Adventure brief
Private Cruise / 2 hour / Open Bar
Host your next celebration aboard Soulsey’s 45-foot private charter and cruise Melbourne’s waters with an open bar, music, and room to dance. This two-hour experience gives groups an easy, well-run way to enjoy local wildlife, mangrove shorelines, and sunset views.
On Soulsey’s 45-foot private charter, two hours on the water becomes an event in its own right. Launching from 1101 North Harbor City Boulevard in Melbourne, Florida, this private cruise slides out onto the Indian River Lagoon and Port waters, offering a close-up look at mangrove-lined shorelines, seagrass flats, and the coastal sky above Florida’s Space Coast. Perfect for bachelorette parties, birthdays, retirements, or corporate outings, the trip balances easygoing scenery with a party-ready open bar and room to dance.
The boat is set up to host groups between 15 and 40 people, so gatherings feel lively without being cramped. Every Soulsey Cruise is stocked with beer, wine, champagne, hard seltzers, bottled water, soda and ice; note that the operator strictly prohibits hard liquor. Guests may bring their own food, which makes it easy to tailor menus for celebrations.
Check-in is at the dock and the crew asks that everyone arrive at least ten minutes before departure; IDs are required to be served alcohol and service animals are allowed. What makes this charter a stand-out in the Melbourne recreation scene is the mix of accessible coastal boating and approachable event logistics. The captain opens with a two-minute safety briefing, then steers a path that often brings dolphins into view and gives passengers clear sightlines to seabirds, mangrove channels, and distant shoreline neighborhoods.
The shallow estuary here supports seagrass beds and occasional manatee visits, so binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens can pay off. Practical details matter: there’s a 15-person minimum to book, and the Soulsey crew reserves the right to remove disruptive passengers. Weather or scheduling changes are possible, and the operator will notify booked groups if adjustments are needed.
If your group includes guests with impaired mobility, the company asks you to call ahead so they can advise. For locals and visitors alike, this two-hour open-bar cruise turns an ordinary evening into a memorable, well-run experience on a manageable boat. It’s an easy way to celebrate an occasion while getting a fresh perspective on Melbourne’s waterfront habitats and Space Coast horizon.
Book with a clear head—bring IDs, snacks, and your playlist—and let Soulsey Cruises take care of the rest. Plan an itinerary that matches your group's energy: midday sightseeing cruises show birdlife and calm water textures, while sunset sails turn the harbor into a photographed backdrop for toasts and slow dances. The crew will provide simple guidance on boarding and storage but leave decoration and curated playlists to you—this is a private event after all.
As part of Melbourne’s lineup of outdoor options, Soulsey Cruises converts the city’s working docks into a small floating venue that highlights coastal ecology and the area’s Space Coast identity locally.
Adventure tips
Plan your experience.
Curated tips for an optimal adventure.
- 01Bring valid IDessential
Alcohol service requires government-issued ID at check-in—everyone who will drink must carry theirs.
- 02Arrive early to boardinfo
Plan to arrive at least 10 minutes before departure to check in and hear the safety briefing.
- 03No hard liquor allowedwarning
Soulsey provides beer, wine, champagne, and hard seltzers; bringing hard liquor will prevent the boat from departing.
- 04Pack a small cooler or snacksinfo
You may bring your own food for the cruise—pack easy-to-serve items and trash bags to leave the boat clean.
Recommended gear
What to bring.
Government-issued ID
Required for alcohol service and check-in.
EssentialSunscreen and sunglasses
Sun reflects off water and protection is necessary for daytime sails.
summerEssentialLight wind jacket
Evenings on the water can be cooler—bring a thin, packable layer.
winterWaterproof phone case or small camera
Protect electronics and capture wildlife or sunset shots from the deck.
Local insights
Context for the journey.
Nearby secrets
Look for quiet mangrove channels off the main harbor where shorebirds gather, Dolphin corridors near the east side of the river are excellent for close sightings at low wake speeds
Local fauna
Bottlenose dolphins, West Indian manatees
Historic heritage
Melbourne sits on Florida’s Space Coast and its waterfront grew up as a working harbor; today recreational charters share that maritime legacy.
Mindful exploration
Respect wildlife by avoiding litter and loud disturbances; the crew enforces rules to prevent pollution and protect shallow seagrass and mangrove habitats.
Photography tips
Capture the moments
- Viewpoints
- Bow for wide-water shots and group portraits, Near mangrove channels for intimate wildlife photos, Upper deck for horizon and skyline compositions
- Subjects
- Coastal landscapes, Dolphins and manatees, Candid group moments
- Best times
- Golden hour, Sunset, Midday for wildlife visibility
Frequently asked questions
Before you go.
What is the minimum and maximum group size?
Minimum is 15 people (you pay for 15 if fewer attend) and maximum capacity is 40 people.
What beverages are included?
Cruises are stocked with beer, wine, champagne, hard seltzers, bottled water, soda and ice; hard liquor is prohibited.
Can we bring our own food?
Yes, guests may bring their own food to serve onboard.
Are children allowed and is there an age limit?
Children are allowed; there is no maximum or minimum age listed, though alcohol service requires valid ID for those being served.
Is the boat accessible for guests with mobility impairments?
Service animals are allowed and the operator asks that you call ahead to discuss any impaired mobility so they can advise.
What happens if weather forces a change?
Soulsey Cruises may modify schedules for weather or availability and will notify booked groups with updated information.