Sand Key Park is sandwiched between the Gulf of Mexico and Clearwater Pass. It features a dog park, picnic benches and pavilions, grills and playgrounds, concessions and cabana rentals. There also is the beach. There are not too many good places for surfing on Florida's west coast, but when the weather is right, many try here. More than a million visitors a year come to the 95-acre park.
There are nine boardwalks leading to the beach, and nine outdoor shower towers and two bath houses with separate changing stalls and restrooms. A lifeguard is on duty 9am to 5pm daily from March to September. The park also is the base of operations for the Gulf artificial reef program.
The beach welcomes sea turtles who annually nest in the sand. The park also is a great birding trail. It features a salt marsh where heron, roseate spoonbill, great horned owl, anhinga and common moorhen nest and feed.
The park is a great spot for a sunset wedding.Contact Advantus Leisure Management Services to make arrangements for weddings and special events at Sand Key.
The Charter Boats - Gulfstream - Gulfstream II and Ragin Cajun are owned and operated by Captain Foster with more than 50 years sea experience. Every Captain is fully trained to USCG standards and experienced in the Gulf of Mexico waters. In addition, all crew is trained for your safety and peace of mind and all boats within the Charter family have state of the art equipment.
You'll find each ship to be air conditioned and heated, with galley, color television and stereo, clean, modern restrooms, GPS, ship to shore VHF & SSB radios and a color video fish finder. Call and make your reservation or for current schedules. You can check out prices online, but must call to reserve for up to 6 for a day aboard a private chartered boat.
Clearwater Municipal Marina is home to the largest fleet in Florida. The 210-slip marina is open year-round and offers access to myriad boating activities. The marina is centrally located to shopping and entertainment, including Pier 60 and Beach Walk. The marina moors fishing and sailing charters, sightseeing boats, dinner cruises, dolphin tours, parasailing and personal watercraft. The marina also includes restaurants, a gift shop, a barber, a nautical shop, laundry, convenience store, post office and bait house. There are 23 slips available for transient boaters. The slips are equipped to accommodate vessels up to 125 feet long. The marina has gasoline and diesel fuel, free pump outs, showers, 24-hour security, free cable TV, weather monitor, free fishing pier and waste oil disposal.
The Sea Screamer is a turbo-charged 72-foot boat. It is said to be one of the largest boats in the U.S., offering a Dolphin Watching Tour, a Thrill Ride (be prepared to get splashed) and a Celebrity Tour. The Sea Screamer offers a family friendly ride on the marina at Clearwater Beach. For 20 dollars, passengers receive a one-hour ride on the bright yellow open-topped boat out on to the Gulf of Mexico at speeds up to 35 miles per hour. Safety is a number one concern; the boat has aboard all USCG-approved life vests and other standard safety equipment. The boat features two restrooms and offers refreshments available for purchase. Visit the Sea Screamer's website to find out more about the thrilling rides, dolphin watching and celebrity homes tour.
The Gypsy charter fishing boat has been operated by Capt. Tom Hylton since 1981. His 36' Gypsy carries up to six passengers, who can expect a fun and safe fishing trip in the Gulf of Mexico. The Gypsy has state-of-the-art navigational equipment, and safety gear meeting USGC standards for offshore boating. You can see pictures of prior happy fishermen with their big catches at the charter service's website.
Capt. Tom will cruise the Gypsy from Clearwater Beach into Gulf waters for seasonal catches like black and red groupers; in the spring and fall, kingfish and mackerel are abundant. Year round you may catch amberjack, snapper, cobia, dolphin, tuna and even an occasional shark. Your chartered fishing excursion includes your tackle, bait and state-required fishing licenses; remember to bring your own sunscreen.
If you are looking for a safe, fun, personalized fishing trip in the Gulf of Mexico, give Capt. Tom a call. All deep-sea fishing trips on the Gypsy are weather permitting and require advance reservations. Deep-sea fishing excursions run 4 to 6 hours. Private or split charters are available. Please call for reservations and pricing.
Clearwater Boat Rentals is the place to go if you want to cruise on your own. It has a few different types of boats to choose from. Boats fit anywhere from 5-9 people, depending on which one you choose. They will go over all safety requirements and show you all that you need to know to have a fun and safe trip. They offer 2, 4 or 8 hour rentals.
Encounter With Dolphins is an 1 1/2 to 2 hour tour on the Gulf of Mexico and Clearwater Harbor where you get to see dolphins playing in their natural habitat, view some celebrity houses and stop on an island to do some shelling or snorkeling. This is a great adventure for either kids or adults.
