Osprey, Florida

Founded in 1989 and headquartered in Sarasota, Florida, Freedom Boat Club is the world’s largest and oldest members-only boat club, operating over 400 locations worldwide including North America, Europe, and Australia. The club offers a unique alternative to traditional boat ownership by providing members with access to a diverse fleet of premium boats without the hassles of maintenance, storage, insurance, or repairs. With more than 35 years of experience, Freedom Boat Club emphasizes safety and convenience, offering unlimited training from certified captains to ensure members of all skill levels feel confident on the water. Its concierge-level dockside service and a robust reservation system allow members to enjoy seamless boating experiences at their home location or while traveling. Members can choose from a wide variety of boats such as pontoons, deck boats, center consoles, wake boats, and cruisers tailored to different recreational activities including fishing, water sports, and leisurely cruising. The club’s John’s Pass location on Florida’s Gulf Coast exemplifies the experience, situated in a charming fishing village known for its scenic shorelines, sandbars, and waterfront dining. Membership plans include unlimited boat usage with no hourly fees, and reciprocal access to all club locations worldwide. Complimentary training, premium fleet selection, and hassle-free boating make this club ideal for boating enthusiasts seeking flexibility, safety, and community without the burdens of boat ownership.

Allen's Aquatic Adventures is a family-owned water activities business based in Gulfport, Florida, specializing in private charter boat tours and a variety of water sports on Tampa Bay. Founded and operated by Captain Allen, a lifelong Tampa Bay resident with extensive local knowledge and boating experience, the company offers a personalized and safe experience on a 2019 Monterey M-65 open bowrider boat. The business stands out for its hands-on approach, with Captain Allen personally guiding each trip, ensuring guests enjoy a seamless and memorable outing on the water. The operation is licensed and certified in CPR and first aid, emphasizing safety alongside fun. The company provides a broad range of water-based activities suitable for all ages and skill levels, including tubing, wakeboarding, water skiing, kneeboarding, and snorkeling. Guests can explore notable local destinations such as Egmont Key and Shell Key through island hopping tours, enjoy dolphin watching, or relax on sunset cruises. Each private charter accommodates up to six passengers, making it ideal for families and small groups. All necessary equipment and safety gear are provided, and Captain Allen offers instruction for beginners. The tours are customizable, allowing guests to combine activities like watersports and snorkeling for a tailored experience that highlights the natural beauty and wildlife of Tampa Bay.

Kayak rental service at Sirenia Vista Park in West Cape Coral, offering access to mangrove trails for birding, dolphin spotting, residential canals for manatee viewing, and sandbar stops.

Located in St. Petersburg, Florida, Elite Watersports specializes in kiteboarding, wing foiling, eFoiling, hydrofoiling, wakeboarding, and surfing. Situated just five miles from both the Sunshine Skyway Bridge and St. Pete Beach, the shop offers convenient access to prime watersports locations. With certified instructors and a knowledgeable team, the business caters to all experience levels, from beginners to advanced riders. Their commitment to quality is reflected in their selection of top brands and well-maintained equipment, making them a trusted destination for watersports enthusiasts in the Tampa Bay area. Elite Watersports provides a range of services including lessons, equipment sales, repairs, and summer camps designed to enhance skills and enjoyment on the water. Customers can choose from kiteboarding and wing foil lessons, eFoil and hydrofoil training, wakeboarding charters, and surfing sessions. The shop also offers mix-and-match kite packages and discounted gear, allowing riders to find the perfect setup tailored to their needs. Whether seeking expert instruction or quality equipment, visitors experience a supportive environment focused on safety, skill development, and fun.

Sharkey’s Glass Bottom Tours is a watersports adventure company operating in multiple Florida locations including St. Pete Beach, Clearwater Beach, Sarasota, and West Palm Beach. Established in 2016, the company specializes in unique nighttime eco-tours featuring glass bottom kayaks equipped with high-powered LED lights that illuminate the sea floor, allowing guests to observe and feed fish in their natural habitat. Their tours are designed for all experience levels, welcoming families and individuals as young as three years old. What sets this company apart is its commitment to environmental stewardship, as every tour and rental directly supports beach and ocean cleanup efforts. The company offers a variety of guided and non-guided kayak tours, including their signature LED illuminated fish feeding night tours and daytime island and mangrove tunnel adventures. These excursions provide opportunities to see local wildlife such as dolphins, manatees, and sea birds while exploring shallow, calm waters protected from rough conditions. Tours typically last between one to four hours and are conducted in double-seated kayaks that accommodate participants of varying skill levels. Guests can expect a relaxed, educational experience with knowledgeable guides who enhance the adventure with commentary about the local ecosystem, making it suitable for families, groups, and nature enthusiasts seeking an engaging outdoor activity.

