Tampa History Cruise
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
One of the most picturesque harbors in Florida, Tampa Harbor abounds with history on all sides. The waterfront features museums, shipyards and million dollar homes. See the Pirate ship "Gabriella" up close, view the most beautiful building in Tampa "the Plant Hotel" and learn how Tampa became a city.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Henry B. Plant Museum
With 4,000 years of people living in Tampa on this cruise, you will learn about how this this city grew from a Spanish outpost to the fastest growing city in Florida. This tour takes you step by step through the evolution of the city and as you cruise along the waters, the history unfolds all around you. Your guides will divulge little known facts about this city and share them with you. Many locals have said "I have lived here all my life and never knew that about Tampa!" When you leave this tour, you will know more than locals! Learn more than you image possible about Pirates and their history in Tampa. See the Pirate ship “Gabriella” up close and be sure to ask your guide "what's a Pirate beard in Tampa?" You will be surprised at the answer!
Tampa Water Taxi Company
With 4,000 years of people living in Tampa on this cruise, you will learn about how this this city grew from a Spanish outpost to the fastest growing city in Florida. This tour takes you step by step through the evolution of the city and as you cruise along the waters, the history unfolds all around you. Your guides will divulge little known facts about this city and share them with you. Many locals have said "I have lived here all my life and never knew that about Tampa!" When you leave this tour, you will know more than locals! Learn more than you image possible about Pirates and their history in Tampa. See the Pirate ship “Gabriella” up close and be sure to ask your guide "what's a Pirate beard in Tampa?" You will be surprised at the answer!
What‘s Included
History Cruise
Soda/Pop
Bottled water
Parking
Transportation to/from attraction
Gratuities (optional}
Options
12:30pm Tampa History Cruise
Learn about how Tampa grew from a Spanish outpost to the fastest growing city in Florida, with 4,000 years of people living in this city. This tour takes you step by step through its evolution.
4:00 pm Tampa History Cruise
Learn about how Tampa grew from a Spanish outpost to the fastest growing city in Florida, with 4,000 years of people living in this city. This tour takes you step by step through its evolution.
Reviews
877 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Tampa history tour
kolleenh2026,Apr 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a great tour with friends, captain was knowledgeable about history of the bay. Its must do in Tampa
Fun day in Tampa Bay!
Robyn L,Apr 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Fun and informative! The boat and the speakers on the boat were a bit old but overall a beautiful afternoon
Trip canceled. We were given five minutes notice
Resort31177423843,Apr 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00We drove over an hour to get to the boat. We parked our car and walked about 10 minutes to the boat. We were met by a very nice gentleman. Named Mark. He explained we would be leaving on time. Five minutes prior to departure we were told the trip had suddenly been canceled because there was a storm coming in about an hour. He apologized and said he just was told. Trip Advisor said we would be given a refund for our trip but it would take 5-7 days. No one offered to compensate us for our fuel or parking.
Do it!
Lorraine M,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Fantastic day on the water learning so much about the area of Tampa! Mark was fabulous! Lovely touch adding the cool beverage!
Historical tour of the Bay
carolluvstennis,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great cruise of the waterways with historic Stories to go along the way.
Captain was amazing
Debra D,Apr 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This tour was above what it is advertised as. Our captain and narrator was amazing. Full of so may facts. He had our full attention whenever he was speaking.
Fun way to see and learn about Tampa!
edwardsar24,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great time! Mark, our guide, was fantastic! He was very friendly and incredibly knowledgeable! We really enjoyed learning about Davis island and some Celebrity houses!
A tour well worth your time and money
Urbanight,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Joining the cruise was actually a last-minute decision on our part but one we did not regret for a moment. Our boat operator and guide, Mark, was superb. He was welcoming, funny, friendly and incredibly knowledgeable. He must do lots of tours each week, with an almost non-stop commentary, but he never once sounded robotic. The history of Tampa was explained from ‘the beginning’ right up until the current time. It lasted around 1.5hrs and was well worth the time and money. Seeing a place from the water and learning its historical backstory adds something special to one’s visit. Many thanks, Mark.
Fun way to explore!!
marcecolleen,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great value and wonderful way to see and explore the downtown Tampa area with no traffic! Captain Larry was entertaining and very knowledgable!
Great way to see the city by water!
Tim S,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Shows a good slice of Tampa. Captain Larry is very responsive. The boat is conveniently located near trolley stop 9 behind the History Museum.
From US$30.77
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Related Experiences
Operated by Tampa water taxi