St. Petersburg to Sarasota

To travel from St. Petersburg to Sarasota by boat, you'll navigate through the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) and cross the waters of Tampa Bay. Here's a route description:

Depart from St. Petersburg: Begin your journey from a suitable boat ramp, marina, or waterfront location in St. Petersburg. Ensure that your boat is properly fueled, equipped, and in good working condition.

Enter the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW): Leave St. Petersburg and enter the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), also known as the ICW. The ICW is a well-marked inland waterway that provides a safe route for boaters along the coast.

Head south on the ICW: Once in the ICW, head south, following the marked channel and navigational aids. The ICW is typically wide and well-maintained, offering a smooth journey through various sections of the waterway.

Cross Tampa Bay: As you continue south on the ICW, you'll eventually reach the southern end of Tampa Bay. Cross Tampa Bay, being mindful of any boat traffic and following the navigational aids as necessary.

Pass through Longboat Pass: After crossing Tampa Bay, continue south on the ICW until you reach Longboat Pass. Longboat Pass is a natural inlet that connects the Gulf of Mexico to Sarasota Bay. Navigate through the pass, following any marked channels or buoys.

Continue to Sarasota: Once through Longboat Pass, you'll enter Sarasota Bay. Continue south on the ICW, passing through Sarasota Bay until you reach Sarasota. Sarasota offers several marinas, waterfront areas, and boating facilities.

Arrive in Sarasota: Navigate through the designated channels and reach your desired destination in Sarasota. Sarasota is known for its vibrant cultural scene, beautiful beaches, and attractions such as the Ringling Museum of Art and Siesta Key.

Egmont Key: Begin your journey by heading south from St. Petersburg towards Egmont Key, a small island located at the mouth of Tampa Bay. This protected nature preserve offers pristine beaches, historic ruins, and excellent snorkeling opportunities. Take the time to explore the island's trails and learn about its fascinating history.

Anna Maria Island: As you continue south along the coast, you'll pass by Anna Maria Island, a charming barrier island known for its beautiful beaches and laid-back atmosphere. Consider stopping at the island to anchor your boat and enjoy swimming, sunbathing, or exploring the local shops and restaurants.

Longboat Key: Just south of Anna Maria Island, you'll come across Longboat Key, another scenic barrier island. This upscale community offers pristine beaches, golf courses, and waterfront dining options. Take in the views of luxurious waterfront homes and enjoy the tranquil ambiance as you sail past.

Lido Key: As you approach Sarasota, you'll reach Lido Key, a barrier island known for its white sand beaches and vibrant St. Armands Circle. Consider stopping at Lido Key to anchor your boat and spend some time exploring the beautiful beaches or visiting the upscale shops and restaurants at St. Armands Circle.

Sarasota Bayfront: Upon reaching Sarasota, the bayfront area offers several points of interest. Visit Marina Jack for waterfront dining, or explore the scenic waterfront parks such as Bayfront Park and Island Park. The Ringling Bridge, which connects downtown Sarasota with St. Armands Key, offers stunning views of the bay and is worth crossing by boat.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens: Located along the shores of Sarasota Bay, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is a beautiful attraction featuring a wide variety of tropical plants and stunning gardens. While you may not be able to access the gardens directly by boat, you can enjoy the views of the lush foliage and colorful blooms from the water.

Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium: Situated on City Island in Sarasota, Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium is a renowned research facility and public aquarium. While you may not be able to dock directly at the aquarium, you can appreciate the facility from the water and learn about their conservation efforts.