Starlite Sapphire on Boca Ciega Bay

Waiting for the StarLite Sapphire

We wanted to be out on the water yesterday so we decided to try one of the meal cruises we've seen go past in the middle of the bay. One of the StarLite Cruises seemed to fit the bill.

The lunch cruise was available and I had a 20% coupon code. While the online reservation form was a little clunky and my own Internet connection is sometimes erratic during times of high activity, I got the job done and wondered what we would get for a total of about $35. Turns out we got an enjoyable boat ride of nearly two hours.

A good day for sailing

We arrived at the dock a little early, got our boarding passes and waited outside on the deck until we boarded promptly at 11:30 for a 12 noon departure. Unlike most of our fellow passengers, we had opted for a "sightseeing only" cruise and were directed past the pleasant dining room to the upper deck, with a bar and comfortable booth seating. I opted to got outside on the deck, where seating was not very comfortable, but I don't like taking pictures through glass if I can avoid it.

The shore looked very different from the water, but we've been here often so we know most of the landmarks, including our own pinkish building. I spent most of my time on that upper deck, where I couldn't hear the captain's narration -- but that's often a good thing -- though I did miss a couple of dolphin sightings.



PJ's Oyster Bar - retro and cool

The boat turned around at Land's End at the tip of Pass-a-Grille. Bob and I were down below in the bow for much of the return journey, where the views were beautiful and the wind blew in our hair. Other passengers told us the food was good and very reasonably priced.

We finished the afternoon with appetizers and a beverage at PJ's Oyster Bar, advertised in the St. John Vianney church bulletin. The bacon-wrapped scallops and home-made onion rings were delicious.