Tampa, St Pete, Clearwater boating spots

[RittSea]

One of my all time favorite boating destinations in the early 2000s when I had my 270DA (and before it became “dry”) was Silver Glen in Ocala off the St John’s river. Always a good time, sometimes a little too rowdy, and once in a blue moon you might be lucky and have the glen to yourself.

So now I’m new to the St Pete Pass-a-Grill area and I’m looking for new boating sweet spot destinations? Any favorite anchor-drop locations?

 

[dtfeld]

Caladesi Island.

 

[Todd320]

Bunces Pass, Egmont Key, Passage Key…

 

[370Dancer]

For a longer trip, cross the bay to Anna Maria, and come down the waterway to Longboat Pass/Cortez. OR go outside, and come in at Longboat Pass. Jewfish Cay always busy. Lots of nearby restaurants, anchorage spots, and sandbar activities.

 

[Todd320]

Haven’t been in a while, but Beer Can Island, John’s pass, are two other favorites. You can dock the boat at the St Pete Pier, and explore the pier and downtown st Pete, or dock at Gulfport, and explore downtown Gulfport.

 

[badtothebones]

Haven’t been in a while, but Beer Can Island, John’s pass, are two other favorites. You can dock the boat at the St Pete Pier, and explore the pier and downtown st Pete, or dock at Gulfport, and explore downtown Gulfport.

went to Gulfport today…no floating docks anymore which was very convenient. Today was there and only “piles” in place…

 

[Griff 4]

Yes, here's a few spots we visit near St Pete Beach. The Warf Restaurant, Sea Critters restaurant, American Legion 273 in Madiera Beach (lots of boat docks and great food and cocktails). Also the Pub restaurant. Our favorite Marina is Twin Dolphins at Bradenton, only 45 minutes away for weekend overnights.

 

[RittSea]

Are there any good remote, uninhabited, but naturally scenic destinations close to St Pete? I’m thinking somewhere good for overnight boat camping like Ten Thousand Islands, but much closer to St Pete.

 

[370Dancer]

I haven't been there, but Caladesi Island? Not uninhabited, but sparse. Gotta watch the weather.

 

[Griff 4]

We weekended at Caladisi at least a half dozen times. Over 100 floating docks and not expensive. Several weekend trips were ruined by no see em attacks in the morning and around sunset. Warm temperatures and no wind cause those darn no see ems to attack with vengeance! As much as we liked it there, we won't be back because of a chance that the bugs may misbehave again. We will stick with Twin Dolphins for weekends away.

 

[RittSea]

Ive been to Caledesi Island and really enjoyed it. But I was actually thinking more of a secluded island where we could drop anchor and enjoy some quiet and unspoiled Florida scenery. Of course I’d be running the generator. After all, we still need creature comforts!

 

[370Dancer]

Desoto Point, just inside the Manatee river.....
Really, not much is coming to mind (vs during the 70's)
Blind Pass "channel". Watch your depth.
We don't have any islands left that are uninhabited, unless they really should be.
Even if you anchor off Skier's island (had a different name in high school), you will still hear traffic on Siesta Key bridge, and will be surrounded by homes.
Jewfish will be ok for overnight, but depending on the day, you'll be surrounded by Go Fast play loud all day long. It's Florida's Redneck Riviera, at least to the homeowners on the island. You will still have bridge traffic, and whatever is happening at Shore.