Punta Gorda Cabbage Key & Sandbar Tour
Private Trip
Excursion
Private 45 hour boat tour through Charlotte Harbor watersVisit historic Cabbage Key restaurant and scenic water towerSandbar stop with wildlife viewing opportunities included
Captain Glenn Sharp knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to show you the best of Charlotte Harbor on this top-rated 4 to 5-hour boat tour. You'll cruise scenic waterways, spot playful dolphins and gentle manatees, then dock at the legendary Cabbage Key for lunch at their famous restaurant. After you've had your fill of island charm and maybe climbed the historic water tower for those panoramic views, we'll hit a pristine sandbar where you can wade in crystal-clear shallows or just soak up the Florida sun. This private charter welcomes up to three guests, making it perfect for couples or small families who want a personalized island-hopping adventure without the crowds.
Your day starts from Punta Gorda's marina where Captain Glenn will greet you and give a quick safety briefing before we push off into Charlotte Harbor. The boat ride itself is part of the magic – we'll cruise at a comfortable pace so you can take in the coastal scenery and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife. Dolphins love to play in our wake, and manatees often surface near the grass flats, especially during cooler months. The route to Cabbage Key takes us through some of the most beautiful backcountry waters on Florida's Gulf Coast, past mangrove islands and shallow bays that have looked the same for centuries. Captain Glenn shares stories about the area's history and points out landmarks you'd never notice on your own. The whole vibe is relaxed and conversational – no rushing, no packed schedules, just a genuine boat tour experience tailored to what your group wants to see and do.
We navigate these waters using local knowledge that only comes from years of guiding tours through Charlotte Harbor's maze of channels and islands. The boat is equipped with modern electronics, but Captain Glenn relies heavily on reading the water – understanding tides, spotting shallow areas, and knowing exactly where to find the best sandbars depending on conditions that day. At Cabbage Key, we'll tie up at the marina dock and you'll have time to explore this quirky island that's been attracting boaters since the 1930s. The restaurant is famous for its cheeseburgers and the thousands of dollar bills stuck to the walls and ceiling, each with a story from visiting boaters. After lunch, we'll cruise to a nearby sandbar where the water might only be knee-deep for hundreds of yards. These sandbars shift with storms and tides, so Captain Glenn scouts the best spots based on current conditions. You can walk around, collect shells, or just enjoy being in the middle of nowhere with nothing but clear water and blue sky around you.
Bottlenose dolphins are the stars of Charlotte Harbor, and you've got excellent chances of seeing them year-round on this tour. These intelligent marine mammals often approach boats out of curiosity, especially around Cabbage Key where they've learned that fishing boats mean easy meals. Watch for their dorsal fins cutting through the water, and don't be surprised if a pod decides to surf our boat's wake – it's like a free dolphin show that never gets old. Captain Glenn knows their favorite hangouts and can often predict where we'll encounter them based on tides and bait fish activity.
West Indian manatees call these warm waters home, particularly from October through April when they seek refuge from cooler Gulf temperatures. These gentle giants can weigh over 1,000 pounds but move through the water with surprising grace. They're most active in the early morning and late afternoon, often surfacing near grass beds where they graze on sea grass. Spotting one is always a highlight – their whiskered faces and curious nature make for amazing photo opportunities, though we always maintain respectful distances as required by law.
The bird life around Cabbage Key is phenomenal, especially for photography enthusiasts. Great blue herons stalk the shallows like prehistoric fishing machines, while osprey patrol overhead looking for fish near the surface. Roseate spoonbills, with their shocking pink plumage, feed in the grass flats during winter months. Brown pelicans are year-round residents and put on diving shows when bait fish are schooling. Captain Glenn knows which mangrove rookeries are active during nesting season, offering chances to see birds you'd never spot from shore.
This Cabbage Key and sandbar tour delivers everything that makes Southwest Florida special – wildlife encounters, island history, and those perfect sandbar moments that remind you why people fall in love with our waters. Captain Glenn's local expertise and relaxed approach mean you'll see more and stress less than on typical crowded tour boats. With flexible departure times and a small group size, this private charter adapts to your schedule and interests. Whether you're celebrating an anniversary, introducing kids to boating, or just need a break from the everyday grind, this world-class boat tour offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. Book your spot now and discover why this customer favorite keeps guests coming back to explore Charlotte Harbor's hidden gems with Reel Sharp Sportfishing.
Punta Gorda, FL, United States