Sand Dollar Sunset and Brews Cruise - Florida’s Premier Destination

Are you a college student in the Tampa Bay area out of ideas of cool things to do? Well, you are in luck because I have just the experience that is sure to take your breathe away.

As a student from the University of Tampa, I find myself often doing things that are close to me because of it’s convenience and proximity. Looking for experiences outside of just the University bubble is something that needs to be experienced as much as possible especially for those that are soon graduating.

Suncoast Watersports is the place to experience. Suncoast Watersports offers a wide array of activities around the beach that are sure to leave you breathless. These activities include parasailing, dolphin cruises, paddle boarding, jet skiing and so much more. This wide range of activities is sure to catch anybody’s interest. Let me tell you about my experience.

This past weekend I went for myself to partake in the Sand Dollar Sunset and Brews Cruise with my family. The Sand Dollar Sunset and Brews Cruise blew my expectations out of the water and delivered a tranquil yet fun experience that I had never previously enjoyed with my family.

The Sunset and Brews Cruise is a three-hour boat tour that provides stunning views, history lessons, and a dolphin watch among other things. Drinks are offered onboard with complimentary beer and wine for the last hour. The cruise’s scenic views are the prelude to the one hour you spend on a private beach surrounded by boats of all sizes and a smooth white crackly sand. Ziplock bags are provided upon docking for collecting some of the island's beautiful Seashells.

There were two captains on board with one serving as a historian and information guide, stopping by haunted houses and pointing out leaping dolphins while the other was offering drinks and snacks ensuring everyone was getting the most out of their experience.

The boat has an open layout with a bathroom on board and seating for all passengers. The staff showed themselves to be very friendly and thoughtful, answering questions by patrons, offering new perspectives, and snapping sunset pictures for families and groups of friends.

The ride is truly one you’ll never forget especially if you go on a sunny day. I can’t imagine anything more fulfilling than watching the sunset on the horizon while snapping pictures with those you hold closest. For me, this was one of the best bonding moments I could possibly have with my family. On the way back from the island we danced, laughed, and recorded ourselves while listening to some great tunes picked out by the staff. My mom may even have felt the effects of the complimentary beer and wine on the way back.

All in all, an unforgettable experience that I would recommend for everyone especially in times of COVID. While most other boat tours may try to pack in the people, Suncoast Watersports almost personalizes the experience with a limit of 20 people at a time, adjusted from the usual 47 that they were so accustomed to seeing before the pandemic.

The Sunset cruise starts at $64 for adults and $40 for children. It may seem a little pricey but is worth every penny for the sheer experience.

The Sunset Brews Cruise is not the only attraction that Suncoast has to offer. If you have more passion for the world of marine biology and sea life then the Two Island Snorkel and Explore Dolphin Tour is the way to go. This tour focuses more on the historical aspects of the islands and their significance.

The Snorkel and Dolphin tour is a total of three hours and has separate one-hour stops at two very unique islands where you can either snorkel or explore.

The first island is the beautiful Egmont Key Preserve where patrons can explore the ruins of Fort Dade, built into the sand dunes during the Spanish-American war. The presence of Gopher tortoises and other wildlife are the only ones that have survived from that time. At one time, however, the fort used to house 200 US soldiers and 300 Seminole Indian prisoners. Prior to being a fort, the island was a strategic ambush point for pirates looking to surprise ships with precious cargo entering Tampa Bay.

The second island stop is at "Sand Dollar Island" just off the coast of the famous Fort Desoto and Shell Key preserve. Believe it or not, Sand Dollar Island houses an abundance of sand dollars which are flattened sea urchins buried in sand, and other unique shells such as horse conchs, shark eye shells, and tulip shells are also present throughout the coast. After the trip, you will come back with a ziplock filled with clear and beautiful shells.

The snorkeling at Sand Dollar Island will leave you breathless with its crystal blue water, shallow depth, and lack of current. One of the unique things about the island is the rare marine life that customers can encounter. While it is not guaranteed, if you go on the snorkeling boat tour you will have a chance to see sea turtles and manatees.

Suncoast Watersports also offers parasailing and Waverunner jet skis. Parasailing is a recreational activity of gliding through the air wearing an open parachute while being towed by a motorboat. I have never tried this before in my life but am very open to trying it. The fact these kinds of activities are available shows the diversity of the packages offered.

The wide range of activities provided by Suncoast Watersports can adapt to the mood of the day. Whether you want to peruse the sights of a chill sunset and dolphin boat tour, snorkel with sea turtles, parasail at new heights, or rent jet skis with your significant other, Suncoast Watersports got you covered.