We had a wonderful time aboard the Marina Jack II and can't wait to do it again! The staff were attentive and friendly. The passengers were having a great time! Lots of laughter and excitement among the kids, parents and grandparents. It felt good to me to be among them after so much pandemic social distancing. Sarasota is a beautiful city and we loved seeing it from the Gulf. The sunset was gorgeous and the beautiful homes along the way were to die for. Dinner was really good. We especially loved the salmon and the scalloped potatoes! Yum! There is also a Marina Jack restaurant at the marina that we want to try the next trip to Sarasota. If you have a disability, feel comfortable knowing that you will be helped by the staff. I personally saw the care that was taken of the disabled elderly. It was touching to me. Valet parking was easy and inexpensive. That was also a plus. read more

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Sunset dinner on a balmy evening last week (we didn't go out onto the stern deck because of the heat - and occasional diesel fumes kickback - nor the bow because it stayed pretty packed). Only thing, commended by the folks that invited us AND those at the next table as well: WASH YOUR DARN WINDOWS! Only thing that marred what would have been an above average dinner experience. When you're promoting "outstanding views" having dirty, obscured window was definitely a misfire. read more

First time here with friends who have been here before.  Coldest night in FL in over 4 years.  Since yesterday when I was there FL set a record that stood since 1966. Fairly empty inside, nobody outside on the deck (dropping to 49 F while we dined.)     Service was very good, friendly, attentive, & swift.  All food was prepped, cooked and delivered to perfection. There was a live pop/rock/folk music violinist who was VERY good and unexpected.  We have since that meal found out where he is playing the next week and will go to that venue!!!    It was a nice touch, although I need to add we were 50% of the room away from him and it was a bit loud and our conversation had to end at the table.  Maybe with more people the sound would have been absorbed or muted? The quinoa salads were very fresh and colorful, comprised of multiple "sides" arraigned in the bowl.  My wife's and my only suggestion is some of these items did not blend well with the rest of the salad.  the pickled onions were a little conflicting with the quinoa.  This was like a bibimbap with multiple items.  The carrots were just a bunch of raw shaved slivers.  I love them but the chewing and texture seemed out of place with the quinoa and other soft or cooked items?  I am wandering off on this but some thought of composition and ingredients maybe.... The fish we all had were nice product and properly cooked and not over seasoned.   Good job.  Not much to say about the sides, sorta typical "bar" food like the onion rings, cole slaw and the other items.   We will go back when it gets warmer and walk the docks and area and enjoy the scenery a little more.  (without gloves and ski hats) read more

Marina Jack Cruise - Quinoa salad - American Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

There are three different places. Each one has its own menu. Outside has a cool environment and the menu is more like tacos and nachos. Inside second floor, open for dinner with dinner menu. And this one, first floor. Environment is really nice, staff were friendly. Pineapple margarita was amazing. The margarita I ordered was extremely strong, but I asked for some sour mix and got perfect. Chowder was good. Tuna taco amazing. And the steak sandwich was delicious. read more

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Took the dinner cruise on Fathers Day. Not a convenient venue for folks who can't get up and down stairs as two floors on the boat. After getting to your assigned seat on the second level you then need to navigate another set of stairs with your dinner plate in hand. If you want dessert it's up and down the stairs again. On this particular cruise there was pot smoking and way over served alcohol. Seemed like a buddy of one of the crew members because he catered to him above helping anyone else. Food was good. This was my second cruise dinner with them and last. Owners reply to my review only confirms my above review. Attitude is a reflection of leadership. read more

The most amazing experience I have had in a long time. Best service, best ambiance, and amazing food. Thank you for a great time!

From the valet, to the checking-in at the gift shop, to boarding, and the entire boating experience while eating delicious food! We all loved it so much and would recommend to go back for a tremendous experience of sounds and sights of the ocean! Thank you Captain Justin and a shout to Gabriel for helping my father-in law and bringing up his meal! Thank you!!! read more

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We enjoyed the lunch cruise on 9-3-2022. We (2) were seated on top level. Birthday lunch for my husband. The buffet was very good. Salad, bread, chicken, salmon, rice, veggies and desert. Had several drinks that were great. Relaxing cruise with a few narratives from the captain. Great views, of course. Easy to book, great communication via call/text/email. All staff was very attentive and courteous. read more

