SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) – A custom-built boat shape like a pink Cadillac is drawing attention on Sarasota Bay, blending classic car design with a floating entertainment experience that passengers describe as uniquely Florida.
The boat, designed to resemble a vintage Cadillac, cruises the waters of Florida’s Gulf Coast while playing music and hosting private groups, birthday celebrations, and sightseeing rides.
Owner Chad Waites said the goal was to create something memorable on the water.
“I’m the guy that put the pink Caddy on the intracoastal, only in Sarasota,” Waites said.
Capt. Benjamin Kaye said the attraction offers more than a typical boat tour.
“When you take guests out, it’s not just a boat ride. It’s a whole entertainment package,” he said.
The boat’s bright pink exterior regularly catches the attention of nearby boaters, many of whom stop to take photos or ask questions.
“A lot of these boaters are so shocked to see it that they didn’t even recognize it at first,” Kaye said. “You’ll see a lot of boats go by, circle around, then they wave, take pictures, and ask questions.”
Sarasota resident Michele Taylor said the boat immediately stood out.
“First thing I thought of was, ‘Wow, this is freaking cool, but so Florida,’” Taylor said.
According to Kaye, the boat hosts a wide range of guests, from children’s birthday parties to retirees celebrating milestone birthdays.
“We cater to everyone from 7-year-old Barbie birthday parties to an 81-year-old celebrating her birthday,” Kaye said.
Waites said the vessel has become a popular sight on Sarasota Bay and a conversation starter for both passengers and nearby boaters.
“If you want to be the most popular person on the ocean that day, you’ll be the most popular person on the ocean,” Waites said.
The custom Cadillac boat continues cruising the Suncoast, offering riders a mix of sightseeing, music, and entertainment on the water.
For more information about the Caddy Cruise, click here.
Copyright 2026 WWSB. All rights reserved.