The Best Boat Rentals Near Tampa, Florida

Things to Know About Renting a Boat in Tampa

Being the largest estuary of Florida, Tampa Bay has more splendid boating areas than any other place in the state. There are more than 60 public access boat ramps in the Tampa Bay area which make getting on the water very easy. The Tampa-St. Petersburg area as well as the Gulf of Mexico, Tampa Bay, and Caladesi Island are ideal destinations for all types of boaters. There are plenty of sailing, powerboating, and on-the-water experiences to choose from.

If a fishing adventure is on the cards, why not go for a deep-sea expedition on a chartered boat? Located on the Gulf of Mexico, Tampa Bay offers boating and fishing charter opportunities throughout the year. Your fishing captain and crew can take you to the best spots for reeling in snook, redfish, trout and many more. Charters include all bait, tackle, fishing licenses, and gear.

There are also luxurious yacht rides available for a laidback experience of the city. Drink in the beauty of the surroundings while enjoying a fine dining experience on a day cruise. Your experienced captain can take you to the best cruising spots around Tampa in a yacht of your choice. Choose from motor yachts, pontoons, and monohull sailboats to enjoy your day (or week!) out on the water.

If you’re looking for something more active, check out your paddle sport rental options or a fun jet ski adventure. Hop on a stand-up paddleboard and navigate the bay channels or let a canoe take you through a 16,000-acre wilderness park. Observing local wildlife around the bay is also a popular activity among paddlers.

There's no shortage of boating fun to be had in the Gulf of Mexico surrounding Tampa Bay, but the real gems are the hidden bays and rivers. There are many boating opportunities available to explore the back channels. Take your pick from hiring a boat and cruising out to Egmont Key or anchoring up near the Beer Can Island or Shell Key. Tampa is close to Anna Maria Island and Sarasota, which caters to the many needs of the cruisers.

When you are here, don’t forget to check out the nearby hot spots like St. Petersburg, Ruskin, and Gulf City on Tampa Bay, and Gulfport, Tierra Verde, Madeira Beach, Treasure Island, West Bradenton, Terra Ceia, Palmetto, Sarasota, and Bradenton, which are also on the Gulf.

For adrenaline seekers, there are many water sports and high-speed options to try in Tampa Bay. Rent out a jet ski for a day of flying over the waves. Scuba diving is another great choice for Tampa. Spend a day snorkeling or diving and admiring the marine life of this area.

Boating Events in Tampa

The Tampa Boat Show takes place every autumn at the Tampa Convention Center. It features hundreds of boats for sale, marine exhibitors, activities for kids and much more.

A big regatta that takes place in Tampa is the Tampa Mayor's Cup rowing regatta. It's an exciting rowing event that is fun for many competitors, with great prizes and fun events.

Other Things To Do

While on land in Tampa, there are many things you can do to enjoy the city. Talk a walking tour around downtown or explore different state parks in this area for a day.

For a day of relaxing, you can hang out on one of the many beaches. Honeymoon Island State Park, Sunset Beach, and Madeira Beach are just a few to get you started. Soak up the sun on the white sand and enjoy a day swimming in the gorgeous gulf waters.

For museum lovers, there are a few spots to check out in Tampa, including Tampa Museum of Art and the Museum of Science and Industry. The Florida Aquarium and Busch Gardens are great spots to visit if you have kids.

There are lots of golf courses around Tampa for golf enthusiasts. A few of the best include Pebble Creek, Emerald Greens Golf Resort, and Picnic Island State Park.

Marinas in Tampa

The Marinas in Tampa will have all the amenities for your boating needs. A few of the top ones to check out on your trip include Tampa Harbour, Marjorie Park Marina, and Jean Street Shipyard. These marinas are full-service for any boat maintenance you may need, including fuel. There are nearby restaurants and bars to stop in to have a meal, and the marinas provide a beautiful view of the harbor.

More About Tampa

Famously known as the Big Guava, Tampa is home to more than 165 parks and an immense stretch of beach within the city limits. The surrounding suburbs add another 70,000 acres of beautiful beaches. Whether you are planning for an exhilarating adventure or a relaxing experience, Tampa has it all.

The best time of year to visit Tampa is between September and December. These months have good weather and more reasonable prices for accommodation. May through August is very busy, with high prices, uncomfortable humidity, and crowded beaches. The summer months also are risky due to hurricane season and there is heavier rainfall.

The easiest way to get to Tampa is to take a flight directly to the Tampa International Airport. The St. Petersburg/Clearwater airport is also nearby, in case it is more economical to fly there. To get around Tampa, there is public transportation on buses, but driving is the easiest and most convenient method.