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Boat needs work, obviously something wrong, AC is barely limping along (summer in FL, who needs AC ?!?), and you could feel the boat struggling to move. We definitely did not go that far out on the water, so sunset was lovely, but we didn't get the full effect of bing out to sea. They even sat us at the front of the boot, all windows with no way to open, so the setting sun, roasted us properly. Luckily we stepped outside with our cocktails (nothing amazing standard fair), and were able to get fresh air. Food was just ok, prime rib good but the rest was decent at least. Thank goodness we meet another sweaty couple, and had a nice time chatting with them, this kept the focus off how hot we all were..... Service was pleasant, and the crew member who brought us our drinks had a great attitude, probably because he got used to the whole wacky situation. BOAT NEEDS WORK OBVIOUSLY.....was still a lovely evening, but we try to have a good time, no matter what. For the cost we could have gone out to dinner with a view. read more

This was such a fun experience! Enjoying the sunset dinner cruise was relaxing, romantic, and delicious. The scenery was surreal. What a great date night. The staff were upbeat and professional. The drinks were okay. My oldest fashioned wasn't great, a bit watery, and their use of crystallized sugar/rock candy was a bit odd. I recommend sticking with wine and beer. Drinks are a bit expensive, and given how much the experience costs, I think they could be a bit more reasonable. The food was excellent. The salad was delicious, as was the steak and potatoes. Rich, juicy, full of flavor, and really fresh. Just delicious. I wish I had a bigger stomach so I could have eaten more! read more

We had a delightful lunch cruise. The food was fresh and delicious and the service was superb. The views of the gulf were delightful. Our menus featured mixed greens salad, rolls, mixed veggies, rice, glazed salmon, chicken Marsala, key lime pie, chocolate cake, and raspberry almond cheesecake. Of course they have a cash bar, but offer coffee, iced tea, and soda as well. Can't wait to go back! Also, the air conditioning is definitely a plus! read more

Marina Jack Cruise - Marina Jack yacht basin. - American Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

My wife and I were on the boat for a birthday party for 2 friends and we had a great time. A good meal buffet and a nice relaxing cruise on the intercostel. It was a fun trip with good food and friends. read more

We had a great time. The food was excellent. Service is always the best. We took friends along to celebrate their retirement's ,and couldn't have chosen a better atmosphere. We will return. read more

What a fantastic experience! Was in a group of 12 for the lunch buffet cruise on Thurs.. The crew was polite and professional. The food buffet was outstanding! Chicken Marsalla, Salmon, rice, veggies, salad & rolls and a dessert table. Soft drinks and coffee included. And tip too. The narrated portion of the tour went really fast and wasn't quite loud enough for us to hear as we were talking and eating. All in all a lovely experience! Also, be sure to valet park--it's so easy. read more

Food, atmosphere and service are always good here. Highly recommend it. Looking forward to cooler weather so I can eat outside although there is a great breeze blowing through the bar and covered seating. read more

We wanted to do something fun on our vacation abd go on a trip around the gulf. Food was buffet style. It was good. It was a bit hot, I'm not sure if the air was working? They had a great cocktail menu. Nice romantic dinner with the greatest views. read more

Marina Jack Cruise - Marina jacks cruise - American Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

Took this cruise on a HOT summer night. We were inside and it was miserably hot. It was $74.26 a head for a buffet of salad, bland scalloped potatoes, vegetable medley, dry salmon or a fairly decent prime rib. My favorite thing was the ranch dressing and prime rib. Unless you're ordering mixed drinks, you won't see your server again. You get one plastic cup of tea, water or coffee. That's it. Don't expect a refill. I'd suggest you visit a restaurant with a view and give this a pass. Definitely don't feel it was worth the $$ read more

In all of the years that we have vacationed in the area, I simply can't believe how long it took for me to discover Marina Jack II. As we always stay in Siesta Key, we usually only find ourselves in Sarasota when heading to & from the airport. This year, 2 of us ended up staying over night in Sarasota as we had a Sunday flight. In order to keep the vacation vibe going, I searched area boat tours & stumbled across Marina Jack II & saw that they offered an afternoon sight-seeing lunch tour for 1.5 hours for around $40 per person. Having already ate, I was delighted to see a "sight-seeing only" option for $25 per person & literally jumped on board. The boat was far more comfortable than all of the other boat cruises I have taken here due to air conditioned cabins with large window views, comfortable seating & neutral music playing in the background. One of my favorite features of this tour was assigned seating. All too often I have found other cruises to be a free for all with everyone jockeying for position & this was a welcomed reprieve from that. The cruise boards 30 minutes prior to departure & requires that you first check in at the gift shop where you will be given your boarding pass(es) & seat assignments. The tour itself covers Bird, Lido & Siesta Keys as well as Sarasota. You can expect to see the homes of celebrities such as Stephen King and hopefully quite a few dolphins will be out as well. read more

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Great place to go and grab something on the water. Food is good and service is usually on top of it.

