Private Afternoon Cruise

An easygoing two-hour charter with the whole River Skipper II reserved for your group of up to 40.

The River Skipper II anchored at a Gulf sandbar in clear water The River Skipper II lit up at the dock at sunset Guests on board under the party lights at sunset A large group on the dock after a pub crawl cruise A dolphin riding alongside the boat Sunset over the water from the deck of the tiki boat A waterfront tiki bar stop on the river pub crawl The tiki boat lit up at night on the Bradenton Riverwalk
🕛 Afternoon Departure ⏱ 2 Hours 👥 25 to 40 Guests 💵 From $50 / Person
📞 Call to Book Your Charter View All Tours & Prices
Full Boat Takeover

The Laid-Back Private Charter

The private afternoon cruise is the easygoing middle of our charter lineup: no early call time, no late night, just two golden hours on the Manatee River with the whole boat reserved for your group. It is a favorite for luncheons, retirement parties, milestone birthdays, office celebrations, and family gatherings where three generations all need to be comfortable.

You set the tone. Keep our crew's guided storytelling about the river and its history, or skip the narration, bring your own playlist, and simply enjoy having Florida's largest tiki boat to yourselves. The pace, the route emphasis, and the music are all yours to call.

Pack lunch, snacks, and drinks for your crowd, coolers welcome, ice and water on us, and let the afternoon roll by at river speed.

What to Expect

Why Groups Book the Afternoon

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Easy Timing

No sunrise wakeups, no late finish. Afternoons suit multi-generation groups and workday events.

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Comfort for 40

Padded seating, tables, shade under the tiki roof, and a restroom with running water.

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Guided or Unplugged

Take the full history and ecology narration or trade it for your own soundtrack.

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Lunch on the Water

BYOB and bring the full spread. Complimentary ice and water keep everything cold.

Charter Pricing

Simple, Straightforward Rates

$50 / person

25-guest minimum · up to 40 guests

  • ✅ The entire River Skipper II, exclusively yours
  • ✅ 25% deposit reserves your date
  • ✅ Your music, your people, your pace
  • ✅ BYOB with complimentary ice and water
📞 Call to Book Your Charter

Private charters require at least 25 reserved seats with a 25% deposit. Custom routes and longer trips available, just ask.

Good to Know

Trip Details

Departure Time
Afternoon departure, typically around 1:00 PM. Exact time is flexible when you book.
Duration
2 hours. Longer trips available on request.
Pricing
From $50 per person with a 25-guest minimum. The boat carries up to 40 guests.
Great For
Luncheons, retirement parties, milestone birthdays, office events, family gatherings.
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
Please wear flat, soft-soled shoes aboard the River Skipper II.
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 & Deposit
Private charters require at least 25 reserved seats with a 25% deposit. Call (941) 209-0203 to lock in your date.
Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How many guests can come?

Two to 40. Pricing is by the boat. Call us at (941) 209-0203 and we will walk you through the rates for your group size.

What makes an afternoon private charter different from the shared tour?

You have the entire boat. No other guests, no strangers. The afternoon is yours to run however you want, guided narration, your own music, or a relaxed quiet cruise.

Is this good for groups traveling in from out of town?

Yes. The afternoon departure is ideal for groups that need a morning to travel, check in, or settle before getting on the water. Easy timing with no early alarm.

Can we bring food and drinks?

Yes. Fully BYOB. Bring whatever you like for the afternoon. Coolers are welcome. We provide ice and water.

How do we book?

Call (941) 209-0203. We handle private charter reservations by phone to confirm your date, headcount, and any add-ons up front.

Where do we board?

Regatta Pointe Marina, 1005 Riverside Dr, Palmetto, FL 34221. Bradenton Riverwalk pickup is also available.

Explore more ways to cruise:

🎫 Prefer Per-Seat Tickets? Public Afternoon Tour 🌞 Private Morning Cruise 🌅 Private Sunset Cruise 🎉 All Private Charters & Events 🎫 View All Tours & Prices

Let's Plan Your Private Afternoon

One call locks in your date, your pickup point, and your plan. A 25% deposit holds the boat.

📞 Call to Book Your Charter 📞 (941) 209-0203