St. Pete Beach to Dunedin by boat

Pilotage Plan: St. Pete Beach, FL to Dunedin, FL

Starting Point: St. Pete Beach, FL Your journey begins at the serene and picturesque St. Pete Beach, famous for its beautiful sandy shores and vibrant marine life. Before heading out, ensure your vessel is in good working order, and you have all necessary safety gear on board, including life jackets, a first aid kit, and flares. Check the weather conditions and choose a calm day to set off.

Route Overview Your destination, Dunedin, lies approximately 14 nautical miles to the northwest. The journey will primarily follow the coastal waters through the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), offering a splendid mix of scenic views, marine wildlife, and charming coastal towns to explore along the way.

Bays and Shelters

• Blind Pass: Just north of St. Pete Beach, Blind Pass provides a great spot to shelter should conditions turn bad. This inlet connects the Gulf of Mexico with the bay and is a popular anchorage.
• Old Tampa Bay: As you weave northward, Old Tampa Bay offers various nooks and crannies for shelter. Look for opportunities to anchor near Weedon Island Preserve to experience some stunning nature trails if you choose to drop anchor.

Points of Interest

• Fort De Soto Park: Before you exit the beach area, consider a detour to Fort De Soto Park. You can explore historical forts and delightful beaches, and it’s a great place to enjoy a picnic or take a scenic hike.
• Tampa Bay Downs: Just across the water, this thoroughbred horse racing track is an exciting place to visit, especially on race days.
• Caladesi Island State Park: Once you hit the waters near Dunedin, taking a short detour to Caladesi Island is rewarding. With its untouched beaches and nature trails, it’s an ideal spot to stretch your legs or do some bird watching.

Navigational Considerations Here are critical navigational aids and considerations for your journey:

1. Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) Markers: Follow the day markers carefully. Remember, red markers indicate the right side of the channel when heading north (red, right, returning). Pay special attention to any changes in the bottom contours; as you navigate the ICW, stay aware of the variable depths, especially with low water.

2. Current: Expect tidal currents, especially nearer to key inlets and passes. The current may affect your speed and course, so be mindful when passing through Blind Pass and when entering Tampa Bay.

3. Sight of Landmarks: Familiarize yourself with local landmarks such as the Skyway Bridge, which won’t require close passing but is useful for orientation. Regularly check nautical charts and utilize modern boating apps like Scarvy Navvy for real-time conditions, detailed charts, and route planning.

4. Local Regulations: While much of the route is free of severe restrictions, be cautious near protected wildlife areas, especially around mangroves and bird nesting sites.

5. Weather Monitoring: Always stay updated on local weather through marine forecasts. If storms or strong winds are predicted, heed safe anchoring practices or consider postponing your trip.

Conclusion This excursion from St. Pete Beach to Dunedin promises an adventurous and scenic experience for skilled boaters looking to explore Florida's stunning waterways. With adequate safety measures in place and thanks to the charm of the coastal landscape, it's a journey well worth taking. Whether you seek solitude in nature, historical intrigue, or simply a fun day on the water, this route caters to all while prioritizing safety. Make sure to embrace the beauty around you as you cruise smoothly toward your destination. Safe travels!