Top Destinations
Tampa/St. Petersburg is widely regarded as America's boating capital and is home to some of the best boating spots in the country. The calm waters and excellent weather make it an ideal place for day charters and sunset cruises. If you're planning a trip, Coastlines Charters can assist you in selecting the top yachting destinations in Tampa Bay. Additionally, we'll work with you to create a customized route that fits your schedule, budget, and boating preferences. This includes any sightseeing spots or waterside attractions where you want 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, swimming and enjoying the natural Florida environment.
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 Coastlines Charters list of best-boating destinations.
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Round-trip, we suggest booking a 4 or 6-hour powerboat charter to allow you and your guests enough time for travel, excursion, swimming, or picnicking on the beach or aboard the boat.
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John's Pass
John’s Pass Sandbar is located off the coast of Madeira Beach in St Pete, FL. This famous pass brings in boaters, anglers, and tourists from all over the place and is one of the best fishing locations in West Central Florida. The sandbar formation took place in 1848 by a hurricane. A pirate known as John Levique made the first passage through the newly created pass, hence the name.
On the waterfront, John's Pass Village and Boardwalk offer over 50 shops for you to explore. Take a stroll along the boardwalk and through the village, and stop at any waterfront restaurant for a scoop of homemade ice cream or a full meal. You can also get unique souvenirs from the village merchants. To make the most of your trip, we recommend booking a 4- or 6-hour powerboat charter for a round-trip. This will give you and your guests enough time to travel, sightsee, swim, and enjoy time aboard the boat.
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Bunces Pass
Bunces Pass is a fantastic, family-friendly place to relax and is a beautiful setting for spending the day on the boat. Bunces Pass has beautiful white sand. The water clarity varies, but the water is crystal-clear water under the right conditions, especially when wind and wave conditions are calm.
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Bunces Pass is located within Fort DeSoto County Park and is the pass that separates the Park from Shell Key. It’s totally unspoiled and the only buildings that can be seen are located miles away in St. Pete Beach. The main area to anchor is at the southern shoreline of the pass. Within this area you’ll find shallow waters, a spacious, interior lagoon and a combination of hard and soft sand.
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Passage Key
Passage Key, located close to Anna Maria Island and just a few minutes away from Egmont, is a picturesque destination known for its crystal-clear waters and breathtaking wildlife viewing opportunities. Visitors can often spot manta rays, manatees and dolphins off the island's white-sand beaches. The 64-acre wildlife refuge is a popular stop for island-hopping and an excellent addition to your boating itinerary.
To make the most of your trip, we recommend booking a 6-hour powerboat charter for a round-trip. This will give you and your guests enough time for travel, sightseeing, swimming, and enjoying lunch aboard the boat.
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Pass-a-Grille
Pass-a-Grille is a charming and laid-back old Florida beach town located in the historic district of sunny St. Pete Beach. It is situated at the southernmost end of St. Pete Beach and is the very last beach in the area. The town offers a range of amenities, including boutiques, outdoor art markets, restaurants, rooftop bars, tennis courts, fishing piers, and ice cream parlors, all within walking distance. When you're in Pass-a-Grille, you can leave all your daily stresses behind and enjoy the paradise around you.
Moreover, St. Pete Beach is located right on the Gulf of Mexico and is the sister city to St. Petersburg, also known as the “Sunshine City,” which boasts over 350 days of sun per year. Pass-a-Grille is only a quick twenty-minute drive from downtown St. Petersburg, making it an ideal location for a relaxing getaway.
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Downtown St. Pete &
The St. Pete Pier
St. Petersburg's downtown is renowned for its beautiful waterfront parks and attractions, making it one of the best places to visit in the South. Downtown St. Pete is just a 30-minute boat ride from the beaches.
One of the most popular tourist attractions in the area was the St. Petersburg Pier, which extended half a mile into the bay and offered a wide range of activities. However, a new Pier District was established on July 6, 2020. It features green spaces, a Marketplace, a playground, a splash pad, and several public art installations, including Janet Echelman's aerial net sculpture, Bending Art.
Downtown St. Petersburg is also home to numerous dining and nightlife options, with many venues located on or near Central Avenue, which extends to 34th Street in the west or Beach Drive along the waterfront. Popular entertainment spots include Jannus Live and the Floridian Social Club (formerly the State Theater).
