Tampa is one of Florida’s most versatile boating spots, known for calm inland waters and a relaxed coastal atmosphere. The area has something for any type of boater. It’s an easy place to be on the water without feeling rushed, even during the busiest of weekends.
Warm weather throughout most of the year keeps Tampa Bay electric across seasons. Marinas are well equipped and anchorages are calm and protected. You’ll be greeted warmly by plenty of dock and dine options throughout the bay. Waterfront neighborhoods, scenic walks, and local events give Tampa as much personality off the boat as you’ll find on the water. Links to each featured location are included in Argo. Just open the link, log in, and add the destination to My Pins. Everything will be synced to your mobile app and ready for when you launch.
Guide Contents:
- The City at a Glance
- Getting there (Navigation Advice)
- Marinas and Boat Facilities
- Anchorages
- Dock and Dine & Waterfront Restaurants
- Things to Do on Shore
- Tips for Visiting by Boat
- Frequently Asked Questions
The City at a Glance
- Location: Tampa, Florida
- Type of boating: Bay cruising, coastal, fishing, island anchoring
- Navigation difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Best season to visit: October – May
- Marina availability: Good throughout Tampa Bay, including Tampa and St. Petersburg
- Dock and dine restaurants: Oystercatchers, Hula Bay Club, American Social Tampa, Jackson’s Bistro, Bar & Sushi
- Notable attractions: Tampa Riverwalk, St. Petersburg waterfront, Clearwater Beach, Egmont Key, Sunshine Skyway Bridge
Getting There by Water
The best way to get to Tampa Bay is from the Gulf of Mexico through Egmont Channel. As the main deep water bay entrance, the channel is marked and well maintained. It provides direct access to Tampa, St. Petersburg and the surrounding areas. Once inside, boaters appreciate wide, protected waters, making navigation easy. Most boaters find Tampa Bay straightforward to navigate once inside, especially compared to busier South Florida waterways.
The Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) along Florida’s west coast is also an option. It connects Tampa Bay to Sarasota to the south and Clearwater to the north. Smaller vessels often use the ICW to move around without heading offshore. Several secondary channels branch off throughout the bay, leading to marinas, rivers, and anchorages.
Navigation Notes
- Primary Inlet: Egmont Channel – deep, well marked, well maintained
- Secondary Routes: Intracoastal Waterway, Sunshine Skyway Channel, Hillsborough River access
- Bridges: Numerous fixed bridges, major bridges have ample clearance
- Currents: Moderate near inlets and shipping channels
- Hazards: Shallow flats, commercial traffic, seasonal fog
Marinas and Boat Facilities
Tampa Convention Center Marina
The Convention Center marina offers one of the most convenient docking spots in the city. Boaters appreciate the close proximity to the Riverwalk, nearby restaurants, and easy access to Hillsborough Bay.
Key Facilities: Fuel nearby, pump-out, restrooms, transient slips
St. Petersburg Municipal Marina
Across the bay, St. Petersburg Municipal Marina is a great option for Tampa boaters looking for a full-service stop. It’s known for clean facilities, friendly staff, and direct access to downtown St. Petersburg’s parks, museums, and restaurants. It is often used as an early overnight stop before returning to Tampa.
Key Facilities: Fuel, pump-out, restrooms, showers, laundry, transient slips
Tampa Marriott Water Street Marina
Marriott’s marina is the perfect stop for visiting boaters who want to stay overnight. The docks are modern and well maintained, and the attached hotel is close to dining, shopping, and the nightlife of Tampa’s waterfront district.
Key Facilities: Fuel nearby, pump-out, restrooms, transient slips, hotel
Anchorages Near Tampa Bay
Egmont Key
Egmont Key is one of the area’s most popular and scenic anchorages. Surrounded by historic ruins, it’s a favorite stop for swimming, snorkeling, and beach walks. Reviewers love the island’s laid-back energy and easy access back into the bay or out to the Gulf.
Quick Facts
- Depth: 8-15 ft
- Bottom: Sand, good holding
- Protection: Good in calm weather, exposed to strong winds
- Facilities: Beaches, restrooms on shore
- Crowds: Busy on weekends, quieter midweek
Beer Can Island
South of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge sits Beer Can Island. The island is one of the Tampa area’s most popular social destinations, boasting a lively weekend scene filled with boats and music. It’s ideal for swimming and relaxing, with shallow water and calm conditions.
Quick Facts
- Depth: 4-8 ft
- Bottom: Sand, fair holding
- Protection: Limited, best in calm conditions
- Facilities: None
- Crowds: Very busy on weekends
Safety Harbor
Safety Harbor offers a protected spot to anchor in the northern area of Old Tampa Bay. Boaters often use the area as a quick overnight stop or a break from the busier parts of the Bay, especially when traffic is heavy. The waters are calm, and town is a quick dinghy ride away.
Quick Facts
- Depth: 6-12 ft
- Bottom: Mud and sand
- Protection: Good
- Facilities: None
- Crowds: Light to moderate
Dock and Dine & Waterfront Restaurants
Oystercatchers
On the bay in South Tampa sits Oystercatchers. The restaurant is known for gorgeous sunset views and a familiar waterfront dining experience. It’s a favorite for quieter evenings on the water. Reviewers love the calm setting, attentive service, and phenomenal views across Tampa Bay.
- Vibe: Upscale, scenic
- Cuisine: Seafood, fine dining
- Dockage: Limited docking nearby
- Crowds: Steady evenings, busy at sunset
Hula Bay Club
A Tampa favorite, Hula Bay Club is great for laid back coastal dining. It’s a convenient stop for boaters cruising Hillsborough Bay. Reviewers appreciate the casual setting, generous portions, and the iconic Florida feel.
