About the Area
It's easy to see why the region of St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Tarpon Springs is named the Sun Coast: it gets the state's most days of sunshine per year. The area’s islands are also home to clear Gulf beaches with sugary white sand.
The Sun Coast was originally known as the Pirate Coast. This area contains miles of prime beaches, clear blue water and very few totally cloudy days. The semi-tropical setting makes it a year-round playground for a variety of outdoor activities.
The Florida Gulf Coast hosts some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
The Suncoast region includes the western central Florida cities of St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Largo, Dunedin, Tarpon Springs, Tampa, Brandon, Ruskin, Sarasota and Bradenton, among others. Many of the beach communities on the Gulf of Mexico are individually-incorporated cities, such as St. Pete Beach, Treasure Island, Madeira Beach, and Indian Rocks Beach. An exception is Clearwater Beach, which is part of the city of Clearwater.
Visit Florida, the state's official tourism marketing corporation, defines the Suncoast region as the 20 barrier islands in the Clearwater/St. Petersburg area of central west Florida.
The Local Islands
Honeymoon Island
Located just north of the Dunedin Causeway is Honeymoon Island State Park. Honeymoon Island is home to many actively nesting birds including Osprey, Oyster Catchers, Snowy Plovers, Least Terns, Roseate Spoonbills, Snowy Egrets, Great Blue Herons, and many other species. While on the island, you can observe one of the few remaining South Florida Virgin Slash Pine tree stands along the Osprey trail, approximately 2-1/2 miles of walking. Honeymoon Island has more than four miles of beach to explore. As you walk along the beach you will find a wide variety of driftwood in all shapes and sizes some perfect for that unforgettable picture to commemorate your vacation or perhaps pick up a small one to bring home with you. As you walk along the beach, make sure you keep an eye out skyward and you may spot an eagle, osprey, or a great horned owl. And as you sit on the beach gaze off to the west, you will see some of the most picturesque views of the Gulf of Mexico as the water gently crashes onto the beach near your feet.
Three Rooker
Three Rooker Island is the newest of the Anclote Key Preserve State Park Island chain. It was formed and emerged in the 1980s as water currents built up the sand bar above sea level. This was most likely caused by the many storms that frequented the area during this time-period. By the 1990s it was large enough for vegetation to establish itself on the newly formed island further stabilizing it and making it more resistant to washing away. Three Rooker Island is home to several nesting seabirds on the south end of the island and has become a popular place for local boaters. Think of it as a tailgate but for boaters. The island is home to some of the most amazing shells in Florida. Particularly after a hard rain, the north end of the island will have thousands of shells that have collected on the beach. The north end of the island has a long thin white sandy beach that often changes shape and size with each storm that passes. Each time you visit, you will find something new and different. Three Rooker is accessible only by boat.
Anclote Key
Anclote Key Preserve State Park system is made up of Anclote Key, North Anclote Bar, South Anclote Bar and Three Rooker Island. This state park is only accessible by boat. The park is unique in that a lighthouse, built in 1887, is on the southern end of the key. Anclote Key is located three miles off the coast of Tarpon Springs and is accessible only by private boat. The 403-acre park is home to at least 43 species of birds, including the American Oystercatcher, Bald Eagle and Piping Plover. Visitors can swim and sunbathe at the beach, fire up a grill and enjoy a picnic, or pitch a tent and enjoy a night of primitive camping under the stars. This has to be pre-approved by the Park Service. There are no provisions offered on the island, so be prepared to bring your own water and supplies. The island offers numerous trials you can walk down offering some amazing photography opportunities. Or you can just pack a lunch and enjoy an amazing time sitting on the beach. Anclote Key also offers some outstanding snorkeling opportunities on the eastern side of the island. While swimming and snorkeling on this side you will find a large variety of fish to include Red Fish, Snapper, Parrot Fish to just name a few. You may also find starfish, seahorses, blue crab, and so much more. The possibilities are endless. If you have a waterproof camera, be sure to bring it along. And on any of our island tours, there is always the possibility of seeing a pod of dolphins swimming along.