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Passage Key Sandbar Snorkeling and Adventure Tour

2 and 4 hour passage key charters.

Embark on an unforgettable Anna Maria Island boat tours adventure with our Passage Key Charters Sandbar Excursion in sunny Florida. Dive into a day filled with exhilarating sandbar activities, including swimming, snorkeling, fishing, and lounging in our Sunchill water floaty 8 person pool, amidst the breathtaking beauty of Passage Key's crystal-clear waters. Renowned for its pristine conditions, this hidden gem in the Gulf of Mexico is a paradise for water enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Bathroom and Shade: A spacious standing room bathroom with a mirror, sink and a flushable toilet, ensuring that your time on is  exceptionally comfortable. Protection and relief from the sun's intensity under a spacious bimini cover over the bow . 

Experience the thrill of snorkeling in Passage Key's translucent waters, where a kaleidoscope of colorful fish and unique marine life awaits. As you glide over the gentle waves, marvel at the underwater wonders that make Florida's aquatic ecosystem one of the most diverse in the world. This is more than just a snorkeling trip; it's a chance to connect with nature in its purest form.

Not only is Passage Key a haven for marine exploration, but it's also a sanctuary for Florida's protected bird species. Keep your eyes peeled for these majestic creatures as they soar above or nest along the shores. While in the water, engage in the delightful hunt for sand dollars – Florida's cherished natural treasures that add a touch of magic to your adventure.

For those seeking a unique experience, Passage Key offers a clothing-optional environment, allowing you to immerse fully in the natural beauty surrounding you. Whether you choose to embrace this option or prefer to stay clothed, our sandbar adventure ensures a comfortable and memorable experience for everyone. Enjoy the serenity of the area's most stunning sandbars, where time seems to stand still, and the beauty of Florida's coastline shines brightest.

Book your Passage Key boat tour today and prepare for an adventure that combines the allure of Florida's coastal wonders with the excitement of water-based activities. It's not just a tour; it's an experience that will leave you with memories to cherish for a lifetime.

Passage Key Charters Private Tour Details

Charter Type: Private Passage Key charters, friends, family, business, etc. 

Duration: 2 hours or 4 hours

Group Size: 1 to 6 people

Price: $350 - 2 Hours / $600 - 4 Hours

Languages: English and Spanish

Anna Maria Island Boat Tours Meeting Point: Coquina South or Kingfish Boat Ramp

Off Anna Maria Island Meeting Point: Palma Sola Causeway Boat Ramp 

Copyright © 2024 Anna Maria Tours - All Rights Reserved.

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Beach Life , Boating Tampa Bay and Gulf , Date Night , Day Trips

Passage key - a sandbar paradise, passage key is a boat ride away, near anna maria island.

P ublished on 10/11/20: Want to pretend you are on a Caribbean Island for the day? Great news for St Pete residents is that we can, via simply a 30-minute boat ride to Passage Key!

This beautiful view is located just south of us on a island called Passage Key. One of our favorite spots to boat, especially during the week if possible! Weekends can get a bit crowded, though not too bad. We would like to keep it that way, thus this post early on in the life of ‘Loving St Pete’, before we have more followers. Only joking.

We’ve seen all sorts of marine life in the clear waters, truly phenomenal! I should add, be prepared to see the occasional sunbather in *very* limited clothing (we park/move to avoid when our son is with us). Such a beautiful spot! Note that feet must stay wet at Passage Key, per the rules. In our case below, water was definitely lapping up to our feet, though in hindsight, we should have pulled our chairs out slightly deeper.

Address : Off the coast between Anna Maria Island and Egmont Key

Interested in buying or selling a property in the St Pete Area ? I’m a local St Pete Realtor serving the Tampa Bay Area. I started LovingStPete on Social Media as a guide to help clients and others learn about our area and it’s now followed by over 25 thousand people! If you have any real estate questions, simply contact me and remember, I give you up to $10K at closing when you buy or sell with my LovingStPete Team. I love the industry so much I even developed a vacation rental advertising business and ran it for more than a decade before VRBO/HomeAway acquired. I’d love to earn your business!