- Vibe: Casual, waterfront
- Cuisine: Seafood, American
- Dockage: Dock access nearby
- Crowds: Busy weekends
American Social Tampa
Right along the Tampa Riverwalk is the perfect stop for boaters looking to grab a meal in the heart of downtown. The atmosphere is electric, the service is great, and the view of the river makes it a fantastic post cruise choice. Reviewers also love the lively vibe and easy access to the rest of the Riverwalk.
- Vibe: Casual, social
- Cuisine: American, burgers, cocktails
- Dockage: Nearby slips along the Riverwalk
- Crowds: Busy evenings and weekends – reviewers recommend reservations
Jackson’s Bistro, Bar & Sushi
Jackson’s is a dock and dine stop that will appeal to just about any type of boater. The menu is huge, making it an easy choice for big groups, and the waterfront setting keeps things relaxed without feeling overwhelmed. Reviews say it’s a great stop for a casual lunch or dinner after a day on the water.
- Vibe: Casual, versatile
- Cuisine: Seafood, sushi, American
- Dockage: Nearby dock access
- Crowds: Steady throughout the day
Things to Do on Shore in Tampa
Tampa has plenty to explore even after you step off the boat. The city is filled with waterfront walk spots, historic neighborhoods, and professional sports venues. It balances the chill of coastal living with a vibrant urban feel. Most attractions are easy to reach from downtown marinas or a short ride from the bay.
The Riverwalk
The Tampa Riverwalk stretches along the Hillsborough River and serves as one of the city’s most popular attractions. It’s filled with parks, museums, restaurants, and bars, making it perfect for a casual stroll or afternoon off the water. The Riverwalk is lined with countless marinas and dock and dine spots, making it especially convenient for boaters.
Neighborhoods and Districts
Tampa is teeming with vibrant and unique districts ripe for exploring. Ybor City to the northeast is famous for historic cigar factories, brick streets, and a lively nightlife scene. Hyde Park is great for boutique shopping and inland dining. South Tampa boasts beautiful waterfront parks and scenic bike rides along Bayshore Boulevard. The skyline views from Ballast Park are incredible!
Beaches and Outdoor Areas
Tampa itself is more bay focused, but several great beaches are just a short ride away. Clearwater Beach and St. Pete Beach are well known for soft sand and clear water. Picnic Island Park is also an option for those who want a quieter escape close to the city.
Sports and Culture
The city is home to several major sports teams, and catching a game would be a great way to spend the evening off the water. The Tampa Museum of Art and nearby cultural centers are also great options for visitors who want to learn more about what makes the city so iconic. Seasonal festivals and various waterfront events keep calendars full throughout the year. I recommend the Gasparilla Pirate Festival in late January. It’s a blast for the whole family!
Tips for Visiting by Boat
Tampa Bay offers comfortable boating conditions most of the year, but the best months are usually from October through May. Temperatures are mild and afternoon storms are much less frequent. Summer boating is popular, but heat, humidity, and sudden thunderstorms are common, so plan trips earlier in the day and keep a close eye on the weather.
Commercial traffic is regular in Tampa Bay, especially near shipping channels leading to the Port of Tampa. Always give large vessels plenty of room and avoid anchoring near marked channels. Locals recommend updating charts and keeping AIS or radar active when navigating busy areas.
Shallow flats are common in the bay, especially in Old Tampa Bay and near island shorelines. Keep an eye on tides when anchoring or traveling through unfamiliar waters and be careful when leaving deeper channels.
No wake zones are strictly enforced, especially around marinas, residential shorelines, and the Riverwalk. Patrols are frequent, so always follow posted regulations and maintain safe speeds.
Tampa Bay wildlife is abundant and protected. Dolphins and manatees are common, especially in warmer months. Operate at idle speed when animals are nearby and keep an eye out for posted manatee protection zones. Help preserve the bay’s natural beauty!
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to go boating in Tampa?
Boating is enjoyable year-round in Tampa Bay, but the best conditions come from October through May. Temperatures are cooler, humidity is lower, and afternoon storms are less frequent. Summer months are also popular, though weather is somewhat less predictable.
Can I dock near downtown Tampa?
Yes. Tampa Convention Center Marina offers transient docking right along downtown’s waterfront. It gives easy access to the Riverwalk, restaurants, and onshore attractions. Additional marinas and slips are also available, notably throughout Hillsborough Bay.
Is Tampa Bay part of the Intracoastal Waterway?
Yes. The ICW runs through Tampa Bay and connects the region to Sarasota in the south and Clearwater to the north. Many boaters use it is an inland route instead of heading offshore.
What boating regulations should I know?
Tampa Bay is actively patrolled. No wake zones are strictly enforced, especially around marinas, residential areas, and most of the Riverwalk. Florida law requires life jackets for children under 6 years old, and operators born after January 1, 1988, must complete a state-approved boater safety course.
Where can I launch my boat or trailer?
Public boat ramps are available throughout the bay area. Davis Island Boat Ramp, Gandy Boat Ramp, and Picnic Island Park are commonly used and convenient locations to access Tampa Bay and its nearby waterways, with parking and basic facilities available.
To Sum Up Boating in Tampa Florida
Among Florida’s vibrant boating scenes, Tampa Bay stands out as a calmer and more approachable option compared to many of its counterparts. With gentle waters, easy navigation, and numerous waterfront stops, it’s as wonderful a destination for first time visitors as it is for the most experienced of boaters.
