Find the best boat rentals in St. Pete, FL

Visit Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge

Just beyond the Sunshine Skyway Bridge and outside of Tampa Bay, the former military base has become a 280-acre state park and wildlife refuge and is home to a wide variety of birds, tortoises, sea turtles, and much more. 

Only accessible by ferry or private boat, the island also has a rich history with ruins left from Fort Dade and a 150-year-old lighthouse. Although boats are not allowed to beach, visitors can anchor and walk ashore to enjoy the pristine beaches, hiking trails, and unspoiled natural beauty.

It's important to remember that pets are not allowed on the island due to the bird sanctuaries and other protected species, and there are no facilities available so it is important to bring plenty of fresh water and sunscreen.

• Location: Google Maps Link
• Closest boat ramp: Fort DeSoto Boat Ramp, Point Pinellas, Maximo Boat Ramp Free
• Lat/Long: 27.58860° N, -82.76198° W

Visit Bean Point Beach

Boaters leaving Tampa Bay to cruise out the Gulf of Mexico pass Anna Maria Island to the south. At the northern tip of the barrier island sits Bean Point Beach, one of the area's most beautiful beaches and the perfect place for an afternoon getaway or a day in the sun.

Although it is not remote or uninhabited, the white sands and turquoise waters make Bean Point Beach a popular attraction. Boaters can anchor up and wade ashore, where it is possible to watch manatees swim past while lounging in the sand, with access to nearby restaurants and other facilities within fairly easy reach. 

No matter what you plan to do once you get there, remember to take plenty of fresh water and sunscreen along to help make your day in the sun a good one. 

• Location: Google Maps Link
• Closest boat ramp: Fort DeSoto Boat Ramp, Point Pinellas
• Lat/Long: 27.54186° N, -82.74383° W  

Fish in the Gulf or Tampa Bay

With quick, easy access to either Tampa Bay or the Gulf of Mexico, St. Petersburg offers anglers a variety of inshore and offshore fishing opportunities. Well-known for the size and number of tarpon in the area, Tampa Bay offers great fishing when it might be too rough to run out to the deeper water in search of big fish. The Bay is also a great place to fish for redfish, snook, and many other species.

Offshore in the Gulf's deep waters, mackerel, shark, amberjack, mahi-mahi, tuna, and sailfish are common catches, although there are lots of grouper and snapper waiting on the bottom as well. Whether hunting out in the deep or keeping close to home, St. Petersburg offers some of the best fishing on Florida's West Coast.  

Fishing Offshore

• Target species: mahi-mahi, tuna, shark, amberjack, king mackerel, sailfish

• Seasonality: St. Petersburg offers great fishing all year long. However, some species are more active during certain times of the year, so check local resources for more info.  

• Boat selection: The ride out into the Gulf may be longer depending on the desired type of fishing, so newer, faster center consoles and comfortable sportfishing boats are the most popular.

Fishing Inshore

• Target Species: snook, spotted trout, tarpon, redfish, tripletail
• Seasonality: There are fish biting in St. Petersburg all year long, although some species, such as tarpon, are best caught at certain times of the year. Check local resources for information on your favorite catch.

Boat Selection: Center consoles, runabouts, dual consoles, flats skiffs, pontoon boats