Gulf Coast - Local Boating

Shell Island / Sand Island Sandbars

Accessible just off Pensacola Beach and within Reach of Maximo Marina, these shallow sandbars—a few miles offshore—are perfect anchored spots for swimming, lounging, shell collecting, and spotting dolphins. Less crowded than Fort Pickens.

Address: Offshore from Pensacola Beach, west of Pensacola Bay

Big Lagoon State Park

Just southwest of Pensacola, Big Lagoon State Park borders the waterways of Big Lagoon and offers a scenic anchorage point. Features include marshlands, observation tower views, birding trails, and peaceful cruising past estuarine habitat teeming with seabirds and marine life.

Address: 12301 Gulf Beach Highway, Pensacola FL 32507

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Escambia Bay & Upper Bayou Inlets

North of Pensacola Bay, these inshore bays and tidal inlets—near Escambia River confluence—are rich in shallow-water structure fishing for spot redfish, seatrout, flounder, and sheepshead. The winding bayous and estuarine shoreline offer scenic wildlife cruising with birds, turtles, and hidden channels.

Address: Escambia Bay / Upper Bayou system, north of Pensacola

Ft. Pickens Pier and Pensacola Pass

Tucked along the inner wall on the bayside of Ft. Pickens, this spot is a favorite for fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and even scenic walks along the wall itself. The quick drop-off from the shoreline creates prime conditions for catching a wide variety of fish—like mackerel, redfish, snapper, sheepshead, and flounder—whether you’re casting from a boat or the pier.

Address: Fort Pickens Area of Gulf Islands National Seashore, near Pensacola Pass

Egmont Key State Park & National Wildlife Refuge

Located at the mouth of Tampa Bay, this undeveloped barrier island is accessible only by water. With white-sand beaches, historic ruins of Fort Dade, and the Egmont Key Lighthouse, it offers excellent shelling, wildlife viewing, and scenic cruising. It’s an ideal destination for swimming, birdwatching, or just anchoring off shore.

Address: Egmont Key, at the mouth of Tampa Bay, Pinellas County, FL

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Shell Key Preserve

A pristine, roadless barrier island just south of St. Pete Beach and northwest of Egmont Key. Shell Key is perfect for swimming, shelling, wildlife observation, and snorkeling in clear waters. No facilities or buildings—just natural beauty and abundant shorebirds and marine life.

Address: Shell Key Preserve, accessible by private boat west of St. Pete

Fort De Soto Park

This popular park south of Maximo Marina spans multiple islands and includes fishing piers, beaches, and historic fort remains. A great spot for fishing, especially at the Arrowhead fishing area off the main island, where anglers frequently catch trout, snook, pompano, and sheepshead.

Address: 3500 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, Florida 33715

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Weedon Island Preserve & Mangrove Trails

Nestled just east of the city, this preserve offers a peaceful paddle—or boat drop-off—into mangrove tunnels and the South Paddling Trail. Expect opportunities to kayak, explore nature trails, and fish from its pier for mangrove snapper, bass, and snook. Great for wildlife observation and serene boating.

Address: 1800 Weedon Dr NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33702

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St. Pete Pier

Cruise downtown St. Petersburg to the iconic St. Pete Pier for sightseeing, dolphin watching, and fishing off the pier. While boats cannot dock directly, anglers can moor nearby or fish along the waterfront. Species common here include snook, trout, redfish, and sheepshead.

Address: 600 2nd Ave NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

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Anclote Key Preserve State Park (Anclote Key)

Located just a few miles offshore in the Gulf, Anclote Key is a pristine barrier island and state park known for its beautiful beaches, historic lighthouse, and nature-rich shoreline. Untouched by roads, it offers island-level wildlife, shelling, and peaceful anchoring surrounded by blue-green open water.

Address: ~4–6 miles west of Tarpon Springs via Anclote River into St. Joseph Sound

Rapp Island Sand Bar

A hidden gem just offshore—a shallow, sandy anchorage popular with local boaters. Perfect for anchoring out, swimming, relaxing on the flats, or enjoying a picnic. Often quiet and uncrowded compared to busier sandbars.

Address: Anclote River mouth, west of Tarpon Springs

Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks & Anclote River Cruise

A scenic cruise up the Anclote River past the historic Sponge Docks, waterfront restaurants, and marina districts. A great way to soak in local culture, spot dolphins along the mangrove-lined channels, and combine tourism with boating.

Address: 512 Dodecanese Blvd, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689

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St. Joseph Sound / Caladesi Island View Cruise

Cruise through St. Joseph Sound with views of Caladesi Island and Clearwater beaches in the distance. Excellent for coastal cruising, sightseeing, and spotting seabirds and marine life, all within a short run from Tarpon Springs.

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