Moving to Tampa sparked our curiosity about the famous Clearwater – everyone seemed to rave about its pristine beaches! Despite not being beach enthusiasts ourselves, we finally found a reason to explore Clearwater after over a year in the Tampa area: a Dolphin sighting boat tour!
Our adventure began with a TripAdvisor recommendation for the Little Toot Dolphin Adventure. Offering multiple tours daily, their boat has a roof, restrooms, and a cash bar, accommodating about 20 fun-seekers. The staff’s warmth and hospitality were appreciated. Plus, here’s a perk: if you don’t spot any Dolphins (which is rare), you score free tickets valid for a whole year!
ℹ️ With Clearwater’s popularity, we learned that the early bird gets the worm – or in this case, a parking spot! Arriving by 10am ensured smooth sailing through traffic and hassle-free parking. Pro tip: snag a discount on extended parking by using the tour company’s special code.
Setting sail promptly at 11am, we embarked on an hour-long tour along the Gulf Coast. The shoreline boasted charming hotels, each flaunting its private stretch of sand adorned with vibrant umbrellas.
And then, the magic happened – Dolphin sightings! Our boat captain revved up the engines to create a wake, enticing the playful creatures to dance alongside us. It was a thrilling and unforgettable experience, one that made our Clearwater visit truly special!
Our aquatic escapade left us ravenous, so we decided to refuel at Badfins, boasting an impressive 4.7 rating. Unfortunately, it fell short of our expectations, earning a one-star review from me and a spot on my “skip next time” list. We opted for the ‘Not So Average Nachos’ – and they weren’t kidding about the size! Upon arrival, the mountain of nachos looked more daunting than delectable, with a disappointing meat-to-nacho ratio that left much to be desired. The sparse, lackluster meat and overwhelming abundance of chips left us with more leftovers than bites. We also sampled the corn ribs, which were passable but far from memorable. Needless to say, our dining experience at Badfins left us craving something more satisfying.
It was time to return home. Since everyone spoke so highly about the beaches, we strolled along the beach sidewalk for a minute and found it lackluster and boring (we are not beach people). Despite the dining hiccup, our day brimming with adventure was one for the books!