Situated inside Big Pass on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Sarasota Yacht Club offers a historic yet modern setting for boating and leisure enthusiasts in Sarasota, Florida. Established in 1926, the club combines a century of tradition with contemporary amenities, including an expansive marina, fitness center, heated pool, and private event venues. Its unique location provides sheltered waters ideal for year-round boating and watersports, while the club’s commitment to community engagement and world-class experiences distinguishes it among regional yacht clubs. The club’s offerings cater to a diverse membership interested in sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and social activities. Members enjoy access to state-of-the-art fitness facilities with group classes and personal training, as well as award-winning dining featuring locally sourced, seasonal menus. Social events range from elegant wine tastings to lively parties with live entertainment, and the club hosts an annual invitational regatta with races for various fleets. Additionally, the waterfront location serves as a luxurious venue for weddings and private events, providing panoramic views and exceptional service.

Canoe Country Outfitters is a family-owned kayak, canoe, and paddleboard retailer located in St. Petersburg, Florida, serving the greater Tampa Bay area since 1986. With over three decades of experience, the shop offers an extensive selection of watercraft and accessories tailored to a wide range of paddling activities and skill levels. Their inventory includes canoes from Old Town and Wenonah, kayaks from leading brands such as Bonafide, Perception, and Wilderness Systems—the latter exclusively available in Pinellas County—and paddleboards from TAHE SUP. The store also specializes in Gheenoe micro-skiffs, known for their fiberglass hulls and high performance on Florida’s flats, providing customers with unique boating options beyond traditional paddling. The outfitter caters to both novices and seasoned paddlers by offering a variety of boats designed for fishing, touring, and recreational use, along with custom outfitting and repair services. Customers can find everything needed for a complete water experience, including motors, trailers, paddles, personal flotation devices, and storage solutions. The knowledgeable staff assists in selecting the right equipment to match individual needs and budgets, whether for casual paddling or serious angling. Additionally, Canoe Country Outfitters provides demo opportunities to ensure customers find the perfect fit before purchase, making it a comprehensive destination for water enthusiasts in the St. Petersburg region.

Freedom Boat Club, established in 1989 and headquartered in Sarasota, Florida, is the world’s largest and oldest members-only boat club with over 400 locations worldwide. With more than 35 years of experience, the club offers a revolutionary alternative to traditional boat ownership by providing members access to a diverse fleet of premium boats without the hassles of maintenance, storage, insurance, or repairs. Members benefit from concierge-level dockside support and unlimited training from certified captains, ensuring safety and confidence on the water. The club’s extensive network spans North America, Europe, and Australia, allowing members to explore a variety of waterways with ease. At the St. Petersburg Skyway location, members enjoy access to Loggerhead Marina, a prime gateway to destinations such as Egmont Key, Fort De Soto, and the Skyway Bridge. The marina offers amenities including a clubhouse, boat supplies, restrooms, and complimentary parking. The fleet features a wide selection of boats suited for cruising, fishing, and watersports, including pontoons, center consoles, bowriders, and offshore fishing boats. Membership plans provide unlimited boating with no hourly fees, and members can reserve boats online or by phone. This location caters to boaters of all skill levels, offering free training and a seamless, walk-on, walk-off boating experience in one of Florida’s most scenic coastal areas.

