Top Boating Destinations In Tampa Bay
Considered by many as America's boating capital, Tampa Saint Petersburg offers some of the very best places to boat. Calm waters and excellent weather create an ideal environment for day charters and sunset cruises alike. Captain Tyler's list of top Tampa Bay yachting destinations can help you plan your trip. Plus, when you book with us, we'll always work with you to build a route that's specific to your timeframe, budget, and ideal boating scenario, including any sightseeing spots or waterside attractions where you would like to stop.
Egmont Key
Situated between Anna Maria Island and Fort De Soto, Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge is a must-see. It is home to gopher tortoises, several bird species, remnants from the Spanish-American war, gun batteries, and a still-working lighthouse dating from the mid-1800s. The water surrounding Egmont Key is some of the clearest on Florida's West Coast and is perfect for snorkeling, tubing, or wakeboarding.
Accessible only by boat, a day trip to Egmont offers a unique opportunity to tour the historic sites and take in the natural wilderness that puts this island hangout at the top of Captain Tyler's list of best-boating destinations.
Round-trip, we suggest booking a 5-hour powerboat charter to allow you and your guests enough time for travel, excursion, swimming, or picnicking on the beach or aboard the boat. Book now to secure your date and time!
Passage Key
A stone's throw from Anna Maria Island and only a few minutes from Egmont, Passage Key is known for clear waters and incredible wildlife viewing opportunities. Onlookers will often find manta rays, manatees, and dolphins off Passage Key's white-sand beaches. The 64-acre wildlife refuge is a popular island-hopping stop and an outstanding spot to add to your boating itinerary.
Round-trip, we suggest booking a 5-hour powerboat charter to allow you and your guests enough time for travel, sightseeing, swimming, and enjoying lunch aboard the boat. Book your charter today!
Tampa and Pine Key (Beer Can Island)
Boating from downtown Saint Petersburg, Florida (where Captain de Jong Charters departs) to downtown Tampa is a fun way to get around town. The port of Tampa is the largest in Florida, and you and your guest may also enjoy taking in the hustle and bustle of the large cargo ships, mega yachts, and cruise liners as they pass by.
The captain also suggests grabbing a bite at Ulele or American Social, which both provide al fresco dining and boat parking. The little island of Pine Key (also known as Beer Can Island by the locals) makes for a terrific pit stop to add to your route. While at Pine Key, you can grab a brew at the floating tiki hut (hours are
from about 11-sunset), sunbathe, or take in the beachside views. Round-trip, we suggest booking a 5-hour powerboat charter to allow you and your guests enough time for travel, sightseeing, swimming, and a bite at a waterfront restaurant.
Anna Maria and Longboat Key
Anna Maria and Longboat Key make popular boating destinations because of their gorgeous blue waters, an abundance of native wildlife, and opportunities for outdoor activities. While boating around AMI and Longboat, there's plenty to enjoy including many sandbars ideal for picnicking, grass flats perfect for snorkeling, and inland water routes where you can tour multi-million dollar mansions. Plus, nearby Palmo Sola Bay is great for watersports like tubing and wakeboarding.
Round-trip, Captain Tyler suggests booking 5 hours to allow time for travel, sightseeing, and maybe a stop at a dockside restaurant or picnicking on a sandbar. Book online to reserve your charter!
