Best Things to Do in Clearwater, Florida: Our Favorite On-the-Water Activities

Clearwater, Florida is one of the best places on the Gulf Coast to get out on the water. Whether you want to spend a full day island hopping or just a couple of hours feeling the spray on a jet ski, the options here are genuinely world-class. Below are four of our favorite on-the-water activities in Clearwater — starting with our own private boat charters and rounding out the list with three other local operators we think you'll love.

1. Private Boat Charters with Salt Sand Adventures (That's Us!)

If you've found this blog, you probably already know that we run private captained pontoon charters out of Clearwater Beach. When we say "private," we mean the whole boat is yours — up to 6 guests, one flat price per boat, not per person. You'll never be paired with strangers.

Here's what we offer:

• 2-Hour Sandbar & Swim Charter — $329. A quick escape to a nearby sandbar where you can swim, float, and soak up the Gulf sun. Perfect if you're short on time but still want that on-the-water feeling.
• 4-Hour Island & Sandbar Adventure — $519. This is our most popular charter. You get time on a sandbar and a chance to explore one of the barrier islands, like Honeymoon Island or Caladesi Island. It's the sweet spot for most families and groups.
• 6-Hour Custom Island Adventure — $749. The full experience. Plenty of time for sandbar lounging, island hopping, dolphin spotting, and a leisurely swim — all at your own pace.

Every charter includes a USCG-licensed local captain (that's me, Captain Mark), fuel, required safety equipment, a cooler with ice, bottled water, and a Bluetooth sound system. We depart daily from 663 Bay Esplanade, Clearwater Beach, FL, and our hours run from 8 AM to 8 PM — every charter returns to the dock by 8:00 PM.

You're welcome to bring snacks, food, and drinks (yes, adult beverages are fine) — just no glass, please. Beach chairs and umbrellas aren't included, so bring your own if you'd like them.

Want to learn more about what a day with us looks like? Check out our Clearwater Beach boat charters page, or read about why a private boat charter is the best way to spend a day in Clearwater.

2. Jet Ski Tours with IdleSpeed

If you're the type who likes to feel the wind in your face, IdleSpeed offers guided jet ski tours around the Clearwater area. There's nothing quite like skimming across the Gulf at speed — it's one of the most exhilarating ways to see the coastline, and a guided tour means you don't have to worry about navigating unfamiliar waterways on your own.

Jet ski tours are a great complement to a slower-paced day on a pontoon. Some of our guests like to split their trip — a relaxed morning on our boat, then an adrenaline-filled afternoon on a jet ski. It's hard to beat that combination when you're looking for things to do in Clearwater Beach that cover both chill and thrill.

IdleSpeed is a separate business, so you'll want to reach out to them directly for specifics on pricing, scheduling, and what to expect on a tour. We can say from experience that the Gulf waters around Clearwater are some of the most beautiful you'll ever ride across.

3. Parasailing with Chute Em Up

Want to see Clearwater Beach from hundreds of feet in the air? Chute Em Up offers parasailing experiences that give you a bird's-eye view of the Gulf Coast. You're harnessed into a parachute and gently lifted from the back of a boat — no jumping off a platform required. It's quieter and more peaceful than most people expect, and the view of the barrier islands, the sandbars, and the turquoise shallows is absolutely stunning from up there.

Parasailing is one of those activities that sounds intimidating but tends to surprise people with how smooth and calm it actually is. It's a fantastic option if you want a different perspective on the same waters we cruise every day.

Since Chute Em Up is an independent operator, contact them for details on reservations, weight and age requirements, and availability. We always recommend booking in advance — parasailing is popular, especially on clear summer days.

4. Kayaking to Bird Key with Stay and Play Clearwater

For a slower, more intimate way to explore Clearwater's waters, Stay and Play Clearwater offers guided kayaking trips — including paddles out to Bird Key, one of the area's most beloved wildlife sanctuaries. Bird Key lives up to its name: it's a haven for pelicans, herons, egrets, cormorants, and a rotating cast of other shorebirds that nest and rest on the island.

Kayaking is the perfect activity when you want to slow down and experience the Gulf Coast's quieter side. There's no engine noise, no rush — just the rhythm of your paddle and the chance to glide through shallow seagrass beds where dolphins and manatees sometimes feed. It's also one of the most eco-friendly ways to get out on the water, and it's accessible for beginners and experienced paddlers alike.

Stay and Play Clearwater handles their own bookings and logistics, so reach out to them for tour times, group sizes, and what to bring. We've always appreciated having partners in the local eco-tourism community who share our love for Clearwater's natural beauty.

How to Plan Your Perfect Clearwater Day

The great thing about these four activities is that they work beautifully on their own — or combined into an epic multi-day Gulf Coast adventure. Here's a loose framework we often suggest:

• Day 1: Start with a private boat charter Clearwater Beach — our 4-hour Island & Sandbar Adventure is ideal for a first day. You'll get a lay of the land (and water), spot some dolphins, and discover which sandbar or island you fall in love with.
• Day 2: Pick something different. Parasail with Chute Em Up in the morning, then kayak to Bird Key with Stay and Play Clearwater in the afternoon. Or swap in a jet ski tour with IdleSpeed if you're craving speed.
• Day 3: Come back out with us for a longer Clearwater sandbar tour or a Clearwater sunset cruise to cap off your trip.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind

• Dolphins are wild animals. Sightings are common on our charters, but they're never guaranteed. That's part of the magic — when you do see them, it feels like a gift. Learn more in our Clearwater dolphin tours guide.
• Weather calls. Captain Mark makes the final call on weather and safety. If conditions aren't safe, we'll reschedule or issue a full refund — no exceptions. You can always check the Clearwater marine forecast before heading out.
• Cancellation policy. Full refund if you cancel at least 72 hours before departure. Inside 72 hours, we do our best to reschedule. Captain-initiated weather cancellations are always fully refunded.
• Book early. Clearwater Beach is busy, especially in peak season. The sooner you request to book your charter, the better your chances of getting your preferred date and time.

Get Out There

Clearwater's waters are the reason most of us live and work here. Whether you choose to spend your day lounging on a sandbar aboard our pontoon, flying high above the Gulf on a parachute, racing across the waves on a jet ski, or paddling quietly toward Bird Key — you're going to have an unforgettable time.

Ready to get on the water with us? Request to book your charter today, and we'll take care of the rest.