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
834 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
This trip was a very...
James R,,Feb 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This trip was a very informative ride. Lots if history of the development of Tampa and the areas in downtown. Our guide was very knowledgeable of the area and provided a ton of goid tidbits!
Interesting history but uncomfortable seats on the boat
Susan S,,Feb 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Interesting history as we sailed around the islands. The boat could be more comfortable, though, and the PA system cut out occasionally. I would have left a tip if the captain had made it easier to do. But it's too hard to dig through my purse for my wallet and cash while trying to disembark. Could Viator play a role in this by offering an automated way for the customer to tip after the trip like Uber does?
A great experience on the water!
Scenic26140955549,,Feb 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The Tampa History Cruise was great! First of all we had great weather! A beautiful, warm, sunny day, so that helped a lot. The boat pilot was very knowledgeable about the history of Tampa and presented it in an easy going manner. He pointed out interesting facts about the views we had which made it enjoyable. There were only about 10 people on our cruise, so it was easy to move around and get some good photos.
Leave plenty of time to find the place
Vacation38418029294,,Feb 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00We got close with 25 minutes to spare. Apple maps took us to the middle of a bridge and told us we had arrived, so we turned around and saw the History Center but did not see any docks on that side of the bridge. My husband is disabled, so I needed to find where we were going before he left the car. I walked behind the History Center and found Taxi dock 3 but did not have time to go back to the car and get my husband. The boat does not wait. The tour operator said he sent an email about parking the day before, but we didn't get it - until I looked in my spam folder afterwards. I'm disappointed - it was a beautiful day, and there is no refund.
Fun and budget friendly family activity in the center of Tampa
Maria R,,Feb 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great activity! Educational and well organized. Mark is very knowledgeable and engaging. He knows a lot about the history and modern state of Tampa and shares it in easy and understandable way! Our 9 year old loved the trip and fun facts about the area. Simple but clean boat with beautiful views along Tampa. Great value for a reasonable price and central departure location close to many popular places to visit in Tampa before/after the tour. Highly recommend for a relaxing family friendly activity.
Tour guide was great! The boat was not!
T703GJtm,,Feb 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00The tour guide was wonderful! The boat, however, was not. Extremely uncomfortable seating, and the high sides in the front made it impossible to see anything. It wasn't feasible to stand all the time and even when we did, it was hard to see.
Must do!
Carmen D,,Feb 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00My boyfriend and I went on this tour for a Valentine’s date and it was amazing! The tour guide is very knowledgeable and kind. Highly recommend
Great way to spend time...
SANDRA T,,Feb 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Great way to spend time with friends. It was a beautiful day and we had a dolphin sighting. Tampa has a lot of interesting fun facts and history!
Great day on Tampa waterway
pambZ4069HP,,Feb 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The seats were a little uncomfortable on the boat but it was a great trip. Mark, the guide, was pleasant, knowledgeable, and courteous.
The best water tour on Tampa Bay
GrandFathe,,Feb 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A very enjoyable and informative water tour. Captain MARK is absolutely the best narrator ever! He was very approachable with comments and questions and spoke distinctly and slowly. He repeated many of the things he said so we didn’t miss anything.
From US$30.77
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