Looking for a great place to rent a boat and mess about on the waves? There\’s no need to travel to Europe, or even venture South to the Keys. Florida has some great boating locations where you can take the odd day off and enjoy the World\’s playground.

Tampa Bay is a fabulous location for boating for several reasons, but the best is that you can enjoy all the advantages of a World Class tourist location where there\’s a great deal to do, off the boat as well as on. If your kids enjoy the water they can go kayaking, scuba diving, water-skiing and more, there\’s plenty of opportunity for every type of water sport. If they don\’t, Tampa is only an hour away from the attractions of Orlando; the worlds greatest theme parks are on your front porch.

The Tampa waterfront has many shops with all the supplies you\’ll need, from picnic foods to fuels, diving and fishing equipment. A boating holiday is an ideal way to get away from it all and leave your cell-phone switched off, just make sure you take a radio and know how to use it. You may not want a call from the office, you do want to be able to get help if you should need it.

The Bay itself is around 400 square miles of brakish water on average around 12 feet deep. It is fed by over 100 rivers, in their turn fed by crystal clear springs. The bay is home to over 200 species of fish and some of the USA\’s most interesting birds. Sea turtles nest on the shores, manatees shelter in the warm rivers and dolphins play in the wake of passing boats.

At the mouth of the bay is Egmont Key, home to ruined fort and an automated lighthouse. Ideal for swimming and snorkelling, the islands has long white sandy beaches and some interesting wildlife.

Many of the islands are great places to find shells, so lets the kids roam while you relax on the sand. Summers are very hot, but the offshore islands enjoy the see breeze, be sensible about using shade boating accidents are rare, but sunburn can be a problem if you are unprepared for a Florida summer.

Longer trips from Tampa are ideal for fishermen who can enjoy cobia, red fish, sea trout, snapper and bass. All around the Tampa waterfront there are restaurants you can reach easily by boat, many will clean and cook your catch for you.

If you really want to get away from it all, there are many islands which are completely uninhabited. You\’ll share the beach with the sun and the waves, watch the birds soar and enjoy a picnic. Later, as the sun dips into the waters of the Gulf you\’ll enjoy some of the World\’s best sunsets. Take someone special. Their romantic possibilities are not to be missed. If you do decide to take a trip please remember to always be safe and think safety first.

Author Bio: When traveling anywhere by boat you must always be prepared. It is a good idea to always have a reliable form of communication. You have several choices including marine radios, cb radios, 10 meter radios and handheld cb radios. 10 Meter Radios offer greater transmitting power then other choices. A Handheld CB Radio offers set and forget ease of use and requires no installation.

Category: Travel
Keywords: boating, travel