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Sailing Tampa Bay: 7 of the Best Boating Destinations

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More than 87 million people in the US enjoy water-based leisure activities including sailing and it isn’t hard to see why. Sailing or chartering a boat means you can enjoy a luxury break while being able to explore somewhere new. In fact, hiring a boat often means you can access more amazing locations than ever before.

And where better to do this than in the largest port in America’s southeast, Tampa Bay? There are loads of brilliant places to explore whether you’re out for a day or on the water for a week.

To make sure you don’t miss a great opportunity when sailing Tampa Bay, you need to know the best hot spots to visit. Well, then you’re in the right place!

Read on to find out the seven best Tampa boating destinations to visit on your trip.

1. Beer Can Island

There are a few destinations you might hear referred to as ‘Beer Can Island’ when boating in Tampa Bay.

The first is located at the heart of the bay, near Apollo Beach. Some people also call this Tiki Bay Island or Pine Key. It’s a small island, which you can only reach by boat making this a great destination for your holiday.

This is the perfect place to relax on the beach with friends and a cold drink. And if you find yourself heating up simply go for a dip in the sparkling ocean to cool down!

Some people also refer to Greer Island as ‘Beer Can Island’. This is a little further out, near to Longboat Key, but the views from the beach are well worth the trip.

It is often strewn with stunning driftwood and trees, so make sure you bring your camera. You’ll definitely want to get some snaps of your visit.

2. Honeymoon Island

If you’re looking for a romantic destination then you really can’t get much better than Honeymoon Island – romance is in its name! Enjoy long walks down the white sandy beaches of this state park or venture through its lush landscape on one of its many nature walks.

You can get to the island by boat or via a bridge from Dunedin.

3. Caladesi Island State Park

If you really want to make the most of your trip to Honeymoon Island make sure you also go on to Caladesi Island. This quiet island is a very popular destination with local boaters and is just a short journey away.

The beauty of chartering your own boat is that you don’t want to worry about waiting for a ferry from Honeymoon Island either. Simply pick up your anchor and find yourself a spot along one of Caladesi’s vast white beaches.

Combining these two locations makes a great Tampa Bay boating day out, whether you’re looking to throw a private party or hold a corporate event.

4. Egmont Key

Egmont Key is an absolute must-see in any Tampa Bay boating guide for people looking for an adventure.

This spot has a rich, local history that you can only enjoy by taking a boat to it. The Key features a seventeenth-century lighthouse and fort that you can explore to your heart’s content.

Or, if wildlife is more your thing, look no further. This is a great spot to enjoy local wildlife while taking in all of Florida’s natural beauty.

It’s the perfect spot for anyone looking to really understand what boating in Tampa has to offer and is a great place to visit with the family.

5. Three Rooker Island

This narrow island is a fairly new addition to the bay, having formed from a build-up of sand brought in by the tides. Its sandy origins also mean that this island is essentially a huge beach, making it the perfect place to drop your anchor and chill out with a beer.

Three Rooker Island can get busy at peak times so it’s important to time your trip well. For example, what could be better than mooring up on New Year’s Eve and watching the sunrise from a deserted seaside paradise? Now that’s a memory you’ll want to share!

6. Davis Island Dog Park

This is the perfect destination for anyone traveling with a seadog! Davis Island is home to lots of wonderful dog-friendly beaches that you and your pet can enjoy for hours.

It’s a laid back environment where you can let your dog off its leash and let it find it’s land-legs once more. So you don’t want to worry about bothering sunbathers or packs of tourists.

The dog park is located near to a boat ramp so you can moor up and hop off easily.

7. Anclote Key

If you’re looking to get back to nature, then Anclote Key is the perfect place for you!

It’s ideal for any boater with facilities onboard their yacht as the island itself has no facilities and is only accessible by boat. This means it’s a quiet spot in the bay that you can enjoy free from crowds.

With glorious beaches, it’s the perfect place to swim, sunbathe or have a picnic. If you’ve got camping gear with you, why not pitch up for the night and relax under the stars?

Get Ready to Enjoy Your Trip Sailing Tampa Bay!

Sailing Tampa Bay, Florida, means you can really enjoy everything that this amazing spot has to offer, so make the most of it.

Whether you’re looking for beaches, wildlife or romance, Tampa Bay has it all. And make sure to put some of these brilliant boat-only destinations on your list of places to visit.

For more help organizing your trip get in touch with one of our team to charter your boat in the Tampa Bay area today!

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