Sarasota sits on one of the most beautiful stretches of Florida’s Gulf Coast, where calm turquoise bays meet white-sand sandbars and the open Gulf. A private boat charter in Sarasota is the best way to see all of it — on your schedule, with your crew, away from the crowds. The Siesta Funship gives groups of up to six guests an exclusive experience on Sarasota Bay and the Gulf, guided by a captain who has spent years learning every sandbar, dolphin hotspot, and hidden cove in these waters. This is the Sarasota that most visitors never get to see.
Staying in Sarasota, FL? We offer 3 convenient pickup locations around Sarasota, FL.
946 Siesta Dr, Sarasota, FL 34242
1708 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, FL 34236
1059 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34236
Most boat tours in Sarasota put strangers together on a large vessel and follow the same route every day. The Siesta Funship does the opposite.
When you book with us, your group has the entire boat to yourselves. No sharing with other parties. No set agenda you didn’t agree to. Just your people, your cooler, and a flexible plan built around what you actually want to do.
Here’s what sets us apart:
The boat is safe, spacious, and shaded — comfortable for families, groups of friends, and anyone who spends more time on docks than in boating catalogues.
There are no surprises on a Siesta Funship charter — just a clean, well-run trip from start to finish.
Our home waters give you access to some of the most varied and beautiful spots on Florida’s west coast. Here are the highlights:
Sarasota's sandbars are the kind of place people talk about for years after a trip. Big Pass, Midnight Pass, Beer Can Island, and Jewfish Key are among the most popular stops — shallow, calm spots where you can wade in warm Gulf water, float, or just sit and take it all in. Your captain knows which sandbar is best on a given day depending on tides, wind, and crowds.
Bottlenose dolphins are a regular presence in Sarasota Bay, and the Siesta Funship's captain knows the feeding zones and patrol routes where sightings are most reliable. This isn't a guaranteed wildlife show — it's a real, unscripted encounter with animals in their natural environment. Groups consistently rank dolphin encounters among the best moments of their Sarasota trip.
The Gulf of Mexico at sunset is something that's hard to describe until you've seen it. On a Siesta Funship sunset cruise, you're out on the water as the sky shifts from gold to deep orange, with the Sarasota skyline behind you and open water ahead. These trips are popular for anniversaries, birthdays, and anyone who just wants to end the day the right way.
Bachelorette parties, bachelor parties, birthdays, family reunions, corporate outings — the Siesta Funship handles celebrations of all kinds. The private format means your group can set the vibe without worrying about other passengers. Tell us what you're celebrating and what matters most to your group, and we'll put together an itinerary that works.
Sarasota’s waterways form a layered network that rewards local knowledge. Sarasota Bay runs along the mainland, wide and calm, sheltered from the Gulf by a chain of barrier islands — Siesta Key to the south, Lido Key and Longboat Key to the north. The passes — Big Pass and New Pass — connect the bay to the open Gulf, and each has its own character depending on tide and season.
Siesta Key’s position makes it a natural anchor point for charter trips. The waters around it include some of the most productive dolphin habitat in the region, access to multiple sandbars, and a quick route to Gulf waters for those who want open-water views. Lido Key and the area around St. Armands Circle add more shoreline to explore.
What looks like an open blue expanse from the shore is actually a patchwork of channels, flats, and current lines that your captain reads in real time. A guide who has run these routes for years makes every difference between a good trip and a great one.
A Siesta Funship charter includes the private use of the boat, a licensed and experienced local captain, and a customizable itinerary for your group. The boat has shaded seating and is equipped for safety. Guests bring their own food, drinks, and cooler. There are no hidden fees for the captain’s navigation or local knowledge.
The Siesta Funship accommodates up to 6 guests per charter. This keeps the experience personal and gives everyone plenty of room on the boat. All charters are fully private, so your group will never be combined with other passengers.
Charters cover Sarasota Bay, the Gulf of Mexico, and the surrounding waters including Siesta Key, Lido Key, and the coastal passes. Popular destinations include sandbars at Big Pass, Midnight Pass, Beer Can Island, and Jewfish Key. The captain adjusts routes based on conditions and guest preferences.
Yes. The Siesta Funship is stable, spacious, and safe for children of all ages. The private format means families can set their own pace without worrying about strangers or a fixed group schedule. Small pets are also welcome with advance notice.
Bring a cooler with drinks and snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses, towels, and any clothing layers you might want in open water. Swimwear or comfortable clothes work well. The captain handles everything else — navigation, equipment, and local expertise.
You can book directly through the Siesta Funship booking page. For peak times, booking at least a week in advance is strongly recommended. If weather forces a cancellation on the day of your trip, rescheduling is always an option at no penalty.
With 175+ five-star reviews and years of local experience, the Siesta Funship has earned its reputation as the go-to private charter on Sarasota Bay. The captain knows these waters better than almost anyone, and every trip is built around your group’s experience. Spots fill up fast, especially in season.