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Best Spots To Paddleboard In Tampa Bay

By Daniel Morabito
White Surfboard on sandy beach. stand-up paddle classes. Beautiful island tropical landscape with palm trees and white sand on the beach. The concept of water sports.

One of the best parts about living in Tampa Bay is there is no shortage of things to do. Whether you want to take a day trip down south, over to Orlando, or hit the beaches, there’s always something to do. Here are the best spots to paddleboard in Tampa Bay.

Stand-up paddleboarding, or SUP for short, has exploded in the last few years for many reasons. It is one of the easiest sports and hobbies to pick up and it’s a great activity for the whole family, no matter how old. 

With so many great natural waterways to visit, some of the best spots to paddleboard in Tampa Bay are very easy to access. Unlike other board sports, stand-up paddleboarding doesn’t cost much so once you buy a board, you’re set.

Why People Love Stand-Up Paddleboarding In Tampa Bay

Like classic TV shows such as Friends or The Office, stand-up paddle boarding is known for its cult-like following. Those who SUP, love to SUP. Its “laid-back culture” is what makes it a great activity for fitness lovers, fishermen, enthusiasts, or outdoorsmen, and the best part? Your dog can join you on the board.

Paddleboarding in Tampa Bay is one of the best ways to get outside and explore what Florida has to offer. With warm weather and sunshine year-round, you can ditch the treadmill and make paddleboarding part of your routine. 

Where Can You Buy A Paddle Board In Tampa Bay?

Stand-up paddleboards are everywhere. There are so many options when it comes to choosing the board that’s right for you. From hardboards to inflatable boards, there are many different options to choose from.

Two of the best paddleboard brands are headquartered in Florida with one even right here in Clearwater. LIVE Watersports started right here in Clearwater, Florida, and makes some of the sturdiest boards on the market.

RELATED: 6 Places You Can Go Off-Roading in Tampa

LIVE Watersports boards might be on the pricier end, but they’re durable, sturdy, and offer a unique shape that other manufacturers don’t. Another Florida-based brand is BOTE Boards. BOTE makes inflatable boards as well as hardboards and many different price points and skill levels.

You can find boards at Dick’s Sporting Goods, Academy Sports, and other local sports stores in the area. 

Here are the best spots to paddleboard in Tampa Bay.

  • Weeki Wachee Springs

    Weeki Wachee Springs is one of the best spots to paddleboard in Tampa Bay area. Weeki Wachee is about an hour north of Tampa and offers miles of crystal-clear water with manatees and other wildlife to see.

     

  • Weedon Island Preserve

    Weedon Island Preserve is just across the bay from Tampa and is located in St. Petersburg. Weedon Island has over 3,100 acres of natural mangroves. It’s a great spot to fish from your paddleboard or catch a glimpse into the wildlife of Florida. 

  • Crystal River

    If you’re looking to encounter manatees up close, why not do it in the manatee capital of the world? Crystal River is one of those small towns with endless activities to do. Crystal River has some of the clearest blue water you’ll ever find and is a great spot for a relaxing paddle board cruise with so much to see. 

  • Fort De Soto

    Fort De Soto is home to over 1,100 acres of beach plants, mangroves, wetlands, palm hammocks and more across 5 keys. This makes it the perfect spot to grab your paddle board and spend the day in some of Pinellas County’s best wildlife parks. You won’t find any high-rise condos out here so there’s plenty of space to get escape for the day.

  • Caladesi Island State Park

    Caladesi Island State Park is one of the last remaining untouched islands along Florida’s Gulf Coast. Caladesi is only accessible by boat which makes it the perfect way to spend the day paddle boarding through the white sand beaches and mangrove forests.

  • Myakka River

    If you’re looking to paddleboard with some gators, the Myakka River is the place to be. With 60 miles of great fishing and wildlife to see, Myakka River is perfect for an all-day adventure off-grid.

     

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