Hot trash as far as food........, tip the waiter $60 after you pay $305 for three adults to eat fatty/dry prime rib and heat and eat sides but you are paying for diesel not food with this trip. read more

First off let me start off by saying the views are amazing. If you're looking for a nice place to relax catching some views on the water you've come to the right place. If you're from out of town I suggest checking the spot out. I really like the pork sliders, they were full of flavor very tender. I would highly recommend this appetizer. I also really like the fried grouper fish appetizer. So fresh and just amazing. I believe this is local grouper that is caught in Sarasota Florida. Also the mashed potatoes were excellent. However the prime rib which is the main course was really like a two or three but everything else was so good I was able to give this place four stars. I would suggest adding some sort of steak to the menu. The prime rib just doesn't cut it no pun intended. I would definitely go back for the views, the fried grouper, and a dessert. read more

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Love the view and entertainment. Menu and full bar. Great place for having a birthday celebration read more

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Outstanding night out! Visited during the pandemic in late June. Hand sanitizer on all tables. Each party was given their own table and socially distanced. Great dinner cruise of Sarasota Bay. So many beautiful homes to see. The meal was incredible. We were given both the salmon and prime rib as well as two sides and bread and salad. Plentiful and quality...can't ever complain about that. You definitely get alot of value for the price. Staff were very friendly and professional. We will visit again when we return to the area. read more

We did a Thanksgiving Day cruise. The food is all on one floor, and if you're on the second and in the back you will be waiting until the first to eat are on desert before you get your entree. I wish I had known we were going to be last as I was starving by the time we went to get food (and a bit buzzed as their pour was heavy). That being said, I recommend bringing a snack and going for the liquor and not the beer/wine. People were vaping out back, which I think should not be allowed as it still does smell and, on a boat, with the wind, goes everywhere. read more

We brought guests on three separate occasions and found it to be an amazing experience every time. Even being locals, we loved the dolphin watch tour and the music. The hosts are well organized and provide an amazing value for the $ read more

Good food better waterside view, outside tables were not clean, Polite & courteous staff read more

This review is based on the customer service aspect of Marina Jack ll cruises in Sarasota. The lady/cashier who works at the gift shop is one of the rudest people whom I have ever encountered. While in the midst of paying for the dinner cruise on 1/4/22, she looked at my 90 year old mother who is assisted with a walker and loudly inquired, "is that going?" I responded affirmatively, yes. She then said, even louder, well, we didn't know that! I informed her that I had informed the office of my mother's handicap. She proceeded hostilely with some embarrassing questions and huffs and groans, and begrudgingly made alternative arrangements to seat us on the main floor of the boat. My mother was mortified. Indeed, two witnesses later approached me after this experience and expressed their disgust at the cashier's behavior. This woman is horrible. Btw, there were plenty of seats available on the boat so moving us was not an issue. We tried not to let this experience spoil our trip as the boat captain was so nice and the mates were wonderfully hospitable but we were pretty embarrassed. Please address this situation. She should not be allowed to interact with the public. read more

My wife and I enjoyed the cruise and the food. Great service. We forgot something in the car and one of the manager's took me over in his golf cart. Thanks for everything. read more

Awesome night out on the water. sunset was amazing. food was good. plus you get dessert. highly recommend!

