A Boat Day — Local services in Clearwater

I set up a Private Charter with Captain Randy for my Father’s 75th Birthday Trip. It was even better than I could have hoped for from start to finish. Captain Randy was amazing to work with to set up the day and make all of the arrangements. I had many questions as we had a large group of all different ages and interests. He was extremely patient and answered all of my questions and made great recommendations for the day as well. Truly, he could not have been any nicer to work with to arrange this gift for my dad. He recommended the route we take and the time of the day to ensure that we had the most fulfilling experience on the water. He even arranged to have a closer pick up, so that we did not have to travel too far to catch the boat. Once we arrived at the boat we met Captain Frank. We could not have hand picked a better Captain for our group! We had a group of 10 ranging from 4 to 75 years old. He helped the little ones board the boat and get their life jackets on safely and even helped with our bags. Once we were settled he knew the little ones (and adults) had their hearts set on seeing Dolphin. We had a better experience with seeing Dolphin on this trip then you even would at Sea World. He somehow found probably up to 15-20 dolphin swimming, jumping, and playing! Not just a glimpse of them we had a full on incredible dolphin experience. Our entire family had the most amazing time watching them. It was so heartwarming to be able to watch my parents and nieces get so excited to spot one. Captain Frank took special care to get in a great position to watch the Dolphin, which completely enhanced the trip! Once we arrived at the island for shelling some stayed near the boat going off the slide, while others went on land to collect shells. They had plenty of toys, rafts, and other fun activities. We could have stayed there all day! It was the most serene place Captain Frank could have taken us to for the day. Not to mention the shells we found were truly stunning! So much so, that when we got home our neighbors asked where we went because during all of their “shelling” trips they never found any as beautiful as these. Everyone felt like a kid again that day! We were surfing on the rafts, going off the slide, and collecting shells. I think we all could have stayed there all day and it still would not have been enough time. On the way back Captain Frank was a better tour guide than any you could have asked for on even a guided tourist boat. You can tell he loves the area and wants you to as well! He was happy to play music that we liked and answer all of our questions and offer recommendations for the rest of our trip and future trips. On the way back, even though we saw an incredible amount of dolphin he still made sure that we saw more to cap off the trip. To say this boat day was the highlight of our trip and my dad’s birthday would be an understatement! There is just something special about being on the water having fun with the people you love! Captain Randy and Captain Frank were total gentlemen and just overall great guys! I can’t imagine having as good of an experience anywhere else. If you are in town (or even if you are not) look these guys up and book a day out with them… you won’t regret it! Thank you once again, Captain Randy and Captain Frank. You gave us a perfect Boat...

Taking this boat tour with Captain Randy was the best decision we made on our trip to Clearwater Beach and the surrounding area. Wonderful guide with tremendous knowledge of the region as well as a kind and relaxed demeanor. Caters to his customers' specific interests and hopes for the day/half-day. It was like having our own boat, except we had a wise, knowledgeable and friendly captain to take us to all of the right spots!

Not only did we see plenty of dolphins (including baby calves), but Captain Randy waited and maneuvered so they came right up to the boat, played in the boat's wake, and were everywhere! Also saw a whole group of manatees right next to the boat, some manta rays along the barrier island shores, and plenty of fish as well as breathtaking white sand beaches that we essentially had to ourselves with great, relaxing swims and snorkeling. Some great shelling on each of them, too, and Captain Randy provided us with shell bags to use and take for transporting shells home. Came back with some beautiful pieces.

The boat is very comfortable with both areas in the shade and sun. Captain Randy has a cooler full of ice for your drinks and brings along plenty of bottled water, This trip is absolutely perfect for families, kids (young and teens), couples, friends--Captain Randy can create whatever type of experience you are hoping for and show you a lot of the coastal region you didn't know was there. We went as a couple, but I will be bring family/friends and kids next time.

We will be returning to Clearwater Beach, but before we schedule our trip, I will be sure we have booked a day with Captain Randy and then schedule our travel dates around that! Definitely a unique experience here not to be missed and worth every penny! ...

On a last minute whim to end our weeklong Florida vaca on the water, my family of 4 was so lucky to spend “A Boat Day” with Cap’t Randy and crew aboard their Buccaneer Funship. They prep you the day before with all you need to know and bring for a fun time. Then meet you early the morning of at their dock…easily walkable from most hotels near the strip. I was worried our 5 year old might be nervous for his first boat cruise but Randy and his team immediately put us at ease with big, welcoming smiles! We started off just cruising around…touring the bay. They found a place for us to swim and use the rooftop slide. We LOVED the slide…adults and kids!! Then we found a spot to anchor on Caladesi Island. We spent a couple hours swimming, snorkeling, shelling, and playing on the beach. The kids found a dozen perfect sand dollars with Cap’t Randy’s help…he wrapped them all to help us keep as souvenirs. While anchored we were visited by a 6 foot tarpon, a manatee, AND a dolphin who came over just to say “Hi!” The crew prepped and served “Snack-le Boxes” for us with cheese and fruit and crackers…my boys devoured this! We cruised around a bit more on the way back to the dock in search of some more playful dolphins. Cap’t Randy found a pod and treated us to a wake jumping show like we’ve never experienced! All minds were seriously blown!! We had such a wonderful experience! Cap’t Randy and Co. made for a truly magical end to our vacation! This turned out to be the highlight of our trip…a trip, mind you, that included Disney AND a week on the beach! We have already committed to A Boat Day again...