Welcome back to the King Tide Blog! My last post explored some fun day trips in Tampa Bay. I'd now like to explore my favorite destinations hooking around the "crooked thumb" of Pinellas County. This route lends itself to a nice long weekend of harbor hopping (as I call it).
As a reminder, the notes below are not intended to provide navigational advice- please consult you own charts and apps before proceeding. For the purpose of Estimated Time Enroute (ETE), assume cruising speed of 6 knots SOG.
Spoiler alert: I was today years old when I learned that Egmont Key is in Hillsborough, NOT Pinellas County.
Which really surprises me, since it's only 1.3 NM from the tip of Mullet Key (which is definitely in Pinellas County). So consider the first destination on this list an honorary mention.
Egmont Key
Distance from Saint Petersburg: 18 NM
ETE: 3 hours
Approach: While I generally avoid using the commercial shipping channel, you have no choice but to use it when transiting through the Skyway. Keep a sharp lookout for commercial traffic, especially for vessels approaching from astern - they can sneak up on you! In settled weather, I anchor on the west side of the island, but care must be taken to mind the shoaling. Also note the presence of two concrete battery emplacements that were once dry land and have since been reclaimed by the sea. These are clearly marked on Navionics, as well as on Google Earth satellite view. Be sure to scope 7:1, as current can be very strong here and runs parallel to the shoreline.
Anchoring/Mooring: I do NOT recommend this as an overnight anchorage due to strong currents, wake from commercial traffic and potential exposure to changes in the wind.
Ashore: This is a marvelous state park with numerous ruins of a Spanish-American War-era battery. The island was once home to a small “town” for the soldiers who were stationed here and even had a movie theater! As snorkeling goes, this is the clearest water in the area! Enjoy the shades of blue and turquoise, but mind the shoaling that they warn of.
Don’t Miss: Gopher tortoises abound. Small cemetery near the lighthouse has numerous graves, some dating from the Civil War-era or sooner. This island also has significance to the Seminole nation, as it served as a staging ground for the tribe’s forced removal to Oklahoma during the Trail of Tears.
And now on to the "actual" Pinellas County Destinations
Gulfport
Distance from Saint Petersburg: 14 NM
ETE: 2 hours, 20 minutes
Approach: Mind the shoaling along Coquina Key, clearly visible to the naked eye and on the chart. You will easily clear the three fixed bridges along your course. Once in Boca Ciega Bay, you will notice shoaling along the rim, but good water in the center of the basin.
Anchoring/Mooring: The city maintains moorings, available at a reasonable price through Dockwa. You can also opt to anchor and will find great holding. Mind the anchored derelict boats and crab pots, and remember that anchoring is prohibited inside the mooring field. Boca Ciega Bay is generally very protected, but wind from the South or West can create some fetch.
Ashore: The city maintains a floating dinghy dock just adjacent the Gulfport Casino (an event hall, not for gambling). Gulfport is a funky place with lots of charm. The waterfront features numerous beach bars with lots of live music. A brewery, coffee shop and brunch places abound. We love Gulfport because it’s an easy trip from Saint Petersburg and feels like a nice “staycation.”
Don’t Miss: We love The Pearl, a Moroccan restaurant that just moved here from Treasure Island. Next time we visit, we’re going to try Pia’s, an Italian restaurant with multiple cozy indoor and outdoor dining rooms.
Fusion Resort in Treasure Island
Distance from Saint Petersburg: 17.5 NM
ETE: 2 hours, 55 minutes
Approach: Generally straight forward. Please also consult my approach notes from Gulfport. If transiting the ICW, after opening Treasure Island Bridge, do not attempt to leave the ICW until you are abeam Green “19.” If coming in from the Gulf, Johns Pass can be challenging for first-timers and veterans alike
Anchoring/Mooring: Fixed docks and a very helpful and welcoming dock staff.
Ashore: Staying here gives you access to the waterside pool and hot tub. They also have a bar and restaurant on site, as well as a rooftop terrace that hosts special events.
Don’t Miss: Sunsets on the beach. Treasure Island is a fun, laid-back beach town with numerous options in walking distance. Take an Uber to Johns Pass Village to walk around a fun shopping district. This is Pinellas County’s most-visited tourist destination!
Clearwater Beach
Distance from Saint Petersburg: 35.8 NM
ETE: 5 hours, 58 minutes
Approach: If entering from the Gulf, you will find that Clearwater Pass is very safe and well-marked. However, avoid using the shortcut to port after clearing the Sand Key Bridge.
Anchoring/Mooring: There are two marinas, both run by the city and both available through Dockwa. The marina near the beach has fixed docks and is also home to numerous commercial/tourist sightseeing vessels. We love this marina because you step off the boat into a fun beach town with a great beach and dining options. The marina near downtown (called “Clearwater Harbor Marina” on Dockwa) has floating docks.
Ashore: If time allows, visit the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, home to the late "Winter the Dolphin". Winter’s true story inspired a hit movie, “Winter’s Tale,” which led to a huge fundraising campaign to renovate the property. The marina also offers pump out and fuel.
Don’t Miss: Jimmy's Crows Nest is a rooftop bar that pours free shots at sunset. You will also see numerous signs for Frenchy’s, a seafood restaurant with multiple restaurants. They claim to have the best Grouper sandwich in town. We also love the Bait House, which is more of a “local” dive restaurant, located just near the marina.
Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks
Distance from Saint Petersburg: 50.5 NM (probably too big for one day, so you could plan an overnight along the way)
ETE: 8 hours, 25 minutes
Approach: Please see previous navigation notes and take caution transiting the ICW from Clearwater North to the Dunedin Causeway. This is one of the skinniest/shallowest sections, and I avoid it when I can by using Clearwater Pass instead. Note that you could also anchor along the eastern side of Anclote Key as a lunch stop. Take the dinghy ashore to explore this state park, which features awesome shelling and a lighthouse. Bring bug spray! The final approach to Tarpon is stunning as you navigate the rambling (but well-marked) Anclote River.
Anchoring/Mooring: This is a municipal marina with reasonably-priced transient slips. They don’t use Dockwa. The dockmaster will want you to arrive by 1600 at the latest. The slips themselves are a little short. The marina maintains a very clean bath and shower facility nearby.
Ashore: This is arguably one of the most unique communities in the area. You will step off the boats and step into Greece. Authentic cuisine abounds and I haven’t had a bad meal here! If you have time, take an Uber to the Greek Orthodox church or the Spring Bayou, host to the world-famous cross diving event during Epiphany. Nearby Craig Park has a museum displaying stunning large-scale murals by local artist Christopher Still that are a must-see!
Don’t Miss: Every Greek restaurant serves saganaki (flaming goat cheese). If you’re in the mood for seafood, Rusty Bellies has their own fleet of fishing boats and serves a complimentary basket of hushpuppies to each table. Plus, the pina coladas are indulgently delicious.
Come back next week for my final post in this series, in which I'll discuss my favorite destinations heading south.
Fair winds and following seas!
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