Clearwater Area Boating - Places to go

[Summers420us]

I moved to Clearwater about a year and a half ago, and recently picked up and AR190 (first boat). I have been cutting my teeth at Tarpon Lake, but I am looking for more places to go.

For those that live around here, or have visited, or otherwise know the area, I am looking for tips on islands to visit, good launch sites, got to see's, restaurants to boat to, etc.

Please let me know your favorite haunts! I hope to see you all out there!

 

[Summers420us]

Scalloping is also something I was thinking about so if you have any tips let us know.

 

[Andy S]

Here are a few spots just north of Clearwater Beach, check out Caladesi Island State Park, Honeymoon Island State Park, Three Rooker Island, Anclote Key Island, and Anclote River into Tarpon Springs.

 

[Bryan mazanec]

I keep my boat in tarpon springs and my favorite destination is anclote and the key. It's easy to anchor off the channel at the north part of anclote and it's pretty quiet. If you want more of a party, anchor at anclote key.

 

[Summers420us]

Cool! Keep 'em coming!

 

[Dean P]

I boated in Clearwater for about 20 years and am now again back in a boat in St Pete. There are a bunch of restaurants up and down the ICW. Starting from North to South, check out:
Homeport Marina
Bon Appetit
Frenchy's
Cooters
Clearwater Marina has a bunch within walking distance
Shephards
Jimmy Guana's with an awesome pool and outdoor bar!
The Pub
And Gators at John's Pass (was the best back then)

These are the places we frequented a lot. There may be more but as I said now we're in the bay (Tampa/St. Pete) where we go to IC Sharks, The Getaway, Hula Bay, Downtown St Pete (fresco's) and lots within walking distance, plus Fish Tales. Further South we've been to The Wharf, and The Salty Rim...Next is Sea Critters and Sea Hags.

Depending on where you put in, gas shouldn't be a problem unless you're wide open (but you won't be on the ICW). Lights are very nice at night on the way back.

Good luck

 

[Hannibal]

Even McDonald's at the Tom Stuart Causeway has a boat dock in case high seas alone doesn't give you indigestion. Our maiden voyage Sunday before last was from the Bellaire boat ramps up the ICW to Three Rookers, out into the Gulf a couple of miles and down to Redington Bch, back up to Clearwater Pass and down to the Bellaire ramps. Boy was it crowded when we got back. Three Rookers is a popular beach party spot. The beaches along the pass out of Fort Desoto are also popular on the weekends. We've been out with other people but we're new to having our own boat. Can't believe how nervous I am with it. Haven't had one since late '70's way back in the previous century. The earth was flat back then and we had to be careful to not go over the edge.