Frequently Asked Questions

The River Skipper II holds up to 40 passengers per US Coast Guard regulations. She is a 45-foot Trident pontoon, the largest tiki boat in Florida and the only USCG-inspected vessel on the Manatee River. Competitors are capped at 6 to 12 passengers under federal rules for uninspected vessels. Your whole group stays on one boat.

Yes. The River Skipper II has a full restroom with running water on board. That is a comfort you will not find on most charter boats in the area, and it matters a lot on a four-hour trip.

Yes. We can accommodate wheelchairs and walkers aboard the River Skipper II. Call us before you book so we can ensure a smooth boarding experience for everyone in your group.

Yes. Our boat has padded seating, tables, and a layout designed for comfort. Give us a heads-up when you book and we will do our best to accommodate any needs.

The River Skipper II is US Coast Guard inspected annually and meets all commercial passenger vessel safety regulations. All required safety equipment is current and on board. Your safety is our first priority on every cruise.

We do not sell food or drinks aboard, but we have complimentary water and ice for your cooler. Letting guests bring their own food and drinks keeps our prices lower than the competition. Bring your favorites and make it your own.

Yes. We are fully BYOB. Beer, wine, cocktails, whatever you like. During Pub Crawls, note that the bars do not allow alcohol to be taken off the boat, but you are free to bring it on with you.

Bring your favorite food and drinks in a cooler, flat soft-soled shoes (no heels or hard soles on the boat), sunscreen, a hat, and your camera. We provide the water and ice.

We offer a 10:00 AM Morning Guided Tour, a 1:00 PM Afternoon Guided Tour, and a Sunset Sip and Cruise, all two hours long. We also offer four-hour experiences: a River Pub Crawl, a Gulf Beach and Sandbar Run, and fully custom Private Charters. See all tours and prices.

Yes. Our guided day tours include narration covering the history, ecology, and wildlife of the Manatee River and surrounding waterways, delivered with a light-hearted and entertaining style.

Expect to cruise the Manatee River, Terra Ceia Bay, and out toward Lower Tampa Bay and the Gulf. You will get history, ecology, and local stories, plus frequent sightings of dolphins, manatees, and native bird life.

Yes. Children are very welcome on our 10 AM and 1 PM guided day tours. The Sunset Sip and Cruise features loud music, drinking, and an adult atmosphere. We recommend leaving young children at home for that one.

Yes, as long as the lyrics are not explicit. We have to maintain good relations with our neighbors along the river and have had complaints in the past about explicit content being audible from the shore. Thank you for understanding.

Yes. Our Sunset Sip and Cruise is one of our most popular experiences. We depart about 60 to 90 minutes before sunset, watch the sun go down over the Gulf, then cruise back upriver with music and dancing as night falls.

Yes, we strongly recommend booking in advance to guarantee your spot. If you happen to be at the marina as we are getting ready to depart and seats remain open, we may accept last-minute walk-ons. Call us to check.

Yes. Private tours and full charters can be arranged with a phone call. We require a minimum of 25 reserved seats and a 25% deposit to hold the boat for private events. See our Private Experiences page.

Yes, group rates are available. Call us at (941) 209-0203 and we will work out the best arrangement for your group. Big groups especially should call, since we can charter the entire boat for one flat rate.

Absolutely. We specialize in customized cruises for birthdays, weddings, corporate outings, graduations, memorials, baptisms, anniversary parties, and more. Call us and we will make it happen the way you envision. Learn more about creating your own experience.

Your ticket covers the boat, the cruise, the guided narration on day tours, and complimentary water and ice. Food and drinks are BYOB. We do not sell refreshments aboard, which keeps our prices lower than the competition.