Clearwater BeachWater Sports
Dive into adventure with the Gulf Coast's premier water sports destination. From jet skiing to parasailing, create unforgettable memories on crystal clear waters.
Water Sports at a Glance
Most Popular
Jet skiing & parasailing
Price Range
$40 - $600+ per activity
Best Time
Morning for calm conditions
Main Hub
Clearwater Beach Marina
Water Sports & Activities
Jet Skiing
High-speed adventure on the Gulf of Mexico with guided tours or free-ride options
Features & Highlights
- Guided dolphin tours available
- No experience necessary
- Single and double jet skis
- Safety briefing included
Popular Locations
- • Clearwater Beach Marina
- • Pier 60 area
- • Shephard's Resort
Pro Tip
Book morning tours for calmer waters and better dolphin sightings
Parasailing
Soar 400-800 feet above the Gulf for breathtaking aerial views of the coastline
Features & Highlights
- Tandem flights available
- Multiple height options
- Dry or dip landings
- Professional photography
Popular Locations
- • Clearwater Beach Marina
- • Various operators
Pro Tip
Choose morning flights for smoother conditions and better visibility
Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP)
Peaceful exploration of calm bay waters with equipment rentals and guided tours
Features & Highlights
- Bay and Gulf options
- Sunset tours available
- All skill levels welcome
- Yoga SUP classes
Popular Locations
- • Clearwater Bay
- • Caladesi Island
- • Honeymoon Island
Pro Tip
Start in protected bay waters before trying the Gulf
Kayaking
Explore mangrove tunnels, spot manatees, and discover hidden waterways
Features & Highlights
- Mangrove tunnel tours
- Manatee viewing opportunities
- Clear-bottom kayaks available
- Guided eco-tours
Popular Locations
- • Weedon Island
- • Caladesi Island
- • Honeymoon Island
Pro Tip
Morning tours offer best wildlife viewing and cooler temperatures
Deep Sea Fishing
Charter boats targeting grouper, snapper, tarpon, and other Gulf species
Features & Highlights
- Half and full-day trips
- Equipment included
- Expert captain and crew
- Fish cleaning service
Popular Locations
- • Clearwater Marina
- • Shephard's Marina
Pro Tip
Take motion sickness medicine if prone, book in advance for peak seasons
Boat Rentals
Rent pontoon boats, center consoles, or deck boats for independent exploration
Features & Highlights
- Various boat sizes available
- Captain services optional
- Coolers and equipment included
- Island hopping opportunities
Popular Locations
- • Multiple marinas
- • Clearwater Beach Marina
Pro Tip
Boating license or experience required, fuel costs additional
Kiteboarding/Windsurfing
Wind-powered sports for experienced enthusiasts in ideal Gulf conditions
Features & Highlights
- Equipment rentals available
- Lessons for beginners
- Ideal wind conditions
- Large launch areas
Popular Locations
- • Sand Key Park
- • North Clearwater Beach
Pro Tip
Check wind forecasts, morning sessions often have best conditions
Scuba Diving/Snorkeling
Explore artificial reefs, wrecks, and natural formations in the Gulf
Features & Highlights
- Artificial reef sites
- Wreck diving options
- PADI certification courses
- Snorkel trips for beginners
Popular Locations
- • Various dive boats from marina
Pro Tip
Certification required for diving, snorkel trips available for all
Top Water Sports Operators
Clearwater Beach Jet Ski Rentals
Pier 60 area
$75-120
(727) 462-2628
Why Choose Them
- Dolphin tours
- Group discounts
- Professional staff
Adventures in Paradise
Clearwater Beach Marina
$200-500
(727) 443-4050
Why Choose Them
- Large fleet
- Experienced captains
- Full-day trips
Xtreme Parasail
Shephard's Resort
$85-150
(727) 234-7245
Why Choose Them
- Highest flights
- Photography packages
- Safety record
Paddle Surf Clearwater
Various launch points
$40-80
(727) 754-3602
Why Choose Them
- Eco-tours
- Yoga classes
- Equipment included
Seasonal Water Sports Guide
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Cooler air, calmer seas
Best Activities
Deep sea fishing, Kayaking, SUP
Advantages
- • Fewer crowds on water
- • Manatee season for kayaking
- • Comfortable temperatures
- • Better visibility for diving
Consider
- • Cooler water temps
- • Shorter daylight hours
Spring (Mar-May)
Perfect temperatures, moderate seas
Best Activities
All activities excellent
Advantages
- • Ideal weather conditions
- • Water warming up
- • Consistent winds for kiting
- • Peak fishing season begins
Consider
- • Spring break crowds
- • Higher prices
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Hot air, warmest water
Best Activities
Parasailing, Jet skiing, Diving
Advantages
- • Warmest water temperatures
- • Longest daylight hours
- • Best diving visibility
- • Calm morning conditions
Consider
- • Afternoon storms
- • Very hot temperatures
- • Peak crowds
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Cooling temps, variable weather
Best Activities
Fishing, SUP, Kayaking
Advantages
- • Comfortable temperatures return
- • Hurricane season fishing
- • Fewer crowds
- • Good wind conditions
Consider
- • Weather variability
- • Hurricane season
Money-Saving Tips
Book Early Morning Sessions
Operators often offer early bird specials and conditions are typically better
Group Bookings
Most operators provide group discounts for 4+ people
Off-Season Visits
May-September often have lower rates (excluding holidays)
Package Deals
Combining multiple activities often provides better value
Weekday Activities
Monday-Thursday typically have lower rates than weekends
Safety First
General Water Safety
- 1Always wear provided life jackets
- 2Follow all operator safety briefings
- 3Check weather conditions before booking
- 4Stay hydrated and use sun protection
Activity-Specific Safety
- 1Jet skiing: Maintain safe distances from other watercraft
- 2Parasailing: Follow weight and age restrictions
- 3Diving: Never dive alone, check certification requirements
- 4Boating: Designate a sober captain, file float plan
Emergency Preparedness
- 1Know location of nearest Coast Guard station
- 2Carry emergency contact information
- 3Understand hand signals and emergency procedures
- 4Report accidents immediately to authorities
Booking Your Water Sports Adventure
Book in Advance
Peak seasons fill up quickly. Book 2-3 days ahead for best selection.
Check Weather
Activities may be cancelled for safety. Most operators offer rescheduling.
Group Size
Confirm group size limits and age restrictions when booking.
Payment Options
Most accept cards, but bring cash for tips and small operators.
What to Expect on the Water
Clearwater Beach offers some of the best water sports conditions in Florida with calm morning waters and professional operators.
Perfect Conditions
Protected waters and gentle Gulf waves create ideal conditions for both beginners and experienced water sports enthusiasts.
Professional Service
Licensed operators with safety certifications provide equipment, instruction, and guided tours for all skill levels.
Marine Life
Dolphins, manatees, and sea turtles are commonly spotted during water sports activities, especially on morning tours.
Ready for Water Adventure?
Book your water sports adventure today and experience the thrill of Clearwater Beach's crystal clear waters. From peaceful paddleboarding to high-speed jet skiing!