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Written by : St Petersburg Realtor, Mike Braswell

Mike Braswell is a St Petersburg Realtor, serving St Pete, Clearwater, all nearby beaches and more. He's part of the LovingStPete Team at Keller Williams. Mike, Leah, and Ryan are the trusted real estate team in our area.

Mike's Cell: 727-510-1084

Email: [email protected]

Mike founded a property advertising business and operated for 10+ years as CEO/Owner, eventually acquired by VRBO. Mike enjoys boating and is an avid tennis player. Mike grew up on an avocado farm with 15+ varieties, some of which you can find in our local Publix/Winn Dixie as his dad still farms the same farm at 88 years old!

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Islands / locations

Anna Maria, FL

Passage key

Located just north of Anna Maria Island, Passage Key is a tropical oasis with crystal clear waters (untouched by civilization). Passage key provides a primitive, off the grid feel, with the most beautiful waters in the Tampa Bay area. Great for couples, friends, bachelorette parties, and bachelor parties.

(Passage Key is clothing optional under Florida law)

Jewfish Key

Located just north of Longboat key & just south of Anna Maria Island, Jewfish is a beautiful private island with an unbelievable sandbar. During high tide, the sandbar is about two feet deep and during low tide, the sandbar becomes its own island. Great for families, friends, couples, birthday parties, bachelorette parties, and bachelor parties.

Bars / Restaurants

Enjoy a relaxing boat ride to one of the many delicious Anna Maria / Longboat key restaurants accessible by water. All of which have beautiful waterfront views to enjoy while you eat.

Captain Trent's favorites

Mar Vista: Best fish tacos, $$$

Tide Tables: Best grouper sandwich, $$

Bridge Tender: Very fun dive bar, $$

Floridays: Fun tiki bar, $$

Anna Maria Oyster Bar: Never been but heard great things, $$

(Island & Lunch is available on 6 & 8 hour charters only)

The shore is the perfect restaurant for special occasions. Enjoy a relaxing sunset cruise with your significant other before having one of the most delicious dinners of your life. this option is perfect for birthdays, Anniversaries, or popping the question!

check out the shore's menu through their website listed below.

  (941) 259-4600

https://www.dineshore.com/

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Leave The Shores Of The Ordinary

What a delightful experience we chartered the Yacht to celebrate a friend going away, we sailed to Sausalito and docked for 1 hour lunch after lunch back on board and cruised the bay.

Captain Rod was fantastic Lika the Stu she was so attentive to us all we had light snacks and beverages on board I am a repeat customer I used Passage Nautical for a wine event in 2020 1 thousand percent I would charter with them.

The best place in all of the West Coast to go to charter a boat of your dreams!! I went out with my fiancé to see if our wish to perhaps purchase one of our own was worth it, and the folks at Passage Nautical could not have been more helpful!  We had so much fun on our charter, and our skipper was super friendly and supplied us with lots of useful information that we couldn’t have been more happy about the day.

Cannot recommend them enough for an incredible experience

Loved the vessel!  Our Captain and crew were friendly, informative and extremely professional. Managed to find nearly a dozen Humpbacks displaying lunge feeding behaviors. The weather was good and the ocean very calm. We had a great afternoon and learned a lot. What a great way to celebrate my 61st birthday!

Jon & Renee

We had the most amazing time on the Iliohale with Capt’n Mark!! From beginning to end, Mitch with Passage Nautical provided us with white glove service and an amazing captain. What an incredibly beautiful cat. It is well appointed and meticulously maintained by its owners, plus it had everything we needed and more for a wonderful 16th birthday party! Capt’n Mark even managed to find us some sun in the bay, which was not an easy task given the weather here in July! I’m not sure who had more fun, the 3 adults or the kids 🙂

Definitely will be chartering this vessel again and again!