Enjoyed a special night out with the family. Service was wonderful and the food was good. We enjoyed the ambience even though we did not have a view. After dinner we stopped by the more casual bar where a band was getting ready to play. I definitely will return. read more

We took the lunch cruise. The service was great , beautiful views and great food . Salad was served with a roll and very tasty balsamic vinaigrette. The rest of the food was a buffet downstairs. There were gloves supplied, but I think I was the only person that used them . Chicken Marsala, rice, mixed vegetables ( cauliflower and green beans) , salmon ( perfectly cooked) . For dessert there was key lime pie, chocolate cake ( delicious and moist) plus I think it was cheesecake? The only negative was a very loud group of six drinking a lot and speaking too loud and inappropriately . But what can you do ? We didn't let them ruin our trip! read more

Cool boat, very cramped, weak coffee, but overall a fun experience. 3 1/2 stars. $56.95 + tax per person which includes tip. You board the boat about 30 minutes early and they immediately take your drink order. Coffee, water, and iced tea are free. Everything else including adult drinks are extra. Food is a buffet style meal with Prime Rib, Salmon, Salad, Bread, Veggies, and Mashed Potatoes. Everything tasted great so you will be happy with the meal. The cons to this trip were the weak coffee and the cramped table conditions. The tables are set up so tight that you hardly have room to spread out. If there are less than 5 in your party, you are sharing a table with other diners. Not a big deal at all, just adding this. Everyone was really nice on the boat. The trip is 2 hours from the time you start moving which is a good amount of time to enjoy your food and check out the great views. Dessert consists of Chocolate cake, Key Limo Pie, and Caramel Cake. No live entertainment and no wild activity, this is not a booze cruise. More of a formal sunset dinner cruise. No dress code though. read more

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We decided to try this restaurant per recommendation from my husbands grandparents who were local to the area. This was a huge miss. For an upscale restaurant, the service was absolutely horrible. We spent a long time waiting around to order, have our water refilled, get the bill, etc. We had 4 different people offering different services and we were never sure who our server was. I put in our reservation as well as telling the host that we were celebrating our honeymoon. There was zero mention of that the entire time & we watched everybody around us get free dessert. I made a reservation but when we got there they were fumbling for a table and ignoring our request on the reservation when I asked for a window seat. I did ask for it again at the host stand. We ended up getting a seat in the circle area behind the host stand, not super close to the window but still with a view. The food was not to the price/standard you expect. The filet was very good, as well as the crab bisque and key lime pie. I would not recommend this restaurant. A shame that we are only here 5 days to celebrate my birthday and our honeymoon and wasted it here. read more

Marina Jack Cruise - Key lime pie - American Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

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We left after sitting and being ignored for 40 minutes. We were greeted with waters and menus. Told our waitress was deliverimg food and would be over....watches 1 female and a few men come n go waiting on tables. Gave all of them eye.contact as we sat there. We never even got greeted or drink order. Right before leaving more customers left and tables were cleared and new people Sat and drink orders were taken. We sat on the deck. What terrible service! read more

What a beautiful atmosphere upstairs to sit and visit! The food was delicious and the service staff was outstanding! read more

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Whether you live in Sarasota, or you're just visiting this beautiful area, I highly suggest trying them at Marina Jacks II dinner, sunset cruise. From your first phone call to hold your reservations, to picking up your tickets and boarding, it's a pleasant experience. The waitstaff on the boat was very attentive. The food was excellent. And the sunset was breathtaking. Besides all of that, it's a lovely tour of the area. This dinner/cruise would be fun whether you're looking for a romantic evening with somebody you love, you want to do something fun with family or a group of friends. read more

The outside bartender, John (Juan) was unbelievably rude to the 3 of us yesterday! Unacceptable! I will not be back to patronize this establishment. read more

We went to Marina Jack 2 in Sarasota for the sunset cruise. The service was top notch, the prime rib delicious. The sunset/ride breath taking! Went in August and had to return again this week! Highly recommend!!! read more

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We've been in the bar/outdoor area many times. Great food and great service This evening we had an opportunity to try the indoor/ 1st floor dinning room. Our boat is in one of the slips Well, we were thoroughly disappointed. When you order Martin's they should be at the rim. Especially at $9 a pop Food wasn't bad but Tammy the server had the personality of a gekco I had friends in town that have not been here before and I bragged about the place She was annoying. You know, if you don't like what you do, get another job My compliments to the chef though read more

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The cruise was beautiful staff on ship very nice. Unfortunately, the food was overpriced and awful, the veg were basic, potatoes you can't mess up. This is my second time on the dinner cruise and the prime rib was absolutely subpar. My guest asked for well done and could not eat because the blood was running into the boxed potatoes. Last time I went, I could not eat the prime rib because it was cold and bloody. The deserts lacked taste and were obviously store bought and just put on table. How the menu is described, and what it is, are not the same. read more