Our Favorite Water Activities In St. Pete Beach, FL

Looking to spend more time on the water during your St. Pete Beach trip? There are plenty of water activities here, and it’s easy to keep things as relaxed or as active as you’d like.

You can start your morning with a paddle, plan an afternoon dolphin cruise, or try something a little more adventurous like jet skis or parasailing. Most of it is close by and easy to fit into your day, which makes it very simple to add a little adventure to your stay.

We’re sharing a few of our favorite ways to get out on the water, along with tips to make the day feel easy from start to finish!

There’s a reason so many people come here and want to come back. Once you’re here, it’s easy to see why.

You’ve got calm Gulf water, easy access to the bay, and plenty of ways to get out on the water nearby. Paddleboards, kayaks, boat tours, and parasailing are all easy to work into your stay, especially when you want a fun way to beat the heat!

Most water activities don’t require much planning. You can book something for a few hours, enjoy the breeze and the water, then come back to The Lofts and reset before dinner or sunset.

Some days call for a slower pace on the water. Kayaking and paddleboarding are two of our favorite ways to enjoy St. Pete Beach when you want something quiet and easy.

If you’re looking for a calmer paddle, we recommend Shell Key. It’s scenic, peaceful, and easy to reach from The Lofts when you want a slower morning outdoors.

Boca Ciega Bay is another great option, especially for something close by. The water is often calmer here than the open Gulf, which makes it a nice choice for a first outing or a laid-back start to the day.

Pro tip: Mornings are usually the best time to go if you’re hoping for a quieter experience!

If you want time on the water without doing anything too active, dolphin cruises and boat tours are a really good fit. They’re great for days when you want to be outside and enjoy the views without overplanning.

Seeing dolphins is always part of the fun, and even the quieter tours can end up being one of those parts of the trip you remember later. Some stay simple and scenic, while others include shelling stops or time near quieter islands.

We usually suggest booking for late afternoon or sunset. The light gets softer, the water becomes calmer, and the whole experience feels more relaxed.

If you’re in the mood for something a little faster-paced, there are plenty of ways to get out on the water and mix in something more active.

Jet skis are a fun way to experience a more active side of St. Pete Beach. Rides often take you through Boca Ciega Bay and past places like Pass-a-Grille and Shell Key, so you get the speed along with some really beautiful scenery.

Parasailing is a great choice when you want something a little more adventurous! You head out by boat with a crew who handles everything, so it feels easy even if it’s your first time. Once you’re up, the ride is smoother and more peaceful than most people expect.

There is so much to do in St. Pete Beach. If you want to mix in a few more options, you’ll also find:

• Banana boat rides for something quick and playful

• Wave runners and guided rides for a mix of speed and sightseeing

• Snorkeling or shelling trips with chances to spot marine life and explore quieter stretches along the coast

It’s an easy way to mix in something a little more active, then slow things back down later on.

Once you know what kind of water day sounds best, a little planning can make everything feel much easier.

• Book early for popular times like mornings and sunset

• Check what’s included so you know what to bring

• Choose one main activity for the day

• Plan around timing, mornings for paddling, later for tours

• Bring basics like water, sunscreen, and sunglasses

A little planning goes a long way, especially when you want to enjoy the water without filling up the whole day.

Enjoying water activities is one of the best parts of being here, and it’s easy to add to your stay. You can keep things calm with a paddle, plan a boat day, or try something a little more active without making the day feel too full.

That’s one of the things we love most about staying at The Lofts. You’re close to so much, so it’s easy to get out on the water, come back and reset, then head back out again later on.

Ready to get out on the water? Book your stay at The Lofts and start planning your St. Pete Beach getaway.

 

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