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Tampa History Cruise provided by Tampa Water Taxi Company

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Tampa History Cruise

See all things to do
See all things to do
Tampa History Cruise
3.5
74
By Tampa Water Taxi Company
Book in advance
from
$30.77
per adult
Reserve now & pay later: Save your spot free of charge with flexible booking.
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Full view
Tour snapshot
Take in great views of Tampa from the harbor
Duration:
1h 30m
Taking Covid-19 safety measures
Group size:
30
Stroller accessible
Ticket type:
Mobile
Free cancellation
  • Duration:
    1h 30m
  • Taking Covid-19 safety measures
  • Group size:
    30
  • Stroller accessible
  • Ticket type:
    Mobile
  • Free cancellation
About
Learn about Tampa past and present while taking in beautiful views of the city with this harbor cruise. Your on-board guide tells you all about the Floridian city's history, from pre-colonial times until today. You also get to see a real pirate ship, the Gabriella, up close and personal.
Know before you go
  • Duration: 1h 30m
  • Mobile tickets accepted
Cancellation policy
  • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
Available languages
English
Highlights
  • A local guide will provide on-board commentary
  • Choose from multiple departure times throughout the day
  • Water and soft drinks are provided
What to expect
Know before you go
  • Duration: 1h 30m
  • Mobile tickets accepted
Available languages
English
Cancellation policy
  • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
Highlights
  • A local guide will provide on-board commentary
  • Choose from multiple departure times throughout the day
  • Water and soft drinks are provided
What to expect
Need help booking?
Call the number below and use the product code: 10654P2
Important information
Inclusions
  • History Cruise
  • Bottled water
  • Soda/Pop
Exclusions
  • Parking
  • Transportation to/from attraction
  • Gratuities (optional}
Duration
1h 30m
Departure details
  • PWT3 - History Center/Amalie Arena, Tampa, FL 33602, USA Departure Point: Behind The Tampa Bay History Center at the dock Tampa FL. Address: 801 Old Water Street Tampa, FL 33602 Directions: Dock (water taxi dock #3) behind the Tampa Bay History Center 801 Old Water Street. Parking at parking lots on Chanelside drive Board the blue boat with yellow top
Additional information
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
  • Most travelers can participate
  • Covid-19 Health operation for our tours. We have lowered the capacity of our vessels from 45 to 15 to allow for social distancing of each group on the boat. Our boats will be sanitized between each departure. ALL guests are required to wear a face covering (nose and mouth) at all times. Boarding will be refused to any guest not wearing a face covering without a refund. We care about your and our staff's health. So Thank You for your cooperation it is appreciated.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers
Inclusions
  • History Cruise
  • Bottled water
  • Soda/Pop
Exclusions
  • Parking
  • Transportation to/from attraction
  • Gratuities (optional}
Departure details
  • PWT3 - History Center/Amalie Arena, Tampa, FL 33602, USA Departure Point: Behind The Tampa Bay History Center at the dock Tampa FL. Address: 801 Old Water Street Tampa, FL 33602 Directions: Dock (water taxi dock #3) behind the Tampa Bay History Center 801 Old Water Street. Parking at parking lots on Chanelside drive Board the blue boat with yellow top
Duration
1h 30m
Return details
  • Returns to original departure point
Additional information
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
  • Most travelers can participate
  • Covid-19 Health operation for our tours. We have lowered the capacity of our vessels from 45 to 15 to allow for social distancing of each group on the boat. Our boats will be sanitized between each departure. ALL guests are required to wear a face covering (nose and mouth) at all times. Boarding will be refused to any guest not wearing a face covering without a refund. We care about your and our staff's health. So Thank You for your cooperation it is appreciated.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers
Travel safe during COVID-19
Last updated: Nov 28, 2020
A note from Tampa History Cruise
Guests will be seated in group sections only with there party.
What you can expect during your visit
  • Gear/equipment sanitized between use
  • Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
  • Guides required to regularly wash hands
What you can expect during your visit
  • Gear/equipment sanitized between use
  • Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
  • Guides required to regularly wash hands
  • Face masks required for travelers in public areas
  • Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
  • Social distancing enforced throughout experience
  • Face masks required for guides in public areas
Itinerary
  • You'll start at
    PWT3 - History Center/Amalie Arena
    Tampa, FL 33602, USA
    Departure Point: Behind The Tampa Bay History Center at the dock Tampa FL. Address: 801 Old Water Street Tampa, FL 33602 Directions: Dock (water taxi dock #3) behind the Tampa Bay History Center 801 Old Water Street. Parking at parking lots on Chanelside drive Board the blue boat with yellow top
    See address & details
  • Pass by
    Henry B. Plant Museum
    Tampa Water Taxi Company
  • You'll return to the starting point
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
3.5
74 reviews
Excellent
34
Very good
12
Average
7
Poor
4
Terrible
17
Kat F
1 contribution
Great tour
Couples
The cruise was great the guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. The bay was beautiful and breezy.
Written August 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
DessertsDivaFL
Cape Coral, FL776 contributions
A must do in Tampa area
The Tampa History Cruise is a must do if you’re not familiar with the history of Tampa. You get a very informative captain and unique point of view from the boat.

