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Best Boating Guide to Tampa Bay Destinations | Hidden Gems in Florida

a boat in the water

There are many places to explore in the Sunshine State, and boating near the Tampa Bay area offers plenty of sightseeing opportunities and fun-filled activities. While you can take a ferry to Caladesi State Park, renting a boat is a great option to consider, as it allows easier access to popular yet hard-to-reach destinations.

At Tierra Verde Boat Rentals, we help you experience the beauty of the Gulf of Mexico. Our wide range of boat rentals allows visitors access to exciting boating destinations near the Tampa Bay area.

Local Boating Guide for Tampa Bay: Best Places to Anchor Your Boat

Covering about 400 square miles, Tampa Bay has an expansive shoreline that runs along the coasts of Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Manatee Counties.

In addition to that, there are many sites around the area that are accessible only by boat and worth visiting. These include the following:

Passage Key

Also referred to as the Naked Island, Passage Key used to be a small key that gradually turned into a gorgeous island due to the constant tides around the Tampa Bay area.

The sparkling blue-green waters and the white sandy beach make Passage Key a popular destination among boaters. It is one of the top hot spots around Tampa Bay, hosting many visitors during the weekend.

While you can’t park your boat on Passage Key, you can anchor it in the water and head to shore for fun-filled activities or a full suntan.

Egmont Key National Park

For a historic experience, head over to Egmont Key, located a few miles from Naked Island. Here, you’ll find tranquility as you explore the old lighthouses, the ruins of Fort Dade, and the diverse wildlife.

Fishing, hiking, shelling, snorkeling, and swimming are some of the outdoor activities that Egmont Key is famous for. In addition to that, there is a snack bar that serves delicious meals while offering serene water views.

Anchor your boat and enjoy the activities and landscape that Egmont Key National Park has to offer.

Fort Desoto Park

Considered to be among the top 10 beaches in America, Fort Desoto Park is a great destination for locals and tourists. You’ll find this gem of a place northeast of Egmont Key National Park. It offers camping sites, fishing zones, and swimming spots, making it the perfect location to anchor your boat for fun activities.

Shell Key

Enjoy walking barefoot on the pristine white sands of Shell Key, or snorkel in the blue-green waters to swim with the stunning marine life this barrier island offers. This wildlife sanctuary is accessible only by boat.

Shell Key is one of the most underdeveloped areas in Florida. It lets tourists and locals experience the unspoiled part of the state, allowing them to discover nature in its purest form.

Pine Key

Also known as Beer Can Island, Pine Key is a few miles from the shores of Apollo Beach. While this privately owned island sees more tourists every year than Shell Key, it has a tiki bar where members can indulge in tasty snacks while sipping chilled beverages.

Weedon Island Preserve and Sandbar

If you want to experience the wildlife in and around Tampa Bay, anchor your boat near the shoreline of Weedon Island Preserve. It’s home to many species of birds, native plants, and animals.

Explore the trails at Weedon Island and learn more about the culture and people indigenous to this area. It’s a beautiful place for locals and visitors to relax and leave their worldly worries behind.

Caladesi Island State Park

Located on Caladesi Island in the Gulf of Mexico, this island is only accessible by boat and is a fantastic place to visit. It’s situated on the northwest end of Old Tampa Bay, offering pristine views of untouched nature.

Once you’ve anchored your boat, head to shore to explore everything the island has to offer. Caladesi Island State Park features white sandy beaches, nature trails, and beautiful mangrove tunnels, as well as visitor amenities like restrooms and a cafe.

Anclote Key Preserve State Park

About three miles off the coast of Tampa Bay, you’ll find the stunning Anclote Key Preserve State Park. It is a popular getaway destination for vacationers.

As your boat approaches this area of Florida, you’ll be greeted by clear waters, white sandy beaches, and friendly dolphins. Make sure to have your camera out to capture the diverse wildlife in and around this 11,000+ acre island.

Honeymoon Island State Park

Located on a barrier island across St. Joseph Sound from Dunedin, Honeymoon Island State Park offers a wide range of nature-based activities. It also provides all the amenities you could ask for, including showers, restrooms, and cafes.

Explore the Vast and Unique Waterfront Parks of Florida

Besides heading to the numerous islands near the coast of Tampa Bay, there are many waterfront parks where you can anchor your boat. These include the following:

Downtown St. Petersburg

Park your boat at Demens Landing Park or Coffee Pot Park for scenic views, scrumptious food, and plenty of boating activities.

Safety Harbor Waterfront Park

Safety Harbor Waterfront Park should be at the top of your list if you’re looking for the best Tampa Bay boating hot spots. With a wide range of restaurants and amenities, this is the perfect place to enjoy a picnic with your family or friends.

Curtis Hixon Park

If you love boating with your dogs, Curtis Hixon has the best parks for your furry companions. It offers incredible downtown riverfront views and innovative exhibitions at the Tampa Museum of Art. In addition to that, docking is pretty straightforward.

Indulge in Scrumptious Meals at Dock-and-dine Restaurants in Tampa Bay

After exploring the different islands in and around the Tampa Bay area, set your sails to the countless dock-and-dine restaurants with boat ramps nearby. These include the following:

Explore Florida Waters with the Most Reliable Boat Rentals Tampa Bay Has to Offer!

While this boating guide highlights some of the most popular destinations in the Tampa Bay area, nothing compares to the thrill of exploring the waters on your own and discovering hidden gems with your family or friends in a rental boat.

Rent a Boat Tierra Verde - CTA

Whether it’s deck boats for boating activities or the most reliable Waverunner rentals Tampa Bay has to offer, Tierra Verde Boat Rentals has you covered. Call us at (727) 867-0077, and we’ll make sure your next adventure is worth your time and money!

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