Tampa area anchorage

[FSmith]

Can anyone recommend an anchorage in the Tampa, Bradenton, St. Pete area with good shore access?

[chiropaul]

Between the Vinoy Hotel and the Pier in downtown St. Pete an anchorage with mooring buoys has recently been established. I believe there are places along the beach areas adjacent to the Pier that you can land a dingy. You can also check with the Vinoy Marina if tht is possible as well.

Area used to be a free anchorage, but new state program installed the moorings. May still be able to anchor in separate area but can't say for sure.

[rover88]

I recently anchored in the Boca Ciega Bay near St. Pete just off the ICW in 7-8' across from the channel into Gulfport. Shore access is limited but a sailing charter operation graciously allowed me to tie up the dink to their dock. A large shopping center with Publix was a few hundred yards away and plenty of eateries and other amenities within walking distance.

N27'43.833
W83'43.845

[knothead]

Please come and anchor off the beach in Gulfport.
We'll need you come Wed. Morning.



Sorry, It was just too perfect an opportunity.

[zeehag]

vinoy basin has crappy holding. we achored a mouth of manatee river in good mud and excellent holding. dont know where dink landing is--folks were using a marina other side of river.

[Downtothesea]

There are much better anchorages than those that have been mentioned that have good shore access. Just rode out TS Debby with 60 mph wind gusts a month ago in the completely protected cove at Reddington Shores (Mile 125 off ICW). There is a dinghy dock (no infernal combustion engines allowed).

Off the American Legion and McDonalds at Maderia Beach is good with McDonalds dinghy dock and Publix supermarket right there.

The Longboat Key anchorage is good and has a public dinghy dock. Also Bradenton Beach/Cortez (Mile 87 on ICW) in most weather but run a couple of miles back down to Longboat Key if a severe SE blow is coming.


Plenty of others, check Active Captain website.

[rover88]

Knothead,
Considering it, I went so far as to route a trip from my location in Atlanta to Gulport overland to come lend a hand. Wish I could, but 1k miles round trip is a bit too far.

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by zeehag

vinoy basin has crappy holding. we achored a mouth of manatee river in good mud and excellent holding. dont know where dink landing is--folks were using a marina other side of river.

+1. I used to live on the Manatee. A number of good anchorages there. And, at least in the past, the marinas did not mind you coming ashore there. Nice park at De Soto point too with beach access and a good anchorage.

Vinoy is a fun spot for access to Central Ave in St. Pete...used to be a really good cigar bar there I liked to visit.

[FSmith]

Thanks for all the good info. Will be there in Nov. and will check out these options. I can research it but offhand does anyone know how the new Fl. anchoring rules apply. Is there a time limit on staying in one place so as not to be considered a liveaboard vs. cruiser?

[w1651]

Originally Posted by FSmith

Can anyone recommend an anchorage in the Tampa, Bradenton, St. Pete area with good shore access?

Here is a great link that can guide you through the west coast of Florida.

Cruiser's Net » WEST FL – All Cruising News

Read the warnings also. They are there for a reason.