Sail Venice FL Sailing Charters

Sail the waterways of Venice, Florida with Captain Dove and her crew at Sail Venice. Relax beneath the shady canopy as you sail out into the Gulf of Mexico aboard the comfortable 30-foot Inspiration. You can sit back and relax or opt for a more hands-on cruise, taking the helm when it’s safe to do so and getting a feel for “real” sailing, powered by wind and waves. 

Sail Venice fun & relaxing sailing charters Venice, Florida.
Photo courtesy Sail Venice

Private Sailing Cruises with Sail Venice

Sail Venice combines the pure pleasure of being out on the water in a peaceful sailboat with sightseeing and wildlife encounters. You may see docile manatees feeding on seagrass, stingrays, sea turtles, and dolphins leaping playfully around the boat. There’s always plenty of birdlife, including wading herons, egrets, and soaring ospreys looking for an easy catch. 

Dolphins swim in the Gulf of Mexico near Sail Venice sailing boat in Venice, Florida. Must Do Visitor Guides.
Photo courtesy Sail Venice
Dolphins swim in the Gulf of Mexico near Sail Venice sailing boat in Venice, Florida. Must Do Visitor Guides.
Photo courtesy Sail Venice

Based at Crow’s Nest Marina on Tarpon Center Drive in Venice, Sail Venice offers sailing trips for two to six people. Larger groups will have the boat to themselves while smaller parties may be combined with other guests in peak season. It’s the perfect way to surprise a loved one, celebrate a special anniversary or birthday, or spend quality time relaxing with family and friends while on visiting the area. 

The price of each sailing cruise includes complimentary soft drinks, water, adult beverages along with light snacks, cheese and crackers, meat, and cookies. 

Reservations are required for all cruises and can be made online or by calling (941) 554-2190. After booking, plan to arrive about 15 minutes before your departure time. Park near the Crow’s Nest Restaurant and look for slip #10 and the fluttering nautical flags that decorate the Inspiration.Two-hour cruises can be booked during the day or opt for a Sunset Cruise, departing about 90 minutes before sunset. All ages are welcome – Sail Venice is dog friendly too!

Once onboard, most of the trip is under sail, making it a very tranquil and serene experience. Of course, the Inspiration uses motor power when necessary, such as when maneuvering in and out of the slip. 

Sail Venice boat on the Gulf of Mexico. Fun and relaxing private sightseeing and wildlife sailing cruises in Venice, Florida. Children and dog friendly.
Photo courtesy Sail Venice

Best Time for a Sailing Cruise

Experienced sailors know that sailing conditions in the Gulf are generally better earlier in the day when the wind is gentle and the waves are calmer. However, it varies by the time of year. One of the most popular cruising time for taking photos is when the sun sets over the Gulf. If the horizon is clear, you may even see that momentary green flash as the sun drops below the sea. In case of summer thunderstorms, Captain Dove always monitors the weather forecast and will only sail when safe to do so. 

Sunset on the Gulf of Mexico with Sail Venice sailboat in the foreground.
Photo courtesy Sail Venice

Would-be sailors should bear in mind that it is generally cooler out on the water, so bring a jacket or sweater just in case there’s a chilly breeze. You can always remove a layer of clothing if it is warm. You may want to wear a swimsuit and bring a towel. If conditions are safe, you can enjoy a swim from the boat on morning and afternoon sailings. 

Learn to Sail with Sail Venice

Your sailing cruise may awaken a latent interest in learning to sail, especially after you have had chance to take the helm. Sail Venice offers a 10-hour sailing instruction package with NauticEd. Learn to sail and get Bareboat Certified as part of the boat charter. Those already experienced at sailing can charter the sister boat Discovery for day or weekend charter without a crew. 

With the Gulf on your doorstep and sunny days pretty much guaranteed, there’s nowhere better to relax and unwind than from the deck of a sailboat with Sail Venice. 

Sail Venice sunset and Gulf of Mexico sailing cruises. Venice, Florida sightseeing, wildlife & sunset cruises.
Photos courtesy Sail Venice

Written by: Must Do Visitor Guides staff writer.