Tampa bay comprises three cities and is a cruising ground in itself. The bay is approximately 30 miles long and 15 miles wide surrounded with many good restaurants and a variety of night life. Tampa is mostly business and industry; Clearwater and St.Petersburg have sunny beaches and an atmosphere for those wanting a resort style

The Tampa Bay and west coast of Florida is a cruising ground with a unique setting. From large resorts to small quiet towns. Enjoy sailing and exploring our bays, rivers, estuaries, barrier islands and the Gulf of Mexico. Secluded anchorages, upscale marinas, parks and nature reserves; the selection offers something for every life style.
Going south it is a three day sail to the Florida Keys. There are numerous harbors, towns and attractions along the way. Exploring the everglades can be done from many of these stops. It is possible to cross to the east coast of Florida at Marathon and explore the Keys from the other side.
Going north there are many small towns that still have the relaxed atmosphere of the old Florida with excellent fresh seafood in a local, very informal style.

Tampa Bay - St Petersburg: sailing area

Marina & starting point
With a wide variety of seaside towns, secluded anchorages and close proximity to the theme parks, the base is a wonderful place to charter for the first or the fifteenth time !
There are two restaurants with bar at the base. One is more a sandwich and breakfast shop, the other a dinner and dancing restaurant. American cuisine is varied and enjoys worldwide influences, generally a mixture of Italian, Mexican, Cajun, Creole and vegetarian dishes, something for everybody! Meal portions are usually generous and good value for money.

Bareboat Exp. Level
From 1 - easy to 5 - very experienced: 2-3. We could provide a skipper service for your first day's sail from our base to familiarise the crew with the boat.

Airport
Tampa Bay International Airport (50 minutes).

Local Language
English.

Currency
US$. Major credit cards accepted.

Visa
Depending on your nationality. Check with your local US consulate or ambassy.

Weather
The sailing season is year round with winds typically being light to moderate and easterly in the morning switching to a westerly sea breeze in the afternoon during the summer. Winter sailing can be quite variable with southerly winds prior to north-westerly fronts and then several crisp and clear days as the wind clocks north and east before the next front.
High Season: From March to May
Middle Season: October to February (except Xmas and NYE) and June
Low Season: July to September
Hurricane season is from June to November. However the busy months are July through October. The storms are not often and most of the time there is great, warm sailing.
The weather information is excellent. The VHF has a channel that continuously broadcasts forecasts and general information.

Sample cruise
7 day itinerary starting St Petersburg.