As you embark on your journey from Safety Harbor to Tarpon Springs, you'll find it’s an adventure filled with both scenic beauty and navigational challenges. This cruise takes you along the well-loved waters of the Florida Gulf Coast and offers the perfect blend of relaxation, exploration, and a touch of challenge for intermediate boaters looking to refine their skills.
Starting at Safety Harbor, set sail from the marina, heading to the mouth of the harbor where you’ll pass by Philippe Park, a great spot to stop if you wish to explore an ancient Native American mound site amidst a lush park setting. Leaving the harbor, you will immediately enter the waters of Old Tampa Bay. Here, it’s crucial to keep an eye out for the myriad of sandbars and shallows, especially around the green buoy markers. Utilize your charts and GPS navigation systems, and pay particular attention to avoid these hazards.
As you navigate northwest across Old Tampa Bay, you’ll reach the Skyway Bridge, an engineering marvel that towers above. Keep a safe distance from the bridge pylons and follow the well-marked channel. Continuing on, hug the western coastline to enjoy the calm waters shielded by the Tampa Peninsula. Should the weather take a turn for the worse, consider seeking shelter in the protective embrace of Clearwater Harbor just before the causeway. It offers multiple anchorage points with safety from inclement weather and access to the vibrant Clearwater Beach—ideal for soaking in the local atmosphere if time permits.
Approaching the intercoastal waters, the charted path will guide you up through the heart of Caladesi Island State Park. This area is known for its striking white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. Dock for a while to explore the trails or simply relax on the pristine shoreline. However, exercise caution as some channels might be narrow; stick to the marked waterways and keep vigilant to avoid grounding.
Once you pass Dunedin Channel, you'll soon find yourself amid the quaint coastal town of Dunedin. Here, you can break your journey, visiting the town’s delightful shops and enjoying the local craft breweries, but remember to respect the no-wake zones that protect the seagrass beds and manatee population in this region.
As you steer further north, you’ll need to watch for the Honeymoon Island State Park, another magnificent sanctuary where wildlife thrives. Keep your eyes peeled for playful dolphins and graceful sea turtles along this stretch. You can anchor off the island’s western shore if conditions allow, enjoying a picnic or swim in the azure waters.
The final leg of your journey brings you to beautiful Tarpon Springs, known as the ‘sponge capital of the world.’ As you approach through the Anclote River, follow the navigational buoys closely, and respect the no-wake zones to prevent disturbing the delicate ecosystems and docked boats. You’ll find easy docking facilities on the river, offering safe moorage.
Throughout this journey, always prioritize safety. Ensure your VHF radio is functioning, monitor local weather forecasts consistently and have up-to-date charts either in physical form or digitally through apps. Alongside the renowned savvy navvy app, which provides excellent pilotage support, consider Navionics and C-Map that offer robust navigational features and local hazard alerts.
This trip is perfect for those with a moderate level of boating experience, seeking both tranquility and a touch of challenge in their passage-making. It's about immersing yourself in the vibrant Gulf Coast culture and enjoying the wonders of Florida's waterways, all while honing your seamanship and appreciating the sea’s limitless beauty.