Had the time of our lives! Thank you, Passage & Captain Steve Hoffman!

10 stars!!!! if I could…

Another great experience on the Bay aboard Passage Nautical! We’ve taken out some of the 40-foot Beneteau sailboats with any one of their highly qualified and knowledgeable captains. On the most recent sail, our captain was so flexible and made the whole trip perfect for our group. Every time we’ve gone out has been a different experience because of wind, current, and route but always memorable, exciting, and fun! Thank you Passage for another safe day of spectacular sailing!

We have been curating charters for decades, creating unforgettable yachting adventures in the vibrant backdrop of the San Francisco Bay.  Enjoy our diverse range of custom services for your special occasion on our luxury yachts.  .Join us where adventure meets serenity, and every moment is filled with possibilities. 

Give us a call to book at 510-236-2633 or complete this form for a quick response. 

View Our Yachts 

Book now   for 2024 fleet week october 11, 12 and 13.

Take advantage of the most exhilarating event of the year on San Francisco Bay – Fleet Week 2024!

Experienced the thrill of the show from the water aboard a private luxury yacht. Avoid the crowds and traffic, and enjoy the best weather of the year. Catch the Blue Angels and other fantastic aerial delights. Book for Friday, Saturday, or Sunday.

Enjoy our GRAPE ESCAPE Saturdays Now Through Sept 30

When you book a Saturday charter, you’ll enjoy a bottle of an award-winning Northern California wine. We have different weekly offerings.

You’ll enjoy red wine (the only time of the year we allow this!), crisp whites, refreshing rose, and champagne,  Book your charter for any Saturday and claim this wonderful gift.

How To Choose The Right Charter Yacht

Signature onboard services, hotel concierge access.

Our goal is to help you create an experience that is wonderfully unique and exciting for your family, friends or corporate teams.

Our Skippered Charter Fleet is diverse, offering many different kinds of boating experiences with a wide range of pricing to meet just about any budget. We provide on board services that span an array of requests, from birthday decorations to private chef.

• Bring your own food or choose from our hand-chosen list of high-quality caterers.
• You can bring your own alcohol, and there is never a corkage fee.
• All our yachts are stocked with water, sparking waters, and sodas all in recyclable aluminum cans (no plastic here!).
• Check out our Signature Onboard Services to make your event or play day with us memorable and special.

Text us at (510) 917-6629 for immediate help  or  call our Office at (510) 236-2633

2024 day retreats.

Reset Your Nervous System – Reclaim Your Attention And Focus And Experience Nature Like Never Before

You’ve likely encountered natural states of meditation before—watching a sunset, listening to the ocean waves. Just imagining yourself there might bring a sense of peace. While there are many structured meditation practices, all aimed at emotional freedom, heightened self-awareness, and mindfulness, many people find traditional meditation challenging.

Our retreats harness the natural mindfulness-inducing effects of sailing and nature, integrating meditation and mindfulness practices tailored to the needs of modern minds and bodies. Our goal is to offer simple, accessible pathways to experience the healing benefits of meditation, helping you soothe your nervous system and calm your mind. Through nature, you’ll find a gateway to deeper relaxation and restoration.

Our approach is grounded in evidence-based practices  supported by extensive scientific research. We draw on Stress Reduction Theory (SRT), Attention Restoration Theory (ART), Biophilia Theory, and Blue Mind Theory to craft immersive, transformative retreat experiences.

Visit Our Webpage For Retreat Dates & More Info

Visit Our Webpage For Dates & Info

Help Keep Plastic From Our Oceans

Every year:

• We keep over 1500 single-use plastic bottles out of our ocean.
• We keep over 3000 pieces of plastic service wear out of our ocean.
• We use all compostable plates, cups, knives, forks, spoons, and napkins.
• We serve water in recyclable aluminum cans (an infinitely recyclable material).

