Outdoors KITESURFING NEAR THE SKYWAY VisitSPC.com/Outdoors front-row seat on a sunset sail into the Gulf — a perfect way to cap off a postcard-worthy vacation day. For some additional romance, set sail on the Schooner Clearwater out of Clearwater Beach Marina, or book a dinner cruise on the 115-foot StarLite Majesty yacht. Would you rather go fishing instead? Fort De Soto’s Gulf Fishing Pier offers prime saltwater fishing with a variety of species biting. This 1,000-foot-plus pier is equipped with cleaning stations and running water, plus a nearby bait and tackle shop for all your fishing needs. For a lengthier adventure, head to Hubbard’s Marina and book a deep-sea fishing charter ranging from five to 44 hours. While exploring the park, hop on the ferry from Hubbard’s Marina to Shell Key Preserve , an uninhabited wildlife preserve perfect for snorkeling and shell collecting. For an even more secluded escape, take the ferry from Fort De Soto’s Bay Pier to Egmont Key , where crystal-clear waters and untouched shores make it feel like your own private island. When the current Sunshine Skyway Bridge was built over Tampa Bay (connecting St. Pete with Sarasota), the old bridge was turned into the world’s longest fishing pier. Today, Skyway Fishing Pier State Park offers an unforgettable saltwater fishing experience. (Note: Before casting your line, be sure to complete the required online educa-tional course at myfwc.com/skyway.) Venture north to Dunedin and explore the stunning barrier island of Honeymoon Island State Park. With over 4 miles of pristine shoreline, it’s an ideal destination for swimming, fishing, shelling and snorkeling. For even more secluded tropical-island vibes, take the park’s public ferry or rent a kayak to reach Caladesi Island State Park. This barrier island features gorgeous scenery and 3.5 miles of kayak trails, leading paddlers through mangrove canals and seagrass flats along the bay side of the island (at least a half-day experience). Be sure to bring your snorkeling gear with you — the waters here are clear, calm and shallow. Fred Howard Park in Tarpon Springs is a hidden gem that offers two main routes for canoeing and kayaking. The first trail is a serene, half-mile-long paddle through the mangroves that is suitable for beginners; the second is a 2-mile journey around the beautiful Lake Avoca. STARLITE CRUISES What started in 1986 as a single-vessel operation has grown into Florida’s largest daily excursion fleet. StarLite Cruises is all about variety: Nature cruises. Fine dining yacht cruises. Casual tropical party cruises. Dolphin tours. Luncheon cruises. Full-day group tour cruises. Each cruise is unforgettable. Regular departures make it easy to fit a StarLite cruise into your schedule. Whether you’re on vacation, or just want to feel like you are, a StarLite cruise will get you there! 727-462-2628 starlitecruises.com @starlitecruises @starlite _ cruises 52 AMERICA’S FAVORITE BEACHES
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