Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Ford.
Hi Jennifer , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Great Day Boat Tours really grew out of our lifelong love for the water. Captain Eric and I have both been boating here along the Gulf Coast and Intracoastal Waterway for over 30 years. We’ve always loved spending time on the water — exploring, finding hidden beaches, collecting shells and shark teeth, watching dolphins, and sharing that piece of paradise with our friends and family.
It was a natural progression for us to take that passion to the next level, earn our captains’ licenses, and open it up to others. That’s how Great Day Boat Tours was born — from wanting to give people the same kind of relaxing, memorable days on the water that we’ve always enjoyed ourselves.
We started with one 24-foot deck boat offering small, personalized tours around Venice, Florida — dolphin watching, shelling, shark tooth hunting, and sunset cruises. Over time, word spread because people connected with the personal touch. We’re not just running tours — we’re helping create experiences that feel like a day out on the water with friends.
Now, with two boats and guests from all over, we still bring that same local love and personal connection to every charter. Every day really is a great day on the water.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road — like most small businesses, we’ve had our share of challenges along the way. Being a seasonal business in Florida, there are months when tourism slows down, and weather can always play a big role in what we do. Hurricanes, red tide, and unexpected storms can make scheduling and planning tricky.
Starting out, we also had to learn all the ins and outs of running a business — not just operating the boat, but marketing, managing bookings, and building relationships with local rentals and resorts to get our name out there.
But through it all, our love for what we do has kept us going. We’ve learned to adapt, adjust with the seasons, and focus on creating the best possible experience for every guest. Seeing people leave the boat smiling, relaxed, and talking about how it was the highlight of their trip makes all the hard work worthwhile.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
At Great Day Boat Tours, we offer private, customizable boat tours throughout Sarasota County — from Sarasota to Englewood — with our home base in Venice, Florida. We specialize in small-group experiences like dolphin watching, shelling, shark tooth hunting, and sunset cruises.
What we’re best known for is our personal touch. Every tour is hosted by either Captain Eric or myself, and we love tailoring each trip to fit our guests — whether it’s a relaxing afternoon, a special celebration, or just a fun day out on the water. With over 30 years of local boating experience, we know these waters inside and out and enjoy showing visitors the hidden spots and natural beauty most people never get to see.
What makes us most proud is hearing guests say their trip felt like spending the day on the water with friends. That connection and the joy people leave with — that’s what truly sets us apart.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I grew up boating — my dad was an avid sailor, so just about every summer weekend was spent on the water. Saturdays often meant sailboat racing, and I learned early on to love the rhythm of the wind and waves. Being on boats was just part of life, and that’s really where my love for the water began.
Captain Eric has always been drawn to the water too. He got scuba certified at 15 and has been diving, boating, and exploring Florida’s coast ever since.
Both of us share that same passion for the water and adventure, which is what brought us together and makes us such a great team for what we do today. When we’re not running charters, you’ll usually find us out diving or spearfishing — or just relaxing and spending quiet time with friends. The water has always been where we feel most at home.
Pricing:
- $150 per hour, 2 hour minimum, 6 people
- 2 hour $300
- 3 hour $450
- 1/2 day $600
- Full day $900
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.greatdayboattours.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greatdayboattours
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreatDayBoatTours
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/greatdayboattours
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@greatdayboattours
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/great-day-boat-tours-venice
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@greatdayboattours
Image Credits
Jennifer Ford
