ON WAT�R Sunny skies, gentle breezes and immacu-late natural surroundings set the stage for an unforgettable day of water-filled adventure. Got the need for speed? Renting a small powerboat is an action-packed option that gives you the freedom to cruise on your own. Go island hopping among St. Pete-Clearwater’s tiny islands and sandbars, drop anchor and go for a swim or dock at one of the area’s many waterfront restaurants to enjoy some fresh seafood. If you prefer an even wilder ride, hop on a Jet Ski and zip across the smooth waters of Tampa Bay or the gentle swells of the Gulf, or go full James Bond with a water-propelled JetLev. From Madeira Beach and Clearwater Beach to Tarpon Springs , St. Pete-Clearwater is full of rental options. Located at the southern end of St. Pete-Clearwater, Fort De Soto Park has become a go-to destination for kayakers, kite surfers, campers and fishermen over the years. Fort De Soto is massive: Spanning five islands/keys, the 1,136-acre park is home to a 2.25-mile self-guided canoe trail that winds you through mangrove communities and seagrass beds. There’s also a 10-mile paddle trip around Mullet Key for more ambitious paddlers. If you’re not planning on bringing your own paddling gear, don’t sweat it: You can rent kayaks on-site without reservations. The expansive 3,000-acre Weedon Island Preserve in north St. Pete is also a paddler’s delight. Its 4-mile South Paddling Trail winds through a labyrinth of beautiful mangrove canopies, leading to open saltwater ponds teeming with wildlife. (Pro tip: Rent a kayak from ECOmersion , make the trip at high tide and follow the trail markers.) The preserve also includes a fishing pier and waterfront picnic sites. Paddle along the waterfront of St. Pete’s resplen-dent Clam Bayou Nature Preserve , or take a guided ecotour of the park’s rich biodiversity with Kayak Nature Adventures (reservations are required). For a more leisurely experience, head over to Hubbard’s Marina in John’s Pass and grab a SALTWATER FISHING VISITSPC .COM 51 WEEDON ISLAND PRESERVE
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