Located in West Florida along the Gulf Coast, Thunder Marine is a reputable boat dealership and brokerage known for its extensive selection of new and pre-owned boats. Authorized to sell prominent brands such as Jeanneau, Regulator, Sportsman, and Monterey, the company offers a comprehensive range of vessels including center consoles, bowriders, cruisers, and bay boats. With a focus on customer service and long-term relationships, Thunder Marine combines knowledgeable sales staff with dedicated financing, service, and parts departments to ensure a seamless boating experience. Their commitment to quality and personalized attention distinguishes them in the competitive marine market. Thunder Marine caters to a diverse clientele, from first-time boat buyers to seasoned enthusiasts, providing services that extend beyond sales. Customers can access master service hubs for seasonal maintenance, repowering, and detailing, as well as a parts department featuring Load Master and Magic Tilt trailers. The dealership also hosts educational events like the Ladies at the Helm classes, designed to build confidence in boat operation and handling. With resources such as a boating blog, video gallery, and local boating forecasts, the experience at Thunder Marine is both informative and supportive, making it a trusted destination for boating needs in the region.

Loggerhead Marinas operates a network of 23 premier marina locations across Florida, the Carolinas, Kentucky, and Ohio, offering boaters a consistent and high-quality experience. With extensive expertise in marina management, the company provides a range of wet slips and dry storage options accommodating vessels from under 30 feet up to 200 feet in length. Each marina is situated in prime coastal or inland locations, such as the St. Petersburg Marina in Florida, which features a protected harbor with natural and man-made barriers ensuring calm waters. Loggerhead Marinas distinguishes itself through its commitment to environmental stewardship, holding Clean Marina Designations and partnering with the Loggerhead Marinelife Center to promote ocean conservation and sea turtle protection. The marinas offer a comprehensive suite of services and amenities designed to enhance both on-water and off-water experiences for boaters of all levels. Facilities typically include fuel docks, service departments, pump-out stations, and marine stores, alongside resort-style features such as heated pools, private restrooms and showers, captain’s lounges, and complimentary bicycles. Customers can enjoy secure, hurricane-rated dry storage and wet slips with access to Wi-Fi, laundry, and conference rooms. The Loggerhead app further streamlines marina services by allowing users to schedule launches, request fuel, and receive notifications, making boating outings convenient and enjoyable for families, recreational boaters, and seasoned mariners alike.

Mad Beach Watersports is a premier watersports and fishing charter provider located in Madeira Beach, Florida, at the main entrance of Johns Pass Boardwalk. With easy access to the Gulf of Mexico, the business offers top-of-the-line Yamaha WaveRunner rentals and private fishing charters led by experienced captains. Their dedication to maintaining newer equipment and providing knowledgeable, friendly staff ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for visitors of all skill levels. The unique location allows guests to explore miles of open water, observe local marine life such as dolphins and manatees, and enjoy some of Florida’s most scenic beaches. The company’s offerings include WaveRunner rentals featuring the newest Yamaha VX Deluxe models, available for riders aged 16 and older with appropriate certification, and private fishing charters aboard a 32-foot SeaVee equipped with powerful Mercury engines and advanced Simrad electronics. Fishing trips range from half-day nearshore excursions to full-day offshore adventures, with a guarantee of catching fish such as grouper, snapper, amberjack, and pelagic species. All necessary gear, including bait, tackle, and fishing licenses, is provided, and guests can even have their catch prepared at local restaurants or documented through taxidermy services. This combination of high-quality equipment, expert guidance, and diverse activities caters to families, groups, and fishing enthusiasts seeking a memorable day on the water.

Located in Madeira Beach, Florida, this watersports business offers premier access to the Gulf of Mexico just minutes from John’s Pass Boardwalk. Specializing in WaveRunner and jet ski rentals, the company features top-of-the-line Yamaha equipment maintained in excellent condition by a knowledgeable and dedicated staff. Its prime location allows customers to quickly reach open waters and explore scenic routes along Florida’s beaches, often spotting dolphins along the way. The combination of quality equipment, convenient access, and attentive service distinguishes this operation as a preferred choice for watersport enthusiasts. In addition to jet ski rentals, the business provides fishing charters led by experienced captains, with options for nearshore, offshore, and deep-sea fishing trips lasting four, six, or eight hours. The fishing excursions guarantee a catch, catering to both casual anglers and serious fishermen. Customers can expect a well-organized experience with clean facilities, including restrooms and lockers, and staff who prioritize safety and enjoyment. This range of offerings appeals to families, groups, and individuals seeking both adventure and relaxation on the water in the Madeira Beach area.