CLEARWATER BEACH

• USVWA
• Latitude: 27.9755
• Longitude: -82.8254
• Gulf of Mexico
• Marina in US

Location: Clearwater FL 33767 US

Clearwater Beach is a popular vacation destination located on the Gulf Coast of Florida in the United States. While it is renowned primarily for its stunning beaches, recreational activities, and tourism infrastructure, it doesn't function as a major commercial shipping or marine port in the traditional sense. However, it does offer a range of marine facilities and services that cater to recreational boating, fishing, and tourism.

Description of Clearwater Beach

General Overview:

• Location: Clearwater Beach is situated on a barrier island along the Gulf of Mexico, west of the city of Clearwater, Florida.
• Tourism: The area is known for its vast, white sandy beaches, sparkling waters, and vibrant sunsets, making it a prime spot for tourists.
• Climate: Subtropical, characterized by warm weather most of the year, making it an ideal location for beach-related activities.

Marina and Marine Facilities

Marina:

• Clearwater Beach Marina: This is the main facility for boating activities and provides services to recreational boaters and tourists.
  • Berths: Approximately 210 slips available for a variety of vessels including yachts, sailboats, and fishing boats.
  • Amenities: Fuel dock, bait and tackle shops, restrooms and showers, boat rentals, and charter services for fishing and sightseeing tours.
  • Protection: Marina offers protected slips with easy access to the Intracoastal Waterway and the Gulf of Mexico.

Nearby Ports:

• Port of Tampa Bay: Located approximately 25 miles to the southeast, this is a major commercial port handling a wide range of cargo types, including container, bulk, and roll-on/roll-off shipments.

Specifications and Services

Operating Hours:

• Generally, Clearwater Beach Marina operates 24/7, with specific services having varied hours.

Navigation:

• Channel Depth: Entrance channels are typically deep enough to accommodate most recreational vessels.
  • Draft: Variable, but around 7-10 feet in the marina area.
• Navigational Aids: Markers and buoys are maintained to guide boats safely in and out of the marina.

Services Offered:

• Fueling: Both gasoline and diesel fuel are available.
• Maintenance: Basic boat repair and maintenance services are offered, along with partnerships with nearby full-service boatyards.
• Boat Rentals: Available for various types of recreational boating.
• Chartering: Fishing charters, cruising charters, and eco-tours are popular and readily available.

Security:

• The marina and surrounding area are generally considered safe, with security measures in place including surveillance and night-time patrolling.

Environmental Considerations:

• Efforts are made to maintain high environmental standards, with facilities for waste disposal and recycling, as well as initiatives to protect local marine life and water quality.

Accessibility:

• By Road: Easily accessible via the Clearwater Memorial Causeway from downtown Clearwater.
• By Air: Close to St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) and Tampa International Airport (TPA).

Tourism Infrastructure

Accommodations:

• A wide range of hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals are available to suit all budgets.

Dining and Entertainment:

• Numerous restaurants, cafes, and beach bars offering diverse cuisine and lively nightlife.
• Tourist attractions include the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Pier 60, with its daily festivals, and various water sports activities.

Events:

• Regular events such as the Clearwater Beach Food & Wine Festival, and sports tournaments draw tourists year-round.

Conclusion

Clearwater Beach is more focused on tourism and recreational boating rather than serving as a commercial marine port. It offers ample facilities for leisure activities on the water, making it a prime spot for tourists and recreational boaters but does not have the industrial infrastructure typical of a commercial port.