Guides

Florida boating guides

First-hand guides written from real time on Tampa Bay — specific passes, launch technique, and the local knowledge that doesn't fit a database field — plus sourced reference guides on Florida's rules of the road.

Tampa Bay · Gulf Pass

Boating Bunces Pass out of Fort De Soto

Bunces Pass is the Gulf-side water you drop into when you launch at Fort De Soto, and it's one of the best hal…

Tampa Bay · Launch Technique

Launching a Pontoon Boat in Tampa Bay

A pontoon is one of the best boats for Tampa Bay's shallow water — it drafts almost nothing and rides the flat…

Rules of the Road · Channel Markers

Florida Channel Markers and the ICW, Explained

Red, right, returning gets you most of the way, but Florida adds two twists: the Intracoastal Waterway has its…