Tampa Bay is a large natural indentation about midway along the west coast of
Florida. It serves as on of the more important harbors of the Gulf Coast and is easily
accessible day or night. Depths of 18 feet extend nearly 5 miles from shore on wither side
of the dredged channel into Tampa Bay. The bay extends northeast for about 20 miles,
and is 6 to 7 miles wide. The bay is also the approach to Manatee River, Boca Ciega Bay,
Old Tampa Bay, Hillsborough Bay and to the cities of St. Petersburg, Port Tampa, East
Tampa, Bradenton, Port Manatee and Tampa. Entrance to Tampa Bay is 4.5 miles wide
and lies between Mullet Key to the north and Anna Maria Key to the south. Egmont
Channel is the main deep water ship channel.
Tampa Bay Lighted Whistle Buoy T
(27° 35.3' N, 83° 00.7' W), 13 miles west of Egmont Key, marks the approach to the bay.
Movement of vessels in and out of the port should be made in accordance with the
Tampa Bay Navigation Guidelines. These guidelines are quite extensive and information
about them can be gained from Coast Guard Captain of the Port (COTP). The COTP
can be contacted by telephone 24 hours a day at 813.228.2189 and on VHF channel
13. Coast Guard Group, St. Petersburg can also be contacted for information at 813.893.3333
or on VHF channel 16.
The main channel lists a depth of 36 feet in the entrance from the Gulf to Tampa and Port
Tampa. Located north and east of Port Tampa & south of the Gandy Bridge are 2 deepwater
marinas, including our very own
Tampa Bayside Marina
which is the only marina on the
Gulf Coast offering 24 hour gas & diesel.
St. Petersburg is a large winter resort city on the west side of Tampa Bay 6 miles
south of the Gandy Bridge. Boats can be chartered and guides can be hired from various
locations in the marinas.
Prominent features of St. Petersburg include the large municipal auditorium and Tropicana
Field (home of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays)
on the east waterfront south of the yacht basin, several large office buildings and
hotels, radio towers and holdings tanks.
A channel with dredged sections extends north for about 5.5 miles from deep water in
lower Tampa Bay to an entrance channel which leads west to basins at the Port of St.
Petersburg and Bayboro Harbor. the controlling depth in the centerline of the two dredged
sections leading north to the entrance channel measures about 20 feet. This depth continues
at mid channel in the entrance channel to the Port of St. Petersburg. The depth the shallows
to 10 feet along the east side shoal, and is 15 feet to the basin to Bayboro Harbor.
the Port of St. Petersburg is the deepest and southernmost basin along the city
waterfront, roughly 500 yards long by 400 yards wide. the Port of St. Petersburg Wharf,
along the north side of the basin, provides about 1,500 feet of berthing space. Fresh
water, electrical shore power connections, and telephone service is available. the St.
Petersburg Coast Guard Station and Coast Guard Group are located at the outer end of
the basin.
Bayboro Harbor is entered from the inner end of the ship basin and is used by fishing
boats and other small commercial craft. Boatyards in the harbor can service vessels up to
40 feet for complete repairs.
Northward along the St. Petersburg waterfront from the ship basin are the Municipal
Pier and three yacht basins. Lights mark the northeastern and southeastern corners of
the pier and the top of its inverted pyramidal structure. North Yacht Basin and Central
Yacht Basin are on wither side of the inner half of the pier. Sea walls enclose both basins
and provide excellent protection for vessels up to about 125 feet. Depths in the basin
average 10 feet and gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, marine supplies, launching ramps,
and open/covered berthage is available at the
St. Petersburg Municipal Marina
and the Yacht Club in Central Basin. North Yacht Club is used exclusively as an anchorage area
but is reported to have poor holding ground.
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| Tampa / St. Pete |
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