The best sandbars near Clearwater are at Caladesi Island, North Honeymoon island, Anclote Key, and in the waters around Honeymoon Island — all accessible only by boat. Wayward Key Tours runs private sandbar charters from Clearwater and Maximo Park in St. Petersburg to these locations year-round.
Best Sandbars Near Clearwater Beach Florida
The best sandbars near Clearwater Beach Florida are found in the shallow Gulf waters between Caladesi Island, Anclote Key, and the Honeymoon Island chain — accessible only by boat and offering crystal-clear turquoise water, white sand, and almost no crowds. Wayward Key Tours runs private sandbar charters to these locations regularly out of Clearwater and Maximo Park in St. Petersburg.
The top sandbars near Clearwater
Caladesi Island sandbar
One of the most beautiful natural sandbars on Florida’s Gulf Coast. The water is calm, shallow, and the color of the Caribbean. Accessible only by ferry or private boat — private charters can anchor directly off the sandbar for swimming, floating, and relaxing. This is one of the most popular sandbar destinations on Wayward Key Tours charters.
The new island at Honeymoon Island
Beginning with the 2024 hurricane season and continuing through the storms that followed, a new island formed at the northern tip of Honeymoon Island — finally separating completely in 2025. This new island is accessible only by boat and sits surrounded by shallow turquoise water perfect for swimming and exploring. Guests have found live sponges and natural treasures on shores very few people have walked. It is one of the most unique sandbar experiences near Clearwater and one that didn’t exist before the storms began.
Anclote Key sandbar
Located just north of Clearwater near Tarpon Springs, Anclote Key has wide natural beaches with excellent shelling and very little foot traffic. The ride out by boat takes approximately 45-60 minutes from Clearwater making it a full day excursion. The island has a historic lighthouse dating to 1887 and the beaches are wide, natural, and unhurried.
The sandbars around Fort De Soto
The waters surrounding Fort De Soto Park in southern Pinellas County are dotted with natural sandbars that shift and appear based on the tides. These sandbars are accessible only by boat and are significantly less crowded than the more well-known sandbars to the north. Wayward Key Tours departs from Maximo Park in St. Petersburg for Fort De Soto area sandbar charters. There is a new one that is near the channel and has amazing shells that wash up on it during the different tides. We’ve also seen stingrays that swim along the area. Captain Keith times visits around tidal conditions for the best access.
Shell Key Preserve sandbars
Just north of Fort De Soto, Shell Key Preserve offers calm, clear, protected water and natural sandbar areas that are among the least crowded in Pinellas County. Captain Keith recommends Shell Key for guests who want a peaceful day away from busy boat traffic.
What to bring to a sandbar day near Clearwater
- Reef-safe sunscreen — reapply frequently on the water
- Polarized sunglasses to cut the Gulf glare
- Water shoes for walking on shells
- Plenty of water and snacks
- A waterproof phone case — phones go in the water more often than people plan
What Wayward Key Tours provides on sandbar charters
Every Wayward Key Tours charter includes a Sunchill float, bean bag chairs, and chair floaties for relaxing in the water. For time on the sandbar Wayward Key Tours provides a Solbello beach shade — a portable shade structure that gives your group a comfortable shaded spot out of the direct Florida sun. The boat has a fresh water shower for rinsing off and a restroom onboard.
Best time of year for sandbar days near Clearwater
The sandbars near Clearwater are accessible year-round but the most popular months for sandbar charters are May through October when water temperatures are warmest for swimming and floating. Fall is particularly beautiful — warm water, thinner crowds, and excellent water clarity. The sandbars around Fort De Soto and Shell Key are accessible year-round from Maximo Park in St. Petersburg.
How to get to the sandbars near Clearwater
The sandbars near Clearwater are not accessible by car — you need a boat. A private charter with Wayward Key Tours is the most relaxed option since Captain Keith handles navigation, anchoring, and timing around the tides. Local knowledge of when and where the best sandbars are accessible makes a significant difference — particularly at the Fort De Soto area and Shell Key where tidal conditions determine what’s available on any given day.
Wayward Key Tours departs from Clearwater for northern Pinellas sandbar charters and from Maximo Park in St. Petersburg for southern Pinellas sandbar charters.