Clearwater Tours: Top Sightseeing & Cruise Picks

So, when folks talk about awesome getaway destinations in Florida, Clearwater pretty much always comes up. Its known for its fantastic stretches of beach with powder-soft sand and calm, inviting water. But honestly, Clearwater isn’t all sunbathing and sandcastles, even if that’s very tempting. There’s quite a selection of tours, sightseeing spots, and cruises that show you another, very cool side to the city. Now, if you’re planning a trip or if you’re kind of just looking for ways to spend a free day, stick with me; I’m going to break down five of the best ways you can experience Clearwater.

1. Clearwater Marine Aquarium Tour

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium, as a matter of fact, is much more than, like, just an aquarium; it’s an actual marine rescue center, which you probably know as Winter the Dolphin’s home. He was that super inspiring dolphin with the prosthetic tail from the “Dolphin Tale” movies. Very sadly, Winter’s no longer with us, though his spirit very much lives on in the Aquarium’s mission. Now, going on the tour will not only allow you to see lots of cool marine animals like dolphins, sea turtles, and otters, but actually get a better sense of the aquarium’s conservation and rescue efforts. What I mean is that a good portion of the admission money supports their work, it’s a feel-good visit where you’re supporting ocean life!

So, as you move about, you’ll encounter a variety of displays, from the habitats that mimic the natural homes of rescued animals, to educational exhibits that talk about threats to marine life and ways to help. Often they run special events, too, and have seasonal programs or behind-the-scenes looks at animal care, is that fun? Don’t even get me started about the trainers’ talks, these really go a great deal to teach, not just about each animal’s story, though they’re pretty affecting. They teach about wider issues that affect the ocean today. Also, what sets it apart from many other places like it is that they keep working on expanding; they are always finding new ways to teach people, or even making things better for the animals that are recovering there. Very nice.

2. Dolphin Exploration Tour

Basically, there’s this thing called the Dolphin Exploration Tour, which takes you on a boat to check out Clearwater Bay, in order to see dolphins in their natural setting, it’s the kind of tour I always think you should do. The tour guides happen to be quite good, usually experts in marine biology; as a matter of fact, they can point out individual dolphins and tell you about their behavior and the surrounding ecosystem. The trip is quite laid back and informative. It’s so satisfying seeing them leap out the water! What I’m saying is, bring your camera, or, you know, your phone, so you’re ready for cool photos. The tour is both super interesting and lots of fun. The tours sometimes change depending on the season, to maximize what there is to see.

Like your basic boat tour, what they cover tends to differ, but usually covers things that add to seeing the local wildlife such as birds and other aquatic species that are found right near Clearwater. You get a peek into the working harbor as well, which is very educational. It will change a person’s idea of the effort that gets put into Clearwater. Most tours have shaded areas, which make them comfortable for just about anyone and give needed breaks from the sun; often, they are careful to restrict numbers and keep everything eco-friendly, which goes a long way if you’re thinking about any future Clearwater trips. To be honest, do check reviews to get some advice from people, but overall it can be one of the better choices that Clearwater has for family groups. Anyway, it’s something I always suggest if people go there!

3. Clearwater Sunset Cruise

Of course, seeing a sunset from land is rather nice, yet just think about being on the water. That’s pretty much the whole concept behind the Clearwater Sunset Cruise. Right as the sun starts setting, you take off. I mean, really the scene turns really colorful. Usually the tour people also add things like playing calm music. All of which creates a fantastic setting, it turns out to be rather romantic and great for taking memorable photos.

Most of these cruises typically also go around celebrity mansions and different landmarks which sort of make them part sightseeing trips, too. Now a good number have on-board drinks or appetizers, adding to the luxurious feeling. Honestly, it’s often the most serene way you can spend an evening in Clearwater. People, of course, very often rate these cruises quite well, particularly saying great things in the online comments, such as speaking about things like the atmosphere that make people happy. Anyway it is worth taking some time to see which fits. Just remember, planning ahead of time actually turns out to be important, they very much do book up rather fast, especially around holidays. Oh, and do have someone take pictures of you. Okay?

4. Pirate Cruise

To be honest, if you want to do something different with kids, it’s almost a lock that the Pirate Cruise might just work. The themes here very much make everything seem lively. As I was saying, all of the boat crew are dressed like pirates, plus they plan fun pirate games. Then, it is very clear that everyone feels energized. From small water gun battles to treasure hunts, that type of stuff actually has everything looking very different. Oh, and you can almost make the guarantee they’re also dancing, face painting. The result, for some, feels not just like any boat trip. To some, the experience gives families a good chance at enjoying time while in a themed environment.

For people wondering exactly when to book this sort of thing, always have them be sure about when different cruises are going out, especially if someone has to plan for younger kids. This very much becomes important, too, at busy times of year since the thing tends to book early. In addition, that it would not hurt at all if people go and read some customer opinions of cruises so people could check a tour that meets a particular interest of people like catering to certain age groups of kids. Very often, they offer extras for grown-ups too, similar to how you could often have refreshments, which helps them appreciate it too. Really, it can be something someone can enjoy for making unique memories.

5. Scenic Boat Tour of Clearwater Harbor

Of course, taking the Scenic Boat Tour can very much be the best idea if one seeks very chill fun. This basically sails someone along Clearwater Harbor, it then very easily shows everyone very nice views and all that is important to that area. Then that can lead to really finding spots like calm water and expensive homes. What I mean by this really comes to its appeal for travelers desiring some calm relaxation with some beauty, so the activity does not make demands too high. The tour helps people find Clearwater; also, many times folks will point places of relevance and things of beauty along your passage, so there comes learning on top of viewing too. To many folks, those parts they seem to want on excursions!

Tours for sightseeing will normally present schedules lasting for about an hour and a half or so, being useful and easily put within one’s already made schedule of doing items and also exploring other spots nearby Clearwater. Now there seems many cruises on open boats, a thing someone might appreciate in better air or light climate, for in the warm day breezes could be very much appreciated. Yet think of having clothing right for rain or some stronger cold, for always the ocean conditions could affect experiences on cruises, you know, right? It then might feel more worth planning when seeing Clearwater and choosing the appropriate sightseeing sailing! It is often quite good to be thoughtful!