The Tampa area is home to incredible beaches, making it an excellent option if you plan a beach vacation and hope for crystal clear waters. In addition, the Gulf of Mexico’s coastline is famous for its clear blue waters. But is the water in Tampa clear?
Some photos of Tampa show turquoise water, while there are snaps with gray. Then there is a beach called Clearwater, but the water isn’t necessarily so.
Join us as we take a deep dive into the Tampa water scene. The beaches are amazing, but as with anywhere else, these pristine conditions are not guaranteed 100% of the time.
Is The Water In Tampa Clear?
Water at Tampa area beaches ranges from clear turquoise to murky brown. The answer depends on where you are, the time of year, the weather, and other considerations. The color variations on Tampa’s beaches depend on if there has been recent rain, if the beach is near a tributary, and if there has been a recent algae bloom. Rough, stormy weather can also cause silt from the bottom of the ocean to temporarily cloud the water.
Where Is The Clearest Water In Tampa?
Egmont Key State Park and Passage Key Wilderness are home to some of the clearest water in the greater Tampa area.
Egmont Key and its historic lighthouse can only be reached by boat. There are virtually no services. Therefore, visitors must bring their drinking water, food, and other needs, such as sunscreen.
However, there are restrooms available. There is no fee to visit, and you are welcome from 8 a.m. until sunset.
The blue-green water is perfect for fishing, swimming, and snorkeling. Visitors also enjoy hiking in the area, viewing wildlife, kayaking, and hunting for shells.
Passage Key Wilderness is a protected area. It once was a nesting site for laughing gulls, royal terns, and black skimmers. The remains of the island are located at the mouth of Tampa Bay.
While people were allowed on the island, it is now closed. Thus, boats must stay at least 200 feet away from the island’s remains, which these days isn’t much more than a sandbar.
Why Isn’t Clearwater Beach’s Water Clear?
Clearwater Beach routinely voted the best beach in the country, is near Tampa International Airport. It’s powdery white sand, and Pier 60 is adored by locals and visitors.
But unfortunately, the aqua sea isn’t always clear, which confuses tourists expecting to be able to gaze straight down to the sandy bottom.
The misconception comes from where the gorgeous beach got its name. Once upon a time, back when Native Americans populated the area, it was abundant with clear springs. It is these now-defunct springs that gave the area its name.
Why Is Old Tampa Bay Clearer Than Hillsborough Bay?
Old Tampa Bay often boasts clear blue and green water. However, even on the same day, the water in Hillsborough can look brown. Many have assumed this has to do with pollution.
But while pollution can be a problem from time to time, the root of the issue is the tributaries.
The entire Tampa Bay is essentially an estuary, full of silt, where freshwater mingles with the sea. In addition, environmental factors, including pollution, have impacted the bay.
Sometimes one part of the estuary, such as Old Tampa Bay, will appear dramatically different from another, like Hillsborough Bay. Also, climate conditions can sometimes cause these blooms and don’t impact the area evenly.
Can You Swim In Tampa Water?
Tampa’s beaches are usually safe to swim in. However, if there is an algae bloom, warnings will be put out, and some of these can last for months. These algae blooms do not impact all beaches, so it is essential to find out which locations are impacted.
Don’t trust the look of the water to be your guide. While discoloration can indicate a problem, this isn’t always the case. Sometimes pretty water is unsafe, and other times murky water is simply silt and nothing to worry about. Check out Florida’s Healthy Beaches for the latest info.
Which Tampa Beach Has The Brightest Blue Water?
The quiet Turtle Beach has some of the brightest blue water in the Tampa area. It’s a mellow beach, popular with nature lovers who enjoy birdwatching. Sea turtles nest around here, so take care not to disturb any eggs or hatchlings you might come across during the season.
Turtle beach does not have lifeguards on duty. However, there is a boat ramp, canoe launch, fishing pier, picnic facilities, playground, and restrooms.
Which Beach Is Tampa’s Most Popular?
Davis Beach is Tampa’s most popular within its city limits and also the largest. It sits adjacent to the Courtney Campbell Trail. Near the airport, Davis Beach is not far from Clearwater Beach.
The beach is known for volleyball, not swimming. The water is shallow and occasionally impacted by bacteria blooms. Thus, don’t take a dip without checking the current situation.
However, there are lifeguards at the beach between Memorial and Labor Day. People love the spot for its magnificent sunsets, hunting for shells, and watching wildlife.
The beach has built-in grills, picnic shelters, and restrooms. There are also rentals available for bicycles, floating mats, paddle boards, and kayaks.
Can You Camp On A Tampa Beach?
You can camp at Fort De Soto Park, only 28 miles from Tampa. Reservations are highly recommended. However, alcohol is forbidden from the beach and the shelters for those looking to party. The fines for breaking the rule are high and not worth the risk.
The green water is an excellent place to see dolphins, crabs, and manatees. The area is also brimming with snakes, turtles, alligators, and fish. Thus, lots of anglers enjoy this spot. Fort De Soto Park is perfect for people who enjoy the outdoors and love to see nature.
Conclusion
The water at Tampa Bay isn’t always clear due to silt from the estuary and the occasional algae bloom. However, it is often a beautiful aquamarine color to bright blue. The area is excellent for paddling around and watching wildlife. However, Tampa isn’t always the best area for swimming.
