By Peter Roos
A St. Pete Beach family tradition of sailing, adventure, and community since 1972
For more than five decades, Dolphin Landings has been part of the fabric of St. Pete Beach, creating unforgettable experiences on the sparkling waters of Tampa Bay and the Gulf Coast. In June 2026, this beloved family-operated business celebrated a special milestone: 40 years at Dolphin Village Shopping Center, where generations of visitors and locals have discovered the magic of sailing, dolphin watching, and spectacular Florida sunsets. But the Dolphin Landings story began long before its current waterfront home.
From a Coffee Shop to a Sailing Tradition
In 1971, Captain Dan opened Dan’s Coffee Shop at the Odyssey, a small hotel once located on what is now part of the TradeWinds property on St. Pete Beach. When he wasn’t serving coffee, Dan could often be found aboard his 26-foot sailboat, enjoying the coastal waters with friends and hotel guests. It wasn’t long before those casual outings became something more. By 1972, a beach attendant friend was booking sailing excursions aboard Dan’s boat, planting the seeds for what would become one of St. Pete Beach’s most enduring waterfront businesses.
As the historic Don CeSar reopened in the early 1970s, Dan recognized another opportunity. With financial support from his parents, he purchased a 41-foot Gulfstar sailing yacht named Phoenix. For the next decade, he lived aboard the vessel, anchored behind the iconic Pink Palace, while offering dolphin-watching adventures, island excursions, sunset sails, and private charters. What began as one man’s passion for sailing was becoming
a family legacy.
A Permanent Home on Boca Ciega Bay
In June 1986, Dolphin Landings Charter Boat Center officially opened at Dolphin Village Shopping Center. Many visitors are surprised to learn that the shopping center has its own waterfront access to Boca Ciega Bay, complete with docks dating back to the mid-1960s. For Captain Dan, it was the perfect location to establish a permanent home for his growing charter business.
Four decades later, Dolphin Landings proudly holds the distinction of being the longest-operating business at Dolphin Village Shopping Center. Throughout those years, Captain Dan’s love of sailing has taken him far beyond Florida’s Gulf Coast. One of his most memorable adventures came in 1992, when he participated in AMERICA 500 aboard his yacht Fantasea. The international sailing event brought together yachts from around the world to retrace Christopher Columbus’s historic Atlantic voyage. The extraordinary seven-month journey covered more than 10,000 miles. That spirit of exploration continues to inspire the Dolphin Landings experience today.
Making Memories, One Voyage at a Time
While the boats and destinations may vary, the mission has remained remarkably consistent: bring people together and create memories that last a lifetime. Dolphin Landings offers something for nearly every occasion, from romantic sunset sails and dolphin-watching cruises to island adventures, fishing excursions, and private celebrations. Birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, marriage proposals, bachelorette parties, corporate gatherings, and family reunions become even more memorable when celebrated on the water. The company has welcomed passengers ranging from infants to a remarkable 95-year-old guest, proving that the joy of sailing knows no age limit.
Behind every excursion is an experienced crew whose captains collectively bring more than 200 years of sailing experience. Their knowledge of local waterways, seamanship, and commitment to their guests help make each voyage both enjoyable and memorable. For many families, a trip aboard Dolphin Landings has become a treasured tradition, repeated year after year and passed from one generation to the next.
Giving Back to the Community
Beyond providing memorable adventures, Dolphin Landings has built a meaningful legacy of community involvement. In 2012, the company established Soothe Our Souls (SOS), a nonprofit program dedicated to providing complimentary two-hour sailing experiences for individuals facing physical or mental health challenges.
These special cruises also welcome family members, friends, and support groups, offering an opportunity to step away from daily concerns and enjoy the restorative beauty of being on the water. For participants and their loved ones, the experience can provide a welcome sense of peace, connection, and joy. More information about this compassionate initiative is available at SootheOurSouls.org.
Dolphin Landings also proudly supports numerous charitable organizations, including Pet Pal, the SPCA, Humane Society of Tampa Bay, PARC, SKÅL, Kiwanis scholarship programs, Make-A-Wish, and Wounded Warrior initiatives. It’s a commitment that reflects the company’s belief that a successful business should do more than serve its customers. It should also make a positive difference in the community it calls home.
A Waterfront Destination Worth Discovering
A Dolphin Landings adventure doesn’t have to end when the boat returns to the dock. Located at Dolphin Village Shopping Center, the charter operation offers convenient access to an assortment of restaurants, boutiques, specialty retailers, and services. Visitors can enjoy everything from casual dining and coffee to shopping and exploring local businesses before or after their sailing excursion. And in a beach community where parking can sometimes be a challenge, Dolphin Village offers another welcome convenience: free parking. For those who want a preview of the waterfront, Dolphin Landings also features a live webcam accessible through its website, offering a glimpse of the boats, bay, and daily activity.
Celebrating the People Behind 40 Years
For Captain Dan and the Dolphin Landings family, the 40th anniversary represents far more than the passage of time. It is a celebration of the captains and crews who have dedicated years to the business, the employees who have helped it grow, and the countless guests who have stepped aboard to experience the beauty of Florida’s waterways. Some have celebrated life’s happiest milestones on these boats. Others have discovered the excitement of sailing for the first time. Still others return simply to experience the tranquility of the open water and the unforgettable sight of a Gulf Coast sunset. Together, those experiences have created a remarkable collection of stories spanning generations.
The Dolphin Landings team is especially grateful for the longtime employees, loyal customers, families, and friends who have contributed to its success. Their dedication, friendship, and support have helped transform a small sailing venture into a cherished St. Pete Beach institution.
The Best Memories Are Still Ahead
As Dolphin Landings celebrates 40 years at Dolphin Village and more than five decades of sailing adventures, its original spirit remains as strong as ever. It’s the excitement of spotting dolphins alongside the boat. The laughter of friends sharing a special occasion. The quiet beauty of a sunset reflecting across Boca Ciega Bay. And perhaps most importantly, it’s the simple pleasure of spending time together. After all, the best souvenirs aren’t things you take home. They’re the memories you make along the way. Whether you’re a longtime local or visiting St. Pete Beach for the first time, Dolphin Landings invites you to come aboard and become part of its continuing story.
Dolphin Landings Charter Boat Center
St. Pete Beach, Florida
727-360-7411 or 727-367-4488
www.DolphinLandings.com
Sunset Sails – Dolphin Watching – Island Adventures – Private Charters – Fishing Excursions