St. Petersburg to Cortez by boat

Pilotage Plan: St. Petersburg, FL to Cortez, FL

Overview

Embarking from St. Petersburg, this picturesque route to Cortez leads you through the scenic waters of Tampa Bay, with plenty of opportunities for exploration and safe shelter along the way. This journey is ideal for recreational boaters, families, and those new to cruising, offering an easy-to-navigate route that emphasizes safety while providing engaging local attractions.

Departure from St. Petersburg, FL

• Coordinates: 27.715283, -82.714717
St. Petersburg offers a bustling marina scene and excellent starting facilities. Before setting off, ensure your vessel is well-prepared with appropriate safety gear, a functioning VHF radio, and a thorough understanding of the local weather forecast.

Route Description

1. Tampa Bay Transit - Distance: Approximately 14 nautical miles - Hazards: Watch for commercial shipping traffic as you exit the bay towards the Gulf of Mexico. Keep an eye on marked navigation buoys, especially the red and green can buoys indicating safe passage. - Shelter: If weather conditions deteriorate, consider diverting to usage of Tampa Bay’s various marinas like the St. Petersburg Yacht Club or the South Shore Yacht Club.

2. Manatee River Navigation - As you approach the mouth of the Manatee River, observe the vibrant wildlife refuge filled with birdlife and the occasional dolphin sighting. The waterway may get narrow in spots, so reduce speed and maintain a lookout for local fishing activity. - Points of Interest: The Riverwalk in Bradenton offers a lovely spot for breaking the journey. Stop at one of the waterfront parks for lunch and enjoy the local art installations.

3. Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge - Though slightly to the south, detouring to Egmont Key can provide a remote and tranquil environment. - Shelter: It offers excellent protection in the bay, perfect for a lunch stop and brief exploration of its historical lighthouse and sandy beach.

4. Approaching Cortez - As you make final adjustments towards Cortez, be particularly mindful of fishing vessels navigating in and out of this historic fishing community. Adhere to local speed limits to ensure your safety and that of local fishermen. - Cortez is steeped in maritime history, and there are several spots to tie up for a visit, including the Florida Maritime Museum, where you can learn more about the area’s vibrant boating heritage.

Navigational Aids

• Markers & Bouys: Keep a lookout for Tampa Bay's navigational markers. Key aids include the Egmont Channel Buoys, ensuring you remain in safe waters as you navigate through this busy port area.
• Weather: Monitor local weather forecasts via reliable apps such as Savvy Navvy, Windy, and NOAA Weather to stay informed about sudden weather changes that could impact your route.

Local Regulations

• Be aware of local regulations regarding wake zones in residential areas and no-wake zones around marinas. Always respect the rights of local fishers and their gear.
• Review the guidelines for any restricted areas, especially surrounding protected waters that are home to nesting birds and seagrass beds.

Conclusion

This pilotage plan offers a diverse cruising experience, ensuring a safe passage while highlighting the natural beauty and cultural richness of Florida’s coast. With shelter options readily available and various points of interest to explore, boaters can enjoy a fulfilling journey from St. Petersburg to Cortez. Always prioritize safety by adhering to navigational aids, local regulations, and monitoring weather conditions, making this adventure both enjoyable and secure.