My apologies to Captain Scott for my belated appraisal of Speed Boat Adventures. Looking for something different and invigorating for our short Florida road trip, I took my son for a surprise Father's Day speed boat jaunt across Boca Ciega Bay and out to the waters off Fort De Soto. Captain Scott is a most accommodating guide, especially given his patience for our tardy arrival compliments of being stuck at a drawbridge. The mellow fellows operating this family-friendly adventure that is equally fun for kids and grown-ups make their guests feel right at home on the water regardless of one's experience in a powerboat. While the tour may be somewhat limited in information about sights along the route, it is more than compensated by the thrill of speeding across various points of the bay playing follow the leader to the captain who remains in contact with all boats via one-way radio. My son got to drive and couldn't wait to get air over the waves and wakes of larger boats.
A great experience for first-time powerboaters and just plain good fun for veterans who want to run about in small but very peppy 30 HP outboard mini-speedboats. A tad pricey, but again, where can you get out on the water and pilot your own boat for a couple of hours without competing with crowds or queuing in long lines at other more popular attractions in central Florida?
Highly recommended for skippers of all levels, dates, families, bachelor/bachelorette parties and even grandfolks.
Give Speed Boat Adventures a try. You'll be glad you did.