Guide to Best Boating Destinations in Treasure Island FL
Treasure Island is a boater’s paradise located on the Gulf Coast of Florida offering a multitude of adventures for everyone. As one of the most popular destinations for boaters, Treasure Island boasts beautiful landscapes, pristine beaches, and pride for its maritime importance. Whether you plan to take a leisurely cruise along the turquoise colored waters or indulge in adrenaline-pumping island hopping expeditions, this coastal beauty has something for every seafaring spirit.
Discover the hidden gems and top boating destinations with our comprehensive Treasure Island boating guide. If you are a professional sailor or an explorer on your first foray, this guide will take you through the best boating destinations in Treasure Island, starting from lush green bays to hidden secrets and beyond. Treasure Island is the perfect coastal gem which has something for every visitor.
Best Scenic Routes
With boating in Treasure Island, you have the best of both worlds. From boat cruises around the island to exploring the white water beaches, you’ll have so many options to choose from. Here are just a few of the best scenic routes the island has to offer:
Boat Cruise: Take a leisurely boat cruise around the island to see its picturesque coastline and glistening white sand beaches from a slightly different perspective.
Intercoastal Waterway: Enjoy a relaxing boat ride with beautiful Gulf of Mexico views along the Atlantic Coast. The channel takes you along the coast, through inland canals lined with mangrove islands and waterfront estates, and gives you an opportunity to observe the natural beauty of Treasure Island’s coastal ecosystem.
John’s Pass: Take an excursion cruise along this historic link between Treasure Island and Boca Ciega Bay. As you tour through the narrow channel of the picturesque passage, look out for dolphins playing and feeding along the coast and stop for a chance to watch pelicans hunting for fish amidst its waters.
As you go sailing in Treasure Island you’ll be fascinated by its pristine waterways and will discover how this majestic island’s beautiful coastal views really are something that must be seen to be believed.
Best Boating Stops
Looking to discover the best boating spots in Treasure Island for adventurous water activities while exploring the natural beauty of this world-famous coastal location? Here are some of the best boating spots on Treasure Island:
Sunset Beach: Located on the southern end of Treasure Island, Sunset Beach is a perfect place to enjoy the silence and natural beauty. This is a great spot for campers, travelers, and boaters to set sail and experience all the wonder of Treasure Island. Nelson’s dockyard boaters can cruise under the Treasure Island Bridge through reflective calm water. Kayaks and paddleboards are a great rental option for those who enjoy the calm waters.
John’s Pass: At the north end of Treasure Island, boaters can set sail and dock at the John’s Pass Marina to get stunning views of the coastline. Boaters will enjoy watching other boats pass through the narrow channel during high and low tides. Great fishing experiences can be found here while casting lines for tarpon, flounder, redfish, and grouper. John’s Pass boardwalk is perfect for shoppers and those looking for their evening meal.
North Bay Harbor: Located in the center of Treasure Island, North Bay Harbor is the epicenter of boating and its activities at Treasure Island. Boaters can moor and dock here to walk to St. Pete Beach or take a water taxi ride to Tampa. There’s also the option to board a paddleboard, pontoon, kayak or rent jet skis to explore Boca Ciega Bay.
Treasure Island Beach: With a white sandy beach and clear, sparkling waters, Treasure Island Beach is a paradise. Boaters can anchor a mile off the beach area and spend the rest of the day relaxing, go on a parasailing adventure, rent jet skis, and watch the dolphins swimming for a memorable experience.
Island Hopping Adventures
Boat tours to Treasure Island showcase the area’s natural beauty and rich maritime history from a different perspective. Here are a few adventures to take part in:
Island Hopping Adventures: Treasure Island offers the ability to cruise to a place where adventures abound. Discover secluded beaches, wildlife refuges, and natural landmarks. Whether your adventure begins in the aquamarine waters of Tampa Bay or the mighty blue Atlantic Ocean that surrounds Treasure Island, countless opportunities lie just beyond the shoreline. From a mile-long beach front to breathtaking nature trails, each erects its own shore, beckoning visitors to explore its stunning nature.
