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
870 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
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.
Cancel
Martin Q,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00They canceled last minute. They claimed it was because of weather but it was sunny and beautiful. My feelings is they didn’t sell enough seats so they didn’t go. A real shame since we were looking forward to it.
Trip was cancelled
1worldtosee,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00Canceled at 1:30 day of and what is weird is the other boat captains from another company joked that this boat cancelled often. He was right. We walked down and rebooked, at a highter rate, with the water taxi which worked out fine.
Very old, super noise...
Alla G,Mar 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00Very old, super noise boat! Uncomfortable seats! The tour guy was super nice and knowledgeable, but has to scream in Mike that we can hear his speech
Loved it!
Krystina L,Mar 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Definitely get there early for parking and walk time. But what an amazing time! It was the perfect day and Mark was so kind and very knowledgeable! Great for an afternoon date idea.
Relaxing time on the water.
Steve F,Mar 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very relaxing. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable. 1.5 hours was a perfect amount of time. Great time!
The tour guide was...
joann h,Mar 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour guide was excellent. It was hard to see at times because of the tall front of the boat. The seats were hard.
History Tour
Lynn H,Mar 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Mark was extremely knowledgeable, professional, and friendly. Fun facts about Tampa and the boat ride was so nice.
From US$30.77
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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