up

Tips Up

Tips Up

Tips Up

Cabo

Cabo

Cabo

Cabo

Cabo

Cabo

Keys Sailfish

Keys Tuna

Keys Tuna

Grouper

Lobster

Lobster

We offer Standard and
Custom Charters 
The Charters can include your choice of the following:
Fishing, Sunset Cruises, Sightseeing/Dolphin Tours, 
Egmont Key Beaching, Restaurant Trips or Island Snorkeling.

If you prefer, we can pick you up most anywhere along the Bay, as long
as we discuss and  determine this at the time of Booking. These are Private Charters, so you can Customize your Trip!

Full Day Cruising

Prepaid Fuel
Prices do not include Gratuity

$1,600.00
6 Max Passengers
Captain & Crew

You Choose Your Activity

1) Cruising & Sightseeing Tampa Bay & the Beaches

2) Beach Trip to Egmont with Snorkeling

(You can choose to lunch on board or at a local restaurant - decided upon before departing dock)

Depart the dock at 8:00 am
Must be back at the dock by 4:00 pm

This trip gives you plenty of time to check out Egmont Key, take a tour of the island, do some snorkeling, eat at one of the waterfront restaurants then check out some sandbars where you can find sand dollars, starfish, shells and more. 

On your Adventure, our first stop is over the sunken ruins of ‘OLD FORT DADE’. 
The ruins are a great opportunity for snorkeling. Here you will see lots of fish, hermit crabs and plant life. You may also see manatees on our trip.

We can also anchor near the beach at Egmont Key. At the beach area, you can hop off and go exploring across the island. You can snorkel some more from the shoreline. You can picnic, go shelling or you can sit back and relax on the white sandy beaches.

On this full day trip, you can visit a local restaurant for lunch and go back to some of the other sand bars for more shelling, sunning, or snorkeling!

Time to head back to port! On the way, we will search for more marine life!

Along with the built in Fridge & Freezer, a Cooler with Ice for your perishables is included with complimentary bottled water.

Full Day Fishing

Prepaid Fuel
Prices do not include Gratuity

$1,600.00 - $2,400.00
6 Max Passengers
Captain & Crew

Near Shore - Out to 9 Miles

Depart the dock at 8:00 am
Must be back at the dock by 4:00 pm

Fishing inside Tampa Bay and along the beaches out to 9 Miles.

Depending on the time of year and tides, the species targeted include Snook, Trout, Redfish, Flounder, Grouper, Sheepshead, Hogfish and Snapper.

Tarpon Fishing
Offered May through July
Tampa Bay offers some of the best tarpon fishing in the state.


Half Day (6 Hours)  $1,600.00

Full Day  (8 Hours) $1,900.00

Extended 2 Tide Day (12 hours) $2,400.00

Ryan typically runs 75-80 days straight this time of year and stays on top of the fish patterns for daily success.

Trips include all tackle, bait and a mate, limited to 6 anglers.

1/2 Day Cruising

Prepaid Fuel
Prices do not include Gratuity

$900.00
6 Max Passengers
Captain & Crew

You Choose Your Activity

1) Cruising & Sightseeing Tampa Bay & the Beaches

2) Beach Trip to Egmont with Snorkeling

(You can choose to lunch on board or lunch early at a local restaurant - decided upon
before departing dock)


Depart the dock at 9:00 am
Must be back at the dock
by 1:00 pm

On your Adventure, our first stop is over the sunken ruins of ‘OLD FORT DADE’.
The ruins are a great opportunity for snorkeling. Here you will see lots of fish, hermit crabs, conch and plant life. You may also see manatees on our trip.

We can also anchor near the beach at Egmont Key. At the beach area, you can hop off and go exploring across the island. You can snorkel some more from the shoreline. You can picnic, go shelling or you can sit back and relax on the white sandy beaches.

Time to head back to port! On the way, we will search for more marine life!

The Sunset Excursion Option:
This 4 hour trip leaves about 3 hours before sunset and heads over to Egmont Key where you can spend an hour or so exploring the island.  Then hop back on the boat to see some of the most beautiful sunsets in the world. A slow cruise back in after sunset gives you time to relax and watch the skies change color. Arrive back at the dock about 30 minutes after sunset. Please call Capt. Linda about pricing.

Along with the built in Fridge & Freezer, a Cooler with Ice for your perishables is included with complimentary bottled water.

One-on-One Instruction 

Prices do not include Gratuity

$120.00 Per Hour
on your Vessel
Portal to Portal
2 Hour Minimum

Captain Linda will go over all of the
basics with you, using your boat.
If you have special concerns or are
uncertain about some aspect of boating,
she will be happy to help you feel
truly comfortable operating
your own vessel. 
From Docking to Anchoring, Navigating,
and everything in between, she is happy
to work with you until you feel
ready to hit the water on your own!