Get the facts on PLASTIC and our oceans.

Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than those you did. So, throw off the bowlines. Sail away from safe harbor. Catch the wind in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.

Get two free online sailing courses

The Key Biscayne Yacht Club was founded upon the notion of gathering “water-minded” residents in good sport and good fellowship, promoting social activities among members, and encourage common interests in boating. Membership is by invitation only for those who share these interests and would like to join our active community.

The application process begins when a Regular Member requests an electronic application form to sponsor an applicant for any membership category. Applicants must be sponsored by at least three Club Members, two of which must be Regular Members. Both Regular Member sponsors must personally know the applicant for at least one year. A current photograph of the applicant must accompany the application, and if the applicant is married with children photos of them must also be included. The application must be returned within sixty days of the day on which the process began. Associate and Regular Members may only sponsor four applicants per fiscal year, regardless of the membership category. 

Upon receipt of the completed and signed membership application, each applicant’s name and photograph are posted on the Club’s bulletin board for at least twenty-eight days. If there are no objections from the Club membership during the posting period, the applicant’s name is placed on a waitlist for the applicable membership category, in chronological order. When an opening becomes available in that membership category the Membership Committee moves to interview the next applicant on the waitlist. The two Regular Member sponsors will be present at the interview. If the Membership Committee approves the applicant and their respective spouse, the application is then presented to the Board of Governors for consideration and final approval.

Key Biscayne Yacht Club is a Member-owned and controlled Club. Our membership categories are as follows:

• Non-Resident

Holds a financial equity interest in the Club’s real estate, property, facilities, and assets. A Regular Member must be an Associate Member for at least two years. Privileges include the right to vote, hold office, and priority for wet/dry boat storage. (On occasion equity Regular Memberships are available)

Presents an opportunity for applicants between 21 and 29 years of age to join the Club at reduced rates. Legacy membership preference is given to sons and daughters of our current Members. However, parents may not sponsor their children.

Available to non-residents only. The eligibility requirement for this membership category is as follows: part-time residents of Miami-Dade County will not reside in Miami-Dade County for more than 120 days throughout the year.

This is a non-equity membership. Associate Members and their dependents enjoy all social Club privileges afforded to Regular Members.

Membership Inquiry

All fields marked with an asterisk (*) are considered mandatory and must be filled out.

Smyrna Yacht Club

Phone: 386-427-4040

Email: [email protected]

Address: 1201 S. Riverside Drive New Smyrna Beach, Florida 32168

Website: http://smyrnayachtclub.com

Over a century ago, around 1884, wealthy sportsmen whose leisure time was spent hunting, fishing, and cruising on luxurious yachts, decided to form a yacht club. In New Smyrna Beach they found an ideal location for cruising and holding regattas. The great industrialists and Europeans with titles traveled and sailed for weeks just to spend their leisure time in this wonderful cruising area.

In 1928 plans for Smyrna Yacht Club. Thirty-Six families were charter members and a wealthy investor, Russ J. Christy, became the first Commodore, serving in that capacity for 6 years.

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From Then to Now

The new edzell castle.

At the beginning of the nineteenth century, Bird Key was a small island in Sarasota Bay, rising only a few feet above the surrounding shallow grass flats. In 1906, Thomas Martin Worcester, of Cincinnati, purchased the 12-acre island, and after some dredging and filling, began to build a castle for his beloved wife, Davie Lindsay Worcester. He would name it The New Edzell Castle, after his wife’s Scottish ancestral home. Sadly, his wife died in October 1912 and did not live to see the completion of her husband’s “labor of love.” The first mansion in Sarasota boasted electric and gas lights, steam heat, and hot and cold running water in every room. At the opening reception in 1914, the Sarasota Times wrote, “Set in one of nature’s fairest temples, it is a monument to the memory of a gifted and a good woman.”

