Duration, boats and rates
Private-group pricing
2.5-hour private Sandbar & Island Tour from Englewood. The listed price reserves the selected boat for your group rather than charging each guest separately.
- Deposit
- 50% to reserve
- Balance
- Due before departure
- Arrival
- 30 minutes early
- Departure
- Private Lemon Bay dock
What the tour is designed to do
The trip combines a scenic Lemon Bay cruise with time in or beside shallow water when conditions permit. Depending on tide, wind, crowding, protected habitat and safe access, the captain may choose an appropriate sandy edge, island area or wading stop. The website does not promise one exact sandbar or an island landing on every departure.
- 2.5 private hours
- Swimming and floating when conditions allow
- Shelling or shoreline exploration when lawful
- Route and stop selected on the day
Rates for three boat options
Rora² carries up to six and provides the lower private rate. Louise carries up to 12 with a pontoon layout suited to relaxed group time. Duques carries up to 12 as the premium 38 ft option and costs $100 more than Louise. Vessel draft, tide and landing conditions affect which stop is practical.
- Rora²: $425 for up to 6
- Louise: $535 for up to 12
- Duques: $635 for up to 12
What is included
The private rate includes the captain, fuel and practical equipment for time on the water. A swim ladder, floats and snorkeling equipment are available where applicable to the confirmed vessel and conditions. Restroom access is provided before departure at the dock.
- Fuel, bottled water, cooler and ice
- Shade and Bluetooth music
- Adult and children's life jackets
- Swim ladder, floats and snorkeling equipment where applicable
- Dry storage and charging ports
What to bring
Bring towels, sunscreen, swimming clothes and secure footwear suitable for stepping into shallow water. Food, drinks, alcohol and personal coolers may be brought aboard, but glass is not allowed. Pack compactly and expect personal items to get sandy or damp.
- Towels and swimming gear
- Reef-conscious sunscreen when practical
- Food and drinks in non-glass containers
- Personal cooler that can be safely stowed
- No glass aboard
Natural conditions control the stop
Sand moves, water levels change and currents can reshape shallow areas. A location that worked on another day may be too shallow, exposed, crowded or unsafe for the confirmed vessel. Wildlife sightings, shell finds and water clarity are also natural variables rather than guaranteed features.
- Tide and water depth
- Wind and current
- Boat traffic and crowding
- Protected habitat and posted restrictions
Departure, parking and accessibility
Departing from a private dock at the mouth of Gottfried Creek where it meets Lemon Bay. Exact address provided after booking. Parking and restrooms are available, and guests should arrive 30 minutes early. Tell the operator about limited mobility before paying because both the dock and stepping into shallow water can be difficult.
- Private dock directly on Lemon Bay
- Exact address after booking
- Arrive 30 minutes early
- Discuss mobility and swimming comfort in advance
Deposit, cancellation and weather
A 50% deposit reserves the boat and the remaining 50% is due before departure on embarkation day. Changes requested at least 72 hours ahead may receive a refund or booking credit. Inside 72 hours, the deposit is non-refundable. If Englewood Boat Tours cancels before departure for unsafe conditions, guests may reschedule, receive credit or receive a refund.
- Review the cancellation policy
- Review the weather policy
Request a sandbar date
Use the booking form or call (941) 841-9660 with the date, group size, children's ages, swimming comfort and boat preference. Published rates are private-group prices before tax and were last reviewed on September 2, 2026.
Questions, answered
Sandbar & Island Boat Tour in Englewood FAQ
Specific reservation details are confirmed in writing before your trip.
How long is the Sandbar & Island Tour?
The private tour is 2.5 hours. Guests should arrive 30 minutes before the confirmed departure.
How much does the sandbar tour cost?
The private-group rate is $425 on Rora² for up to 6, $535 on Louise for up to 12, or $635 on Duques for up to 12, before tax.
Is a particular sandbar or island guaranteed?
No. Tide, water depth, weather, protected habitat, traffic and safe vessel access determine the route and stop.
Can we swim?
Swimming and wading may be part of the outing when conditions, the confirmed stop and individual ability make it appropriate.
Are floats and snorkeling gear included?
Floats and snorkeling equipment are included where applicable to the confirmed vessel, stop and conditions.
Can we bring food and alcohol?
Yes, when safely packed in non-glass containers. Glass is not allowed aboard.
Is the tour suitable for children?
It can be, but provide children's ages and swimming comfort before booking so the vessel and plan can be evaluated.
What payment is required?
A 50% deposit reserves the boat. The remaining 50% is due before departure on embarkation day.
Reserve your private experience
Ready to request Sandbar and Island Boat Tour?
Send your preferred date, group size, duration and boat choice. Availability is confirmed before the 50% deposit is collected.