Come Cruise with Us and Visit EGMONT KEY STATE PARK: A Secluded Island at the mouth of Tampa Bay that holds rich American History and Stunning Natural Beauty

Welcome!


Our convenient location gives us quick access to Tampa Bay, Egmont and the Gulf of Mexico.

Tampa Bay is a large natural harbor and shallow estuary connected to the Gulf of Mexico on the west central coast of Florida.  See the dolphins and their babies. Our tours are a once in a lifetime experience. We spot dolphins every trip. Keep your cameras at the ready as the dolphins will be closer than you ever thought. 

Egmont Key State Park is a secluded island at the mouth of Tampa Bay. It holds rich American History and Stunning Natural Beauty.  Although this park is primarily a wildlife refuge, it can be a personal refuge - a place to relax and collect shells along secluded, pristine beaches.

Accessible only by boat, Egmont Key has a unique natural and cultural history, including a lighthouse that has stood since 1858. Alcohol is prohibited on the Island.

This is the only area that we allow swimming from the boat. 

We are just minutes away from the Tampa Bay Area including St. Petersburg, Treasure Island, Clearwater Beach, Madeira Beach, John’s Pass, Tampa, St. Pete Beach, Bradenton, Sarasota, Anna Maria Island, and Orlando.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do we bring for our Fishing, Sightseeing and Beach trip?

Because of the Coronavirus, we are not currently offering snorkeling items.

We do have on board noodles and floats and some water toys.

Please bring: Snorkel gear if you have it is best! Mask, snorkel, fins and buoyancy vest. 

Sunblock
(please apply before boarding the boat (spray sunblock not allowed on boat)

Towels,
Rain Jacket Windbreaker or Sweatshirt, Polarized Sunglasses, Binoculars (for wildlife viewing) Cameras, Drinks, Lunch & Snacks. 

Full face snorkel masks are not allowed on our boat.

You may want to bring your own noodles, floats, sand toys and games or other beach items for your beach experience along with hats and towels.

Drinks, snacks and Lunch: We provide coolers with Ice and bottled water.

We have a bathroom on board, and you are welcome to bring a  cooler with your own food and beverages.

Along with the built in Fridge & Freezer, a Cooler with Ice for your perishables is included with complimentary bottled water.
Alcohol is okay with a valid ID. No Cork Fee.

What do we do on the Charter?

Dolphins, Snorkeling, Shelling and Swimming! Come with us as we depart from Ruskin to Egmont Key for your private adventure. On this cruise, you get plenty of fun family beaching and snorkeling. And if you are new to snorkeling, our crew will give you training and guidance on how to snorkel and have a great time.

On our 30 minute ride to Egmont Key, we'll travel under the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, and we're likely to see dolphins, manatees, rays and more.

We then take you to Egmont Key's sunken ruins for the best beaching and snorkeling in St Pete Beach, offering a variety of beautiful fish.  You'll snorkel with the rays, sand dollars, starfish, and sometimes manatees!

Our trips depart from Little Harbor Marina in Ruskin 7 days a week, at 8 or 9 am. Reservations are required. Free parking at our marina.  Our licensed and professional captain and crew keep you safe.

Cancellations: No refunds for cancellations less than 48 hours before your scheduled departure. No refunds for "no shows".

We give FULL refunds for severe weather cancellations.

Why are the Charters expensive?

Charters that Operate Legally are Never Cheap because the Licensing, Insurance & Permits required to operate legally are expensive.

Your Island Cruiser Charter is run by a USCG United Coast Guard Licensed Captain with a Mate and is limited to 6 paying Customers per trip. This does NOT include “Party Boats.” A Copy of the Captain’s License is always on board and is available anytime for your review.

Your Island Cruiser Charter also has both Boat Insurance and Charter Insurance. Boat Insurance covers the liability for Recreational Activities and the Charter Insurance Covers all Commercial Activities. 

A Copy of our Current Insurance Policy Declarations Page is On Board for your Inspection & is available at anytime for your review.

Payment will be taken when you book your Charter. Gratuity can be in cash or by check/Credit Card.






Little Harbor Marina

SUNSET GRILL & BEACH BAR
After your Charter, grab a table at the Sunset Grill and you’ll have a front row seat to one of the most beautiful sunsets around and the city of Saint Petersburg across the water!

Overlooking our secluded beach and the beauty of Tampa Bay, we are the perfect place to relax and enjoy an array of our Chef’s signature dishes. We offer an expansive menu, daily specials, and our renowned Sunday Champagne Brunch. You’re sure to find something to tempt your taste buds!

HOOKS WATERFRONT BAR AND GRILL
Visit Hooks by land or sea! They have both indoor and outdoor seating where you can watch for dolphins to pass by as you enjoy fresh fish and a variety of other American fare. If you like to fish – bring them your catch and let them cook it for you!d an answer here.