St. Petersburg Municipal Marina Recommended (Tampa Bay)
What a good description of one of the finest municipal marinas I have ever reviewed in my 34 years of cruising guide authorship. As Captain Pica notes, cruisers should NOT overlook a winter stay (or any other time of year, for that matter) at SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, St. Petersburg Municipal Marina. Want to know why? Read on!
I am amazed by the number of cruiser “snow birds” that skip St. Petersburg Municipal Harbor (an approved live aboard marina) as a “wintering over” port. I guess 5 miles up Tampa Bay is too far off the GICW for many. We and several of our fellow cruisers have found it to be a real nugget of a spot to winter over. If you like beautiful waterfront parks with walking and bike paths and all the conveniences of City amenities you would like St Pete. You are in the easy walking middle of a vibrant big little City surrounded by an urban waterfront park hosting numerous activities all winter long. Easy walking to a major college, Nice Publix 3 blocks from marina, nice air park, the largest farmers market on the Gulf, Salvador Dali Museum, Chahuly Collection, glass hot shop, art classes, Mahaffey Center for the performing Arts, other museums, Vinoy Hotel, a large shopping Cinema Complex, many, many shops, quality restaurants, Sports arenas e.g. Tropicana field, 6 blocks from a major medical complex. etc., etc.etc. Permitted parking is available for marina residents convenient to the docks which are secured and have camera surveillance. Pump out boat service included in dock fee. 50 cent trolley ride to beaches. 20 car mins from Tampa International Airport.
The only draw back is that it can fill so requires some planning.ahead although the Harborage is another option only 6 blocks away. St Pete also has many highly skilled boat repair technicians because of it’s history as a boat building venue. A Yard is available in Salt creek where major restorations can be done.
The winters are very mild but water too cold for me to swim in but hardier souls do swim. Temperatures are very pleasant and cold snaps unusual. Oddly we puzzle over the lack of bugs that had us leaving the boat open many times? Not a complaint for sure
Joe Pica
Carolyn Ann GH N-37
We couldn’t agree more! Downtown St. Petersburg, with its dozens of sidewalk cafés and its easy-going style, is the closest thing to a European city a cruiser will find on this side of the pond. And St. Pete Municipal Marina is right in the middle of it all! We’re as happy as clams to be here for the winter.
Jody Argo and Rick Schroath
and Skipper
SV Moment of Zen
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of St. Petersburg Municipal Marina
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