Planning a getaway to Port St. Joe? Let Apalachicola Charters turn your Forgotten Coast vacation into an unforgettable one. Just a short drive up US-98 from the pristine beaches of Port St. Joe, Captain Rudy Gay — a 4th-generation native and 100-Ton U.S. Coast Guard Master Captain — offers premium inshore and nearshore fishing charters, wildlife eco tours, dolphin cruises, and relaxing private sunset cruises across Apalachicola Bay, St. Joseph Bay, and the surrounding barrier islands.
Whether you’re staying at St. Joseph Peninsula, downtown Port St. Joe, or a beach rental along the bay, Captain Rudy will customize a trip around your group’s skill level, schedule, and interests — from reeling in redfish to spotting dolphins in the wild.
OUR SERVICES FOR PORT ST. JOE VISITORS
Whether you want to reel in a trophy catch, photograph local wildlife, or escape the crowds on a secluded barrier island beach, we’ll customize your trip to fit your Port St. Joe vacation.
NSHORE & NEARSHORE PORT ST. JOE FISHING CHARTERS
- All-inclusive trips — rods, reels, tackle, licenses, and live bait provided
- Welcomes all skill levels, from first-time anglers to seasoned pros
- Custom trip lengths: 3-hour, half-day, and full-day charters
- Seasonal targets include redfish, speckled trout, flounder, black drum, tripletail, and sheepshead in the same rich estuary waters that feed St. Joseph Bay
Dolphin Cruises & Eco Tours
Cruise out from Apalachicola Bay to spot Atlantic bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat, then explore the rivers, estuaries, and barrier islands teeming with birds, alligators, deer, and other coastal wildlife. Captain Rudy shares local history passed down from his grandfather, who served as caretaker of nearby St. Vincent Island.
SUNSET CRUISES & SHELLING TRIPS
Escape to Little St. George Island and St. Vincent Island — pristine, undeveloped barrier islands accessible only by boat. Enjoy a custom private shelling trip by day or a breathtaking sunset cruise as the sun drops below the Gulf horizon, all just a short trip from Port St. Joe.
Trip Options & Pricing
To maintain transparency and build trust with our guests, we offer flat-rate, competitive pricing with no hidden fees.
Fishing Charters (Up to 4 Guests)
Rates include gear, bait, and licenses. Add $100 per additional person beyond 4.
| Trip Duration | Price | Best For |
| 3-Hour Trip | $400 | Quick action, great for families with young kids |
| Half-Day (4 Hours) | $500 | Our most popular option to maximize fishing time |
| Full-Day (6 Hours) | $700 | Serious anglers looking to target multiple spots |
Eco Tours, Dolphin Cruises & Sunset Trips (Up to 6 Guests)
Add $50 per additional person, up to 8 total.
| Tour Duration | Price | What You’ll Experience |
| 2-Hour Tour | $300 | Dolphin watching, scenic bay cruise, or quick sunset |
| 3-Hour Tour | $400 | In-depth eco tour plus beach shelling on Little St. George |
| 4-Hour Tour | $500 | Ultimate custom island exploration and river excursion |
Why Choose Captain Rudy Gay?
- 100-Ton USCG Master Captain’s License with a strong safety record
- 4th-generation local — deep roots along the Forgotten Coast, including St. Vincent Island
- Skilled photographer who captures your catch and wildlife sightings along the way
- Family-focused approach on a well-maintained vessel suitable for guests of all ages
GETTING HERE FROM PORT ST. JOE
We depart from 1 Bay Avenue, Slip 56, Apalachicola, FL 32320 (Battery Park). It’s an easy, scenic drive up US-98 from Port St. Joe — roughly 30–40 minutes depending on where along the peninsula or bay you’re staying. Book a morning charter and you’ll have the afternoon free to explore downtown Apalachicola’s shops and restaurants before heading back.
Meeting Location:
Local Tip: We highly re
commend booking a morning charter. Once we drop you back off at the docks, you can spend a beautiful afternoon enjoying world-famous wild oys ters, coastal shopping, and historic sights in downtown Apalachicola before heading back to your Port St. Joe vacation rental!