Sandbar Days

A sandbar day is Florida boating at its most laid-back. You pilot your pontoon out into the harbor, ease up to one of the shallow flats where the Gulf turns clear and warm, and drop anchor in water shallow enough to stand in. From there the plan is simple: step off the boat, wade around, and let the current do the rest. This is the trip people picture when they dream of a Clearwater Beach sandbar boat rental, and it lives up to it.

Bring the whole crew. Our late-model Berkshire pontoon seats up to 9 and the roomy Viaggio tritoon fits up to 12, so there's space for family, friends, coolers, and floats. Raft up next to other boats if you want the party, or anchor off on your own quiet stretch of sand if you'd rather just hear the water. The bimini top throws shade when you need a break from the sun, and the Bluetooth stereo keeps your playlist going while you float.

The shallows around Clearwater Harbor and out toward Caladesi and Honeymoon Islands are made for this. Kids can splash safely in the calm water, grown-ups can bob around with a drink, and everyone can keep an eye out for the wild bottlenose dolphins that cruise these flats almost daily. Pack snacks in the cooler, hand out the Coast Guard-approved life jackets, and settle in. There is nowhere you need to be.

Take as long as you like out there. Our Half-Day Cruise gives you four hours to find your sandbar and settle in, while the six-hour Island-Hopper and eight-hour Full-Day Escape leave room to drift between a few spots and still have plenty of afternoon left. Drive it yourself if you're comfortable at the helm, or add a licensed captain and make the whole day hands-off. Either way, you just show up ready for the water.