Question 1

Where do we park?

Accepted Answer

The marina is undergoing construction so onsite parking is extremely limited. Guests can be dropped off by Crabby's Dockside Restaurant to reduce walking. If you do find parking in the marina, please text 727-755-0637 to get the daily parking code allowing up to 4 hours parking.

Other parking options include:
Pier 60 Hotel Supplemental Parking Garage, 101 Coronado Dr, Clearwater, FL 33767. Pricing varies. 5 minute walk.

Surf Style Megastore, 315 S Gulfview Blvd, Clearwater, FL 33767. Pricing varies. 10 minute walk.

North Beach Parking Garage, 490 Poinsettia Ave, Clearwater, FL 33767. Pricing varies. 15 minute walk.

Public Transportation Options:
         The Clearwater Ferry - clearwaterferry.com  Operates Thursday through Sunday.

The Jolley Trolley -  jolleytrolley.com   Operates 7 days a week.

Please plan ahead for traffic and securing parking as there are no refunds for missed tours. If you do miss your tour, we offer rescheduling for a per party fee as capacity allows.

Question 2

How long are your tours?

Accepted Answer

Our tours are 1 hour and 45 minutes in duration from dock to dock.  We also have an additional 15 minutes of boarding prior to each tour.

Question 3

What times are your tours offered?

Accepted Answer

Our daily tour schedule changes with the Sunset time throughout the year.  Our schedule is updated in real time when you click Book Now .

Question 4

Does my child under the age of 4 require a ticket?

Accepted Answer

Yes! While we invite our guests ages 3 and under to join you for free, they do need a ticket. You can add them to your booking at no cost during checkout. If you need to add the ticket after a booking has been made, please contact us at setsail@thetropicsboattours.com or our chat line 727-755-0637. The child does count towards our overall capacity so failure to reserve that ticket may result in your party not being able to attend if we are at full capacity.

Question 5

Do you have drinks on board?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we offer beer, wine, soft drinks and a full liquor bar for purchase on board.  We also offer drink packages that may be purchased from the booth prior to departure. We also have packaged snacks available. We accept cash and card on board.

Question 6

Are there restrooms on board?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we do have restrooms on board for the use of our guests.  Please keep in mind that these are marine heads.  Please note any signage in the restrooms regarding what may be flushed down the toilets.

Question 7

Is there any shade or protection from the elements?

Accepted Answer

Yes, while we are an outdoor activity our open air lower level does provide shade and protection from the elements.

Question 8

Can we bring food or beverage on board?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately you may not bring food or beverage on board as we do not have appropriate areas for consumption.  We do offer a full range of beverages and light snacks on board for purchase.

Question 9

Are pets allowed on board?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately we do not allow pets on board during our tours unless it is an ADA approved service animal.

Question 10

Are you wheelchair accessible?

Accepted Answer

We are not wheelchair accessible. Guests must be able to board without the use of a walker as there may be a few steps up or down depending on the tides. The upper deck is only accessible by staircase.

Question 11

Can I bring a stroller?

Accepted Answer

Strollers are not permitted on board. We do have a place to leave strollers on the dock or you may return your stroller to your vehicle before boarding. We do allow detachable car seats for infants.

Question 12

How do I make a reservation with Tampa Bay CityPASS® tickets?

Accepted Answer

First, purchase Tampa Bay CityPASS® online for mobile ticket delivery.

Next, follow the link on your email receipt to make your reservation on the My CityPASS® App.

Learn More about saving up to 55% off admission to 5 top Tampa Bay attractions, including Tropics Boat Tours and Busch Gardens Tampa with Tampa Bay CityPASS®.

For help with your CityPASS® tickets, please contact the CityPASS® help desk at 208-787-4300.

Question 13

How are we notified when inclimate weather impacts our tour time?

Accepted Answer

We do our best to notify all guests when inclimate weather impacts our tour times.  At times we do wait until we can clearly assess the weather as it changes quickly in Florida.  You can expect to receive a notification when we have to cancel any tour.

Question 14

How does your dolphin guarantee work?

Accepted Answer

In the unlikely event we do not see dolphins during a dolphin tour (not valid on sunset tours), you will be able to take another dolphin tour free of charge at a later time.  Drink packages purchased during the original tour are not refundable and do not apply to your next dolphin tour.

To schedule your free ride, please email setsail@thetropicsboattours.com or text 727-755-0637. Provide your name, original tour date, number in your party, and the day and time you wish to book for.

Question 15

How do I make a reservation with a Groupon voucher?

Accepted Answer

**This is only necessary if you did not choose a day and tour time during the Groupon purchase process. If you did choose a day and tour time, you are already reserved.To Book a Tour using your Groupon voucher that was not day and tour time specific, please send us the following information via our text line 727-755-0637 or our email setsail@thetropicsboattours.com and we will verify the voucher, redeem the voucher through Groupon and make that booking for you.NameEmailPhoneGroupon Voucher Redemption Code(s)Day and Time of the desired tourAlso please let us know if you have 3 and under free passengers attending with you so we can add them to the booking.

Question 16

Do you offer group discounts?

Accepted Answer

Yes, when booking a group of 10 or more, our discounted rates will automatically apply during your checkout.

Question 17

Do you offer military or senior discounted tickets?

Accepted Answer

Yes, these ticket types are available when booking your tour and reflect the discounted rate.

Question 18

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

All Sales are final. Cancellation with refund or free rescheduling is allowed up to 24 hrs prior to your tour. Rescheduling within 24hrs of your tour will incur a rescheduling fee. Departures cannot be delayed and refunds will not be issued for missed tours. Please review your booking confirmation email for additional details on traffic and parking to ensure you plan accordingly.

**Tours that need to be rescheduled due to not meeting passenger minimums or weather are not subject to a rescheduling fee.

Question 19

Do you offer private charters?

Accepted Answer

Yes, please visit our private charter section for more information.

Question 20

Where do I purchase my boarding photo from my tour?

Accepted Answer

Our photos are digital and can be purchased at our photo store.

Frequently asked questions