Private Sunset & River Cruises in Navarre Beach, FL
Showintail Inshore Charters runs private river cruises in Navarre, FL from our home base at 1451 Navarre Beach Causeway. Your group gets the whole shaded pontoon and a licensed Florida captain for a 2-hour, 3-hour, or custom trip. River cruises start at $250 per charter.
Showintail has a 4.8-star Google rating and has been on the water for more than 10 years.
Why We Pick the Launch Point for Each Cruise
Our home base is on the Navarre Beach Causeway, but cruises don’t always leave from there. We pick from several boat ramps based on the wind, the weather, and the tide, a system we also use for our guided fishing charters in Navarre, FL.
Santa Rosa Sound, the protected water between the mainland and Santa Rosa Island, is calmer than the open Gulf. Wind and tide still shape the ride there, and they are the main reason the launch spot shifts between trips.
Blackwater and Santa Rosa Sound: Two Different Cruises
We offer two types of river cruises: Blackwater cruises and Santa Rosa Sound sunset cruises.
Blackwater Cruises
The Blackwater River got its name in 1821 from its dark-colored water. It empties into Blackwater Bay, which connects to East Bay and Pensacola Bay.
In the 1800s, Milton was the hub of the river’s lumber trade. The remains of at least 15 commercial vessels still lie in the river near Milton and Bagdad.
Santa Rosa Sound Sunset Cruises
Our sunset cruises run on Santa Rosa Sound, where dolphin sightings are common. West of Navarre Beach, the sound borders the Santa Rosa Area of Gulf Islands National Seashore, about eight miles of undeveloped barrier island.
To the east, Eglin Air Force Base land borders the island past Navarre Beach Marine Park. Between the national seashore and Eglin, much of the island’s shoreline outside Navarre Beach remains undeveloped.
What Every Private Cruise Includes
Every river cruise is a private charter, so your group has the boat to itself.
- Per-charter pricing.You pay for the boat, not for each passenger.
- Shade and seating.The pontoon has a shaded canopy and comfortable seating.
- Safety gear.We provide life jackets and safety equipment for every guest, including kids.
- A cooler.Bring your own snacks and drinks. We provide the cooler.
- Your choice of length.Book a 2-hour cruise, a 3-hour cruise (our most popular), or a custom private charter.
- A licensed Florida captain.Your captain runs the boat, so your group can relax.
Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a towel, and a camera. If your group wants to fish on another day, our 3-hour family fishing trips in Navarre Beach include the rods, tackle, and bait.
Booking a Cruise, Start to Finish
Book online through FareHarbor, our booking partner, which shows live availability and instantly confirms your date. Weekends book up first, so reserve early if you have a specific date in mind.
Before your trip, your captain will contact you with the launch point and the day’s plan. Same-day booking confirmations are common.
Check live dates online, or call us to request a quote for a custom private charter.
Areas We Serve Around Navarre
River Cruises in Navarre, FL: Common Questions
Here are answers to the questions guests ask most before they book.
Call (850) 582-3474What time do sunset cruises in Navarre leave?
Departure times shift through the year because our private sunset cruises follow the sunset itself. In Navarre, the sun sets just before 5 p.m. in early December and close to 8 p.m. by late June. Your captain confirms the exact meeting time and boat ramp after you book.
Will we see dolphins on a cruise?
Dolphin sightings are common in Santa Rosa Sound. Dolphins are wild animals, though, so no one can guarantee a sighting on every trip.
How much does a river cruise cost?
River cruises start at $250 per charter. The price covers the whole boat rather than each passenger, so your group pays no extra-person fees. The FareHarbor calendar shows live pricing for each trip and date.
Are river cruises a good fit for young kids?
Yes. Tell us the children’s ages when you book so we can match the trip to their attention span and comfort level. The 2-hour cruise works well as a quick trip, and our kids fishing trips in Navarre Beach also run two hours if your children want to fish.
Can we book a custom cruise length?
Yes. Besides our 2-hour and 3-hour cruises, we offer custom private charters tailored to your group. Call us or request a quote with your preferred date, and we’ll help you plan the trip.