Riverside Tours Inc — Attraction in Palmetto

VERY DISAPOINTING. We went on the Sunset Party Cruise. It was advertised to "have a breathtaking sunset, watch the Sunshine Skyway Bridge dazzle in her nighttime glow, and party our way back. There will be food, music and drink." We got off to a bad start when the driver of the boat had a very difficult time backing it up, turning it around and driving out the exit. He crashed into the wall and got close to private boats parked in the docks, making passengers very nervous. The Captain stayed in the back of the boat and the driver was at the front. The Captain had to come to the front and train the driver on what to do, where to go and how to use the equipment that tells him how deep the water is and where the markers are for him to stay in. The driver clearly did not know enough to be in this position. I can't fault the company for a cloudy night, but there was no sun showing, so we didn't see the sunset. The bridge appeared to have some red & white lights under it; however, our boat stayed floating approximately 2 miles away from the bridge, so we couldn't see them. I asked the driver if we could go closer to the bridge to see the lights, and he said no, we had to stay where we were. One e/mail said there would be food and drink, and another one said bring your own drinks. Those people who didn't bring a drink and those who drank their drink and wanted more, wanted water, but were told they didn't have any. This was not fun, as everyone was hot and thirsty from sitting sometimes with no breeze and dancing. There was rock music playing in the beginning and party music later; however, it was so loud you couldn't hear the person next to you talking! The Captain spent half the cruise trying to fix one of the speakers. People asked for the music to be turned down, and it was for a bit, but then it got turned back up. The only history type story that was told was about why a large cross is on one of the points. No other stories or announcing of dolphin sightings were told. The passengers yelled out and pointed when dolphins were seen. The good: We had fun with the friends we went with and we got to see dolphins. The final blow was when the boat parked and the Captain said that "if we had any comments or suggestions, to put them on a $20 dollar bill and put it in the tip box." I personally feel a tip like that is for service above and beyond what is expected; therefore, I didn't leave one. I've put my...

We had a marvelous time celebrating my mother's 97th birthday on the Tiki pontoon boat with Riverside Tours. We explored the Manatee River and Terra Ceia Bay, going around Emerson Point and viewing the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. We were able to bring our lunch and birthday cake on board, which added to the fun! The tour guide on board was extremely knowledgeable about the wildlife, history, and local folklore of Bradenton and Palmetto. We spent the full 2 hours cruising in the comfortable boat, with windows that open or close, and seated at tables for comfort. There was no problem getting in and out of the boat...just 4 steps down to the dock and onto the boat. And we saw seven dolphins! Do you know the difference between an "island" and a "cay"? Take this trip and you will find the answer! Thanks to the...

Captain Chase and Sonia were instrumental in helping our family give a proper burial to my husband's remains. To anchor their boat in front of the DeSoto memorial was such a spiritual place to have our family service. Captain Chase and Sonia wrote a beautiful poem for our family that hangs in my bedroon with memorable photos of that awesome day on the water. Our grandson, Alex, had a spiritual experience on that boat. Alex has completely changed his attitude and looks at life positively!!! Thank you...