John Ringling

Thomas Worcester left Sarasota not long thereafter, and in 1922, John Ringling purchased Bird Key. He planned to convert the Worcester home into a summer White House for President Warren Harding, but Harding’s death in 1923 changed his plans. The Bird Key mansion then became the home of John Ringling’s sister, Ida Ringling North, until her death in 1950. Ringling’s yacht, the 125 foot Zalophus, was often docked there before it sank off Lido Key after hitting an unchartered rock in 1930.

In 1959, Arvida Realty, Inc. purchased the key and filled it in to allow for 511 lots; 291 waterfront and 220 off-water sites. One unique feature of the development would be an underground electric utility system, well ahead of its time. Arvida promoted Bird Key in national newspapers, saying, “Who hasn’t dreamed of living on an idyllic tropical island?”

The Bird Key Yacht Club

The clubhouse was built in 1959 near the site of the New Edzell Castle, and now welcomes members from across the country and around the world. Today, Bird Key Yacht Club offers fine dining and wide array of activities on the idyllic tropical key that first enchanted its residents over a century ago.

Today, the Bird Key Yacht Club is celebrating 65 years as a Sarasota gathering spot. Our Vision is be the most welcoming, friendly and active private club in Sarasota. Our mission is to provide a premier club experience, a warm and friendly environment, encompassing a broad range of social and recreational activities, events, and dining venus resulting in high member and staff satisfaction and retention.

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Welcome Aboard

Nestled in a tranquil and lush tropical setting along the serene NW Fork of the Loxahatchee River, our community fosters vibrant social engagement and environmental stewardship. With a dedicated membership exceeding 250 individuals, we unite around the joys of boating and conservation, cultivating meaningful connections and shared experiences.

Our calendar brims with diverse activities, from leisurely cruises to dynamic events like parties, enlightening guest speakers, and adventurous Bahama Flings. Yacht hops to esteemed local eateries complement our culinary explorations, while annual highlights such as Golf tournaments, the Kentucky Derby Party, and themed soirées like Italian feast nite and Pizza Party add to our festive tapestry.

We embrace a spirit of giving, extending our support to those in need through charitable initiatives both locally and abroad. From contributing to neighborhood charities to aiding Bahamian schools, churches, and hurricane relief efforts, we strive to make a positive impact in the lives of others.

At our core, we cherish camaraderie, adventure, and community, crafting memories that endure a lifetime amidst the natural beauty that surrounds us.

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Know before you go, our community, meaningful connections and shared experiences, join the fun, weather, tides, and boating conditions.

Stay up to date with our upcoming events and activities. From community service projects to social gatherings, there's always something happening in our community.

Explore the helpful Links Tab for up-to-date local weather forecasts, tide schedules, boating conditions, and captivating live webcam feeds.

Support the Community

We have numerous local organizations affiliated with the North Passage Yacht Club. Feel free to explore and lend your support whenever possible. 

Giving Back

Raising money for Schools, Churches and less fortunate needy families.

The proceeds from events such as the Bahamas Bash support numerous schools and churches in the Bahamas. The NPYC also donates to less fortunate families in need at the Holiday Christmas Party Raffle.

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What's going on with Kaliningrad?

How a tiny Russian exclave has become a big problem

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Moscow has found itself at the center of yet another Eastern European conflict after Lithuania banned certain goods from traveling by rail through its territory to reach Kaliningrad, a Russian exclave nestled between Poland and the Baltics. Lithuania, notably a European Union and NATO member (as is Poland), says its decision was made after consulting with the EU, and runs in accordance with the bloc's Russian sanctions. But the Kremlin, as one might expect, has not taken the news lying down. Here's everything you need to know:

What and where is Kaliningrad?