Shell Key Preserve Exploration: Boat to Shell Key Preserve, a stretch of natural and undeveloped barrier island with stunning wind-swept views and bird-filled beaches. Anchor in protected waters offshore and embark on nature trails looping through 380 acres of a unique ecosystem teeming with nesting shorebirds and rare coastal plants. Shell Key Preserve presents a perfect opportunity for tranquil discovery, where undisturbed beaches and wildlife-filled habitats beckon exploration.
Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge: Navigate to Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge, a historical island surrounded by maritime marquee and rich heritage. Explore the ruins of its former sentry including a fort built in the 1800s which housed light keepers and stood as a key shipping station. Venture through a historic lighthouse that adds maritime charm. After walking the historic ruins of Egmont Key, sit down on its white sandy shores and feel all three bodies of water surrounding this key – Tampa Bay, the Gulf of Mexico, and a cozy inlet make up the island’s waterfront spectacle.
Best Fishing Spots
Fishing enthusiasts visiting Treasure Island are in for a treat with an abundance of fishing spots that promise excitement and opportunities to reel in some impressive catches. Here's an exploration of the diverse fishing experiences awaiting anglers on Treasure Island:
Blind Pass: Anglers can cast from the banks of Blind Pass into serene, shallow waters filled with snooks, redfish, and other fish species.
Offshore Fishing: Anglers can charter a boat to drop lines in deep waters where trophy-size grouper, snapper, and other species can be caught.
Charter Boat Expeditions: Anglers can charter a boat and travel far out in the Gulf of Mexico. From marlin, sailfish, and yellowfin tuna, fishing from a charter boat is one of the most enjoyable fishing experiences with the help of a professional crew.
Marine Wildlife Encounters
Explore the waters around Treasure Island and immerse yourself in the fascinating world of marine life. Encounter playful dolphins while on your boating adventures. Watch the graceful and friendly manatees as they gently respond to those who pass by as they surface for air.
Whether you’re snorkeling among marine wildlife or cruising along the coastline, the rich ecosystem of Treasure Island provides unforgettable encounters, making your boating adventures that much more special.
Hidden Gems to Explore
Discover hidden treasures such as secret coves and beautiful beaches along the coastline of Treasure Island. Tie up your boat at Sunset Beach, a private cove rich in powdery white sands and peaceful waters excellent for swimming and snorkeling.
For some adventure, take the boat to Three Rooker Island. This boater’s paradise is where you can just laze on its clean beaches for a whole day, or even explore the green mangrove forests in the interior of the island. Discover the variety of birds and different species of marine life.
Waterfront Dining
Satisfy your senses with a trip to the waterfront dining restaurants on Treasure Island, where every day provides an opportunity to eat fresh seafood and soak in the spectacular views. Tie your boat at Gators Cafe & Saloon, a waterfront restaurant that offers delicious seafood dishes and cool drinks in a lively setting.
Or for lighter, more upscale dining, head to Sea Dog Brewing Co., a waterfront restaurant where you can tour the brewhouse and stay for beer tastings while you admire the views of the marina.
Treasure Island’s waterfront restaurants host a smorgasbord for those who enjoy great dining and drinking. From casual cafes to elegant eateries here, explore the diverse cuisine the island has to offer.
Rental Options
Don’t have your own boat? No reason to worry; Treasure Island’s rental opportunities abound. Golf carts, pontoons, jet skis, and even jet boats are just some of the rental options to choose from to make your way around the island and beyond. Regardless of whether you want to cruise around Boca Ciega Bay or sail across the Gulf of Mexico, there are plenty of rental options on Treasure Island waiting for your next adventure.
Conclusion
Boating in Treasure Island is the ultimate destination for water enthusiasts who love the thrill of adventure. Treasure Island boat tours are an extraordinary way of taking in the coastal charm and the maritime splendor of the area. When you cruise down the coastal waters, you embark on an endless journey of adventure and exploration.
The varied Treasure Island boating destinations offer a natural melting pot of marine life and year-round adventures. Whether you enjoy cruising along the coastline, island hopping, marveling at the marine wildlife, or simply indulging in the pleasures of waterfront dining, Treasure Island is the jewel of the state. So, anchor’s up, chart your course, and embark on an adventurous journey through Florida’s famed Gulf Coast.