The location of the dock is directly behind the Tampa history center building. Look for the black and yellow checkered number three sign and you will have the correct dock. There is no sign anywhere saying that is the dock to pick up the Tampa History Cruise. It is right next to an overpass that goes over the water. The seating is very hard and at a unusual angle so if you can bring a cushioned seat. He does provide lots of cold bottles of water on hot days. You may or may not get a shaded seat so be prepared for that. However, when moving you get a nice breeze. If you have difficulty hearing I would suggest sitting directly in front of the captains consul as there is a speaker right there. You are allowed to stand up and move around a little bit on the boat so you don’t have to sit the entire time. he does arrive at the dock 10 minutes before the departure time so if he’s not there before that do not panic because he is coming. Typically he is returning back to the dock with another group that had a cruise. I get very seasick and I can honestly say I did not get seasick whatsoever. It is not for people who have moderate mobility issues as it is tricky to get in and out of the boat using the plastic stairs he provides. Just wanted to give some honest opinions so that you have a enjoyable time. Truly a great option for something to do on a nice day.
Written August 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Claudia M
1 contribution
History cruise
We were told our trip was canceled due to bad weather. July 26th. We arrived at dock and we were told again trip was canceled. We have not received a refund.
Written August 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Paul.garabedian34@gmail.com
Englewood, FL30 contributions
Boat tour of Tampa
Couples
It was a great experience, the tour boat captain was having a good time explaining everything he knew about the Tampa area . Will not let you down
Written August 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Nirzka Labault
2 contributions
Waist of money
Family
A decent boat, with proper environment for the passengers,not a dingy little boat when there were at least 20 people in such a hot and humid day…so disappointed 😔
Written July 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kristan W
1 contribution
Another way to view the city
Couples
Tour guide was great! Only feedback I would give has nothing to do with him. Seating is a tad bit uncomfortable, especially if you are short like me 😬 The angle of the seats makes your legs/ankles go numb so it was really just trying to find a way to get comfortable. Every now and then the audio of the speak would go out but nothing that really interferes with the experience.
Written July 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Melinda
4 contributions
Awesome Tampa History Cruise
Couples
Tampa History Cruise was absolutely fantastic! Our host was so personable, prompt and such a pleasure to learn from. Awesome views from the waterways of Tampa and so much factual and historic information. Can't say enough about our great host. Sorry if I've forgotten his name. Want to say, Dave. Thank you! You made my mom's birthday even more special!
Written July 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Manuel C
2 contributions
I would recommend another company
I booked the trip before 7 am in the morning for and afternoon tour and got a confirmation number. My wife and I showed up 15 minutes early to make sure that we had the correct location. They boat never showed up. I called the number on the confirmation notice and I was told that they had canceled all the trips for bad weather but other boats were going out and it was sunny although it did rain in the morning. I never received an email until I called the trip advisor help desk to get a refund. We did get mini tour through water taxi who was great. I don’t think that it was good customer relations nor business sense to not show up nor communicate in the event that mechanical or inclement weather prevented the tour.
Written July 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Stacey P
Schenectady, NY16 contributions
Tampa History Cruise
Couples
Relaxing educational boat tour of the Tampa Bay area.. Tour guide was articulate, knowledgeable and entertaining. Wonderful 1-1/2 hour birthday present for my 90-year-old mother!
Written July 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Barry R
DeLand, FL1 contribution
Informative boat ride about the history of Tampa
Couples
Overall my wife and I enjoyed the boat ride and learning about some of the history of the city. The captain was great and informative, no complaints about him at all. The reason I'm not giving them 5 stars is because of the boat itself. The bench seat, for a guy my size, was too small and uncomfortable after sitting on it for an hour. Also, it was packed - so be prepared to get to know your neighbors - there was nothing I could to separate myself from the woman sitting next to me so I was pressed up against her the entire trip. Be sure to wear sunscreen on a sunny day because you may be seated in an area where you have no shade. Also, they go out on rainy days if they think there will be a break in the rain for your scheduled time, so don't assume they'll cancel because of the weather. The Garrison Street parking lot is inexpensive to park at (like $2 an hour) and is right next to the Tampa Bay History Center and the dock where you catch the boat is behind that building - it's clearly marked #3. There's a walkway from the back of the parking lot that crosses Beneficial Dr. and goes behind the history center and the first walkway down to the water is dock #3 where you catch the boat.
Written June 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Showing results 1-10 of 72
About the operator

Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator.

By: Tampa Water Taxi Company
278
JaVon W
JaVon W
00
Very nice experience.
My fiancé and I had a nice time. We saw lots of dolphins, and learned some history about Tampa Bay. The captain was…
943kennethh
943kennethh
00
Great historical tour of the riverine segments of Tampa.
Enjoyed the river boat ride around Tampa. Loved learning the history and seeing the major sites and of course the …
holiday_florida
holiday_florida
00
Rain issue
Had to cancel due to rain but they let us know as soon as they could. Very professional and let me know as soon as …
Cheryl P
Cheryl P
00
Dolphin tour
The guide was great. He had alot of knowledge about everything that we were passing and saw.Wish we could have seen…
A9268VApaulb
A9268VApaulb
00
No dolphins on this trip
Unfortunately we did not get a chance to see any dolphins altho it was a nice day and we did enjoy the boat ride
baywaves
baywaves
00
Tour cancelled by company phone call at 6 AM
Company cancelled the tour by phone call at 6 AM morning of the tour. No explanations. Weather was beautiful. Au…
Footprints369750
Footprints369750
00
Perfect trip!
The staff was super nice! We did actually get to see dolphins! We had a really nice time! The people on the boat w…
DayTrip791986
DayTrip791986
00
Perfect trip out in the Bay😃
A fantastic tour out in the bay, Captain Mark was full of knowledge of the dolphins and the area. We saw Dolphins a…
kevinwV2507ML
kevinwV2507ML
00
Great Trip
The ride itself was nice and relaxing even before seeing the dolphins and that just felt like a bonus!
cliffords752
cliffords752
00
Birthday trip canceled
My trip was canceled for unknown reasons? Refund will take 5-7 business days (payment in full required when reserve…
L4874FQmelissar
L4874FQmelissar
00
Excellent!
Our guide was very knowledgeable. It was so much fun. It was our first time in Tampa. The next time we are down the…
stephaniewJ3811WY
stephaniewJ3811WY
00
Not the best. Tour gentleman was super nice
We never seen any Dolphins! The gentleman was very nice but it wasn't worth the money! I expect more for our tour.
carynctraveler2020
carynctraveler2020
00
Canceled trip
The tour company canceled our trip the morning of our reservation, stating it was “due to weather”. It was a beauti…
taramB6550FC
taramB6550FC
00
SCAM! Collects money but doesn’t provide a service to many!!
Read all the reviews! So many stating how rude and unprofessional “manager/owner” is. You can see by his replies. I…
blondiem313
blondiem313
00
Terrible
First, the boat is nothing, but an old tub! Its an old boat taxi with no toilet facilities. Captain Larry does a…
Frequently Asked Questions about Tampa History Cruise
During this experience, places you will visit include:Discover and book Tampa History Cruise on Tripadvisor
Tampa History Cruise price starts from $30.77. Discover and book Tampa History Cruise on Tripadvisor
Tampa History Cruise cancellation policy: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience. Discover and book Tampa History Cruise on Tripadvisor
Tampa History Cruise is hosted by Tampa Water Taxi Company. Read reviews, discover additonal experiences or contact Tampa Water Taxi Company on Tripadvisor. Discover and book Tampa History Cruise on Tripadvisor