Bali Hai is a charter service offering pontoon boat charters that allow you to dive into the history, culture, and geography of Florida’s Forgotten Coast. Headquartered in Port St. Joe, Bali Hai offers more than most other Port St. Joe charter services. You can choose from snorkeling, fishing, or scalloping tours, shell collecting tours, sunset river tours on the Apalachicola, or Dead Lakes tours further inland; you can also charter your own full-day adventure, including all the spots you most want to experience.
Guests will be impressed by the spotless, new pontoon boats that Bali Hai Charters maintains. These boats are made for comfort and versatility, and the atmosphere of the tours themselves is casual and fun. Most charters are perfect for visitors of all ages. Bali Hai’s pontoons offer a rail completely surrounding the deck for safety, easy access to the water for snorkeling, plenty of shade, a toilet and changing area, and unsurpassed stability–a bit less wobbly for those who tend to get seasick.
Captain Tim, who runs all charters, grew up in the Apalachicola area. An avid angler and outdoorsman, Captain Tim loves this section of the Florida coast and knows it like the back of his hand; you’ll know you’re in good hands the moment you step onboard. He’s great at keeping you around fish and other marine life if that’s your goal, and he knows all the best-secluded shelling spots along the coast–perfect for collectors and younger adventurers, too.
Some of our favorite experiences among Bali Hai’s offerings include:
Sunset Cruise
A 1.5-hour sunset cruise on St. Joe Bay is arguably the best way to take in one of America’s most beautiful sunsets. Bring your own drinks and up to five people and enjoy a toast with friends or family as you enjoy the spellbinding natural beauty of the bay.
The Dead Lakes Tour
This tour for sightseers, photographers, and nature lovers explores the almost unearthly beauty of the glassy, calm Dead Lakes. The near-perfect silence, broken only by the sound of birdsong and an occasional fish splash, feels like a breath of fresh air in the midst of a busy vacation, and the unique ecosystem and stunning scenery make this tour a memorable fan favorite.
Day on the Bay
Available as a half-day or all-day charter, this is the ultimate way to spend unhurried time enjoying the bay waters. Whether you want to snorkel, swim, sunbathe, or just take in the views, you’ll have plenty of time to relax and enjoy.
Bali Hai Charters serves a wide swath of the Forgotten Coast area, including Port St. Joe and other waterways including the Dead Lakes, Apalachicola River, Brothers River, Lake Wimico, and more; boarding points will depend on the charter you book.
Insider Tips:
– All charters are pet-friendly, so feel free to bring your furry friend along for the ride.
– You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks aboard, whether you’re cruising for an hour or a full day.