About this tour
When Alex from our team booked Clearwater's private island hop, we got the whole boat to ourselves—perfect for a group keen on a proper day out on the water without the crowds. You're looking at two hours cruising Clearwater Bay with your own captain and crew, pulling up to a shallow sandbar where you can wade onto a genuinely tiny beach and jump in. It's BYOB, so you bring the drinks and set the vibe; they handle the boat and keep things moving. Works equally well for mates after a casual float, families wanting something a bit different, or groups marking an occasion.
Highlights
- Private boat means zero strangers and full control of the playlist
- Sandbar beach is legitimately shallow—even nervous swimmers get in easily
- Captain and crew know the dolphins' patterns in the bay
- Two hours feels snappy but covers decent ground without dragging
- BYOB keeps costs down if you plan ahead
- Motorised cruiser, no pedalling or fitness demands
- Works for groups up to 20 without feeling cramped
What to expect
Alex and the team showed up at the dock, got a quick safety rundown from the crew, then cast off into Clearwater Bay. The first stretch is genuine cruising—you're scanning the water for dolphins (we spotted a pod, though no guarantees on any given day) and soaking in the bay views. About halfway through, the captain angles toward the sandbar, cuts the engine, and you're free to wade off and splash around on actual sand in the middle of the water. It's shallow enough that kids and non-swimmers aren't stressed, and deep enough to actually swim if you want.
The crew keeps things moving and the atmosphere loose. Two hours clips along faster than you'd think—partly because there's always something happening (spotting wildlife, swimming, resetting for the return trip), partly because it's new enough that downtime doesn't feel like dead air. Weather matters here; we caught a clear day, but wind or chop would definitely change the experience.
Good to know
You genuinely get privacy and control over your group's vibe. No tour-bus energy, no waiting around for stragglers, no sharing a boat with 50 other people. Dolphins are common in the bay (though not guaranteed), the sandbar swim is the genuine highlight, and it's straightforward enough for families, groups marking occasions, or just mates wanting a different kind of day out. Fits all fitness levels since there's zero exertion.
Two hours is tight if you're hoping for a long float. Weather sensitivity is real—rough water or strong wind mean a less comfortable ride and possibly rougher conditions at the sandbar. Gratuities aren't included in the base price, so budget accordingly. BYOB means you need to sort your own supplies beforehand; no shop onsite.
Bring sunscreen, towels, and whatever you're drinking. Service animals are welcome. Suitable for all fitness levels. Groups run 2–20 people. Peak times will be weekends and school holidays. Public transport is nearby if you're not driving.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.