There is nothing quite like taking a boat trip in the beautiful blue waters of Tampa Bay. The area is often known as the heart of Florida’s gulf coast and is known as a top vacation spot for people who come from all around the world. So, you’ve already taken in the amazing cuisine and on-shore activities that the area has to offer, and now you’ve decided to take yourself out onto the waves, but where is best to go to see what the area has to offer? Here are some of our top views:
1. Explore Downtown Tampa’s colorful skyline.
For the best views of downtown Tampa itself, let your boat captain set sail up the Hillsborough River. Begin your journey at the beautifully pillared Tampa Convention Centre which sits on the river’s edge. From there, make your way northwards up the Hillsborough River, taking in the sights and sounds of the city on either side. Just before halfway, you will see the Curtis Hixon Park on your right-hand side which is especially pretty during the Christmas season. From mid-November to the start of January the park is filled with twinkling Christmas lights, ice skating, curling and Christmas shops – a truly wonderful sight. Finish your journey at the Armature Works – a riverfront warehouse for food and drink where you can hop off and grab some of the best food in the region.
2. Witness Fort De Soto’s natural beauty in beaches and fauna.
If you are looking for a scenic and romantic location to beach your boat and hop onto the sand, feeling its warmth under your feet as you watch the vibrant sun setting on the horizon, look no further than Fort De Soto. Located South West of Tampa, Fort De Soto is a country park that is made up of five different islands connected to each other and has miles of award-winning beaches to explore.The area has a historical fort that you can explore, dating back to the Civil War or if you are a nature lover, spend some time spotting the various wildlife in the area – from dolphins to sea turtles to over 300 different types of birds.
3. Savor Davis Island’s luxurious homes and landscaping.
If you want to take a look at the finer things in life and imagine yourself in a life of luxury, why not direct your boat towards Davis Island, located in Hillsborough Bay. Cruise around the coast of the island, looking over the stunning coastline with sailboats docked safely in the harbor, just like the ones you see in the movies. This island is full of some of the most impressive mansions in Tampa and is a pretty exclusive zip code. Celebrities such as Tom Brady and Pat Maroon own properties here that need to be seen to be believed. Many of the buildings on the island are stunning pale pastel shades and date back to the 1920s. For the best views of the island, sail down the small canals that run through the middle of it and imagine yourself living like the rich and famous.