The Russian outpost of Kaliningrad sits on the Baltic Sea, just north of Poland and south of Lithuania. The roughly 5,830 square mile area , which is detached from mainland Russia, was originally part of Germany until Moscow seized control in 1945. It was later ceded to the Soviet Union at the conclusion of World War II, and its name was changed from Königsberg to Kaliningrad, per The Washington Post . The area's German population was also then forced to leave.

Once the Soviet Union collapsed, Kaliningrad became part of Russia, and managed "relatively close economic ties with European states in the years after," the Post writes. That rosy relationship changed, however, once Russian President Vladimir Putin took over, "particularly after Russia's 2014 attack on Ukraine and annexation of Crimea drew EU sanctions and condemnation."

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What's the drama now?

Lithuanian state rail operator LTG said last Friday it would no longer allow any EU-sanctioned Russian goods to travel through Lithuania to get to Kaliningrad. Exclave Gov. Anton Alikhanov estimated the change would impact about 50 percent of the region's imports. Sanctioned products include "construction machinery, machine tools, and other industrial equipment," per CNN . Regular commercial travel and the transport of non-EU-sanctioned goods can continue uninterrupted, and Kaliningrad can still receive Russian goods by sea.

Regardless, the Kremlin is not happy and has demanded Lithuania rescind the ban immediately. On Monday, spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russia considered Lithuania's decision to be illegal and "part of a blockade, of course." And Nikolai Patrushev, secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, went seemingly a step further, warning "Russia will certainly respond to such hostile actions."

"Measures are being worked out in an interdepartmental format and will be taken in the near future. Their consequences will have a serious negative impact on the Lithuanian population," he added, as quoted by CNN per Russia's RIA Novosti state-run news agency.

Lithuania, meanwhile, has stood by its decision — as has the EU, though the European Commission is preparing guidance for Lithuania so as to clarify the sanctions and hopefully "defuse the dispute," reports The Financial Times .

Why is Kaliningrad important for Russia?

The exclave plays a key military role for Russia, particularly given its position between two members of NATO. Moscow has "methodically bolstered" its forces in the area, "arming them with state-of-the-art weapons, including precision-guided Iskander missiles and an array of air defense systems," Reuters reports. Such weapons can notably "be positioned within easy striking distance of Western Europe," adds the Post .

Kaliningrad is also Moscow's only Baltic Sea port that's "ice-free year-round," and houses the Russian Baltic Sea Fleet, notes Germany's Deutsche Welle .

What does this mean for Lithuania?

Russia has threatened "hostile actions" that will have a "significant negative impact" on Lithuania, but that retaliation has gone undetailed for the time being. At the very least, Kaliningrad Gov. Alikhanov has suggested backlash could perhaps involve "shutting the flow of cargo via the ports of Lithuania and other Baltic nations," Reuters summarizes. That said, however, Lithuania might be in a good spot to withstand certain economic backlash, having "significantly reduced its economic and energy dependence on Russia." It was the first EU country to halt the use of Russian gas, and no longer imports Russian oil.

But "when you have a military force and they are ruled by the half-witted — I apologize for the expression — of course you can expect everything," Lithuanian Defense Minister Arvydas Anusauskas conceded Wednesday in reference to Russia. Still, the country feels confident, he added, per Reuters .

And what might this row mean for NATO?

All three Baltic states are concerned Russia's war in Ukraine might expand, and "that an emboldened Russia might try to seize a strategically key stretch of land along the Polish-Lithuanian border" known as the Suwalki Gap, the Post writes. If the roughly 40-mile passage, which connects Kaliningrad to Russian ally Belarus, falls to Moscow's control, the Baltics could be without "a land corridor to the rest of NATO." It's also worth noting that any attack on Lithuania, Estonia, or Latvia would trigger NATO's mutual defense treaty, and that "any attempt to defend them would have to get past Kaliningrad and the missiles stationed there," The New York Times adds.

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Brigid Kennedy worked at The Week from 2021 to 2023 as a staff writer, junior editor and then story editor, with an interest in U.S. politics, the economy and the music industry. 

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