Sunset cruises, sandbar days, and offshore adventures aboard our Axopar — plus a classic sport fisher for those who want to stay a while. Captained, easygoing, and entirely yours.
We're a small, family-run charter out of Cortez — no crowds, no strangers, no packed tour boat. Just your group, a beautiful boat, and a captain who knows exactly where the water turns that unreal shade of green.
Whether you're chasing a golden-hour sunset, anchoring down for a sandbar afternoon, or heading offshore for the bite, we keep it simple: you bring the sunscreen, we'll handle the rest. Friends Down South is about easy days on the water and the kind of trips you talk about all winter.
Our Axopar is fast, comfortable, and made for the Gulf — a shaded cabin, a teak deck to stretch out on, and plenty of room for your crew. It's the boat for sunset cruises, sandbar hangs, island-hopping, and private celebrations on the water.
Our big sport fisher — the Spark Chaser — is a Gulf-coast classic: tuna tower, roomy cockpit, and a cabin made for slowing down. Book it as an overnight dock stay (a one-of-a-kind place to sleep on the water) or take it out for a fishing trip planned around exactly what you're after.
Below her tuna tower is a classic, comfortable cabin — a wood-lined salon, a full galley, and a berth to call your own for the night. Here's a look inside.
From a two-hour sunset to a full day chasing sandbars — your time, your pace.
Two hours of golden light with the whole sky to yourselves. Our most-loved trip.
Four hours for sandbars, swimming, and island-hopping the clear-water spots.
Eight hours to roam — go far, linger longer, make the whole day about the water.
Head out on the sport fisher for a trip built around the bite you're chasing.
Birthdays, bachelorette days, celebrations on the water. Bring your crew and your playlist.
Sleep aboard the Spark Chaser — a one-of-a-kind stay right on the water.
All Axopar trips are $250/hour with a 2-hour minimum. Food & drinks aren't included — BYOB is always welcome. Custom trip lengths & add-on excursions? Just ask — we love to tailor the day to your crew.
🇺🇸 Military & first responders always save 20% — thank you for your service.
Why choose? Stay aboard the sport fisher and spend your days cruising the Gulf on the Axopar. It's the full Friends Down South experience — wake up on the water, chase the sunset, do it again tomorrow.
Recommendation: 10% off when you book both boats together. Final package pricing is yours to approve — tell me the mix of nights and cruise time you want to feature.
Plan a package →A sleek Axopar and a classic sport fisher — not the same pontoon everyone else is running. You'll feel it the moment you step aboard.
Straightforward $250/hour with a 2-hour minimum. No rigid packages — build the day you actually want.
We run these waters every week. You'll get to the good spots, the calm water, and the best light — every time.
No strangers, no sharing the deck. Every trip is just your group and your crew.
Our rates are right here on the page. No mystery quotes, no surprises at the dock.
Sunsets are kind of our thing. We time it so you're in the right place when the sky lights up.
These are the real boats. More photos from aboard coming soon — send yours and we'll add them here.
Tell us what you're dreaming up — a sunset cruise, a sandbar day, a fishing trip, or the full getaway. We'll confirm your date and get you set. Most trips leave from Cortez, just minutes from Anna Maria Island.
🇺🇸 Military & first responders: 20% off, always — just mention it when you book. Thank you for your service.
Quick request — we'll reply fast to lock it in.
Thanks — we've got your details and we'll be in touch shortly to confirm your date.
Need us sooner? Call or text (915) 305-5123 or email friendsdownsouthllc@gmail.com.
Trips don't include food or specialty drinks, but BYOB is always welcome — bring what your group loves. There's a cooler with ice on board and bottled water for everyone. Just leave the glass bottles at home.
Sunset cruises run a 2-hour minimum ($500). Half days are 4 hours ($1,000) and full days are 8 hours ($2,000), all at $250/hour on the Axopar. Want something in between? We'll build a custom length around your plans.
Most trips depart from the Cortez area, just minutes from Anna Maria Island. We'll send you the exact meeting spot and a what-to-expect note once your date is confirmed.
You stay aboard the sport fisher right at the dock — a one-of-a-kind place to spend the night on the water. Dock stays are $450/night from November–April and $325/night from May–October.
Absolutely — that's the Down South Package. Stay aboard the sport fisher and cruise on the Axopar, with a bundle discount when you book them together. Reach out and we'll tailor it to your dates.
Safety comes first. If the weather won't cooperate, we'll work with you to reschedule for a better day on the water. We'll always keep you posted ahead of your trip.
