The Island Escape

Beaches You Can Only Reach by Boat

The Gulf Beach and Sandbar Run is a four-hour Florida escape: roughly two hours of cruising and two full hours on a pristine stretch of sand. We head down the Manatee River, across the mouth of Tampa Bay, and out to spots like Passage Key, DeSoto Cove, or Beer Can Island, places with soft sand, warm surf, and no road access whatsoever.

Drop anchor, wade ashore, swim, shell, sandbar-lounge, and soak up a side of Florida most visitors never see. The River Skipper II carries your coolers, your crew keeps an eye on the tide, and the ride out and back is a scenic cruise in its own right.

One note for planning: Passage Key is a clothing-optional beach, so if that is not your scene, just let us know and we will point the bow at DeSoto Cove or Beer Can Island instead. Beach runs are scheduled by phone so we can match the tides, the weather, and your group. Give us a call and we will set it up.

What to Expect

Four Hours of Real Florida

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The Scenic Run

Cruise the Manatee River and the mouth of Tampa Bay with dolphins often escorting the boat.

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Two Hours on the Sand

A full two hours ashore at Passage Key, DeSoto Cove, or Beer Can Island. Bring your beach gear.

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Wildlife on the Way

Dolphins, rays, seabirds, and the occasional manatee along the route and in the shallows.

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BYOB & Coolers

Pack a full beach cooler. Complimentary ice and water onboard, plus a restroom for the ride.

Good to Know

Trip Details

Duration: 4 hours. About two hours of cruising and two hours on the beach.
Departure Time: Negotiable. We schedule beach runs around tides, weather, and your group.
Pricing: $75 per adult, $65 per child.
Destinations: Passage Key, DeSoto Cove, or Beer Can Island. Note that Passage Key is a clothing-optional beach.
Departure Point: Regatta Pointe Marina, 1005 Riverside Dr, Palmetto, FL 34221. See our Regatta Pointe departure page for parking and directions.
Pickup Options: Group pickups also available at the Bradenton Riverwalk and Anna Maria Island. Confirm your pickup location when booking.
Food & Drinks: BYOB, bring your own food and beverages. Coolers welcome. Complimentary water and ice onboard.
Footwear & Beach Gear: Flat, soft-soled shoes aboard. Bring towels, sunscreen, and anything you want on the sand.
Onboard Comfort: Restroom with running water, padded seating, and plenty of tables arranged for a sociable cruise.
Accessibility: We can accommodate wheelchairs and walkers.
Safety: The River Skipper II is a 45-foot commercial vessel, US Coast Guard inspected annually.
Booking: Beach runs are set up by phone so we can match tides and weather. Call (941) 209-0203 to schedule.

Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do we spend at the sandbar?

Approximately two hours anchored at the sandbar. The remaining time is spent cruising out to the Gulf and back. Total trip is four hours.

Can we get in the water?

Yes. We anchor at a sandbar where guests can swim, wade, and walk the sand. The water is typically shallow and clear. Bring water shoes if you have them.

What should we bring?

Sunscreen, towels, water shoes, a dry bag for your phone, and whatever food and drinks you want. We provide ice. Coolers are welcome on board.

What if the weather is bad?

Gulf conditions can change. If weather prevents us from reaching the sandbar safely, your captain will find the best alternative or we will work with you to reschedule.

How many people can come?

This is a shared cruise with per-passenger tickets. Up to 40 guests total on the River Skipper II. Individual seat purchases available online.

Is there a restroom on board?

Yes. The River Skipper II has an on-board restroom with running water, which is especially useful on a four-hour trip.

Gulf Beach & Sandbar Run