Gulf Coast Cruising Guide:
Top Marinas in Mid FL
Summer Gulf Coast Cruising Guide: Mid Florida
It’s that time of year again, warm weather and constant sunshine, the perfect combination for cruising. Florida’s Gulf Coast is a great place to start your cruising venture, with over 550 nautical miles from Destin all the way down to the keys. You’re bound to fall in love with Florida’s Gulf Coast waterways and top marinas along the way. Below we’ve outlined the top hot spots and marinas along Mid Florida’s Gulf Coast for you to enjoy while on your venture. These marinas will compliment your cruising experience with excitement, fun, and entertainment.
Crystal River, Florida: Pete’s Pier– King’s Bay Marina
The gem of Florida’s nature coast is designated as an outstanding Florida waterway and hotspot for top watersport activities such as diving, boating, fishing, and kayaking. A major highlight of Crystal River is its Three Sisters Springs, home for wintering manatees that migrate each winter. Crystal River is also one of the few places where you can swim with manatees. Aside from the manatees, this city is also well known for amazing golf courses and fine dining.
Docking is available at the legendary Pete’s Pier- King’s Bay Marina, the largest freshwater marina in the area. Pete’s Pier has options for many types and sizes of vessels up to 80′. Pete’s Pier is walking distance to local shops, restaurants, and activities. Book a manatee tour, or schedule a tarpon feeding session while docked at this famous pier.
Tarpon Springs, Florida: Tarpon Point Marina
Located just minutes north of Tampa and St Petersburg is a city named for the fish in abundance in nearby waters. Tarpon Springs or better known as the sponge capital of the world offers miles of waterfront appeal. The city is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. While visiting, you’ll walk along brick streets filled with art galleries, antique shops, and buildings dated back from the late 1800s.
Docking is available at the luxurious Tarpon Point Marina, a waterfront resort. They have 216 slips that can accommodate boats up to 75 feet. With special accommodations for boats up to 100 feet. 90% of the wet slips at the docking facility are available for rent to the general public on a “first come, first served” basis. The marina is also located in a sheltered deep-water harbor with direct access to the Gulf of Mexico via the Caloosahatchee River. Which features some of the best fishing grounds in Florida. Off the water, enjoy walking the Marina Village. Featuring a variety of high-end boutiques and restaurants, walking distance from the marina.
St. Petersburg, Florida: Vinoy Marina
St Petersburg is an awesome stop along the Gulf, holding the record of most consecutive days of sunshine at 768 days. St Petersburg features award-winning beaches, the home to the world-renowned Salvadore Dali Museum, Fort De Soto Park and top-rated dining options. Other top-rated venues and activities in the area include the famous St Pete Pier, Tampa Bay Rays stadium, the Mahaffey Theatre, and if you’re looking for a nightcap; an amazing night scene with plenty of lounges and bar options located in the downtown area.
The marina at The Vinoy Renaissance Resort & Golf Club in St. Petersburg, Florida is the perfect docking destination for boaters. The marina features 74 concrete boat slips and accommodates vessels of up to 130 feet. This beautiful resort style marina allows full access to the resort facilities. Including the golf club, spa and salon, pools, restaurants and more!
Anna Maria Island, Florida: Galati Yacht Sales Marina
Anna Maria Island is a 7-mile stretch of land nuzzled between the Gulf of Mexico, Tampa Bay, and the Intracoastal Waterway. Home to some of the best beaches on the Gulf Coast. Where turquoise waters and white sandy beaches will have you diving in complete relaxation. This old style city is filled with quaint fishing piers, no chain dining options, boutique shops, water activities, and so much more. Some top attractions include the historic Bridge Street, the southernmost tip of Anna Maria Island where you can find plenty of shops, dining options, bars, and the bridge street pier. Along with the Historic Green Village which is only one of 100 such developments in the world, and the Anna Maria Historical Museum.
If you plan to explore inland during your cruising venture, you can dock with us right at our Galati Yacht Sales Marina. Our marina can accommodate large scale vessels with easy access to the Gulf and Tampa Bay. Our facility also offers a ships store and restaurant, full-service shop, yacht charters, fishing charters, and fuel.
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- Bean Point
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- Bridge Street Pier
Sarasota, Florida: Marina Jack
Sarasota is a vibrant, art city offering endless sunshine, white sandy beaches, and a family-friendly atmosphere. Mainly known for its arts and culture scene, Sarasota offers 10 theatre options, a professional symphony, ballet, opera, and over 30 art galleries. Even more notable, Sarasota is home to one of the top-ranked beaches in the world; Siesta Key Beach, and it’s also home to Galati Yacht Sales Sarasota location.
Also known as a fisherman paradise, Sarasota offers plenty of fishing hot spots along the coast with monster catches. Plus, plenty of tournament fishing events held throughout the year. When you’re ready to dock and explore the city, Marina Jacks is the perfect spot to do so. Marina Jack specializes in transient dockage for visitors who want to explore nearby Downtown and events near famous Sarasota Bayfront. The Marina includes full amenities including bathrooms, launderette, concierge shuttle, and ship’s store. Be sure to stop in and say hi at our Galati Office located at Marina Jacks.
Gulf Coast Yacht Specialists
This wraps up our summer cruising guide along Mid Florida’s Gulf Coast. Be sure to check out all of these hot spots along the coast including those in North Florida. If you are looking for a vessel, let the team at Galati Yacht Sales help you out. Whether you’re looking for a pre-owned or new cruising yacht, sportfishing yacht, or custom yacht our specialized team can help you find the perfect vessel for you. All while providing you world class customer service. View our list of featured yachts available for sale.
