Key Highlights
If you are planning a trip to Saint Petersburg, Florida, here are some main things to know about its port:
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Port St. Pete is easy to get to since it is in the heart of downtown St. Petersburg. You can visit many of the city’s attractions from here.
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This is the only superyacht marina on Florida’s Gulf Coast. It is made for big, luxury yachts.
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The port has the basic services that all yachts need. You will get dockside fueling, help with waste, and 24-hour security when you are at this port.
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Be sure not to get this port mixed up with the Great Port of Saint Petersburg in Russia. This one is in the United States.
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The City of St. Petersburg manages this port. The port is a big part of local economic development and also plays a role in plans for the waterfront.
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This port sits right in Tampa Bay, which gives you a nice spot to stop on the Gulf Coast. You get both great water views and a smart location.
Introduction
Welcome to your guide for the Port of Saint Petersburg! You will find this port right in the heart of downtown St. Pete, on Florida’s Gulf Coast. It’s more than just a spot for ships to come in and out. The port is a big part of the area’s water activities. It also helps boost economic development in Petersburg and the rest of the city. Set in Tampa Bay, Port St. Pete is the only marina made just for superyachts in this whole part of the gulf coast. It gives people some of the best facilities you can get, plus easy access to all the things you want to see and do in the city of Saint Petersburg.
Overview and Location of the Port of Saint Petersburg
The Port of Saint Petersburg sits close to downtown St. Petersburg, Florida. It is right on the Gulf Coast in the big and beautiful Tampa Bay. This spot makes it easy for people on boats and other visitors to get here. The port is at 27°45′45″N 82°37′47″W.
You can get to the busy center of Saint Petersburg in just a few minutes from the port. If you come by sea or travel on land, this port will make it simple for you to see all the good things in Saint Petersburg. Now, let’s look at the special past and what makes this port stand out.
Distinguishing Saint Petersburg in Florida vs. Russia
When someone says “Port of Saint Petersburg,” you need to know which one they mean. There are two well-known ports with this name. They are in different parts of the world. This guide is about the one in St. Petersburg, Florida, in the United States.
There is also the Great Port of Saint Petersburg, but that is in Russia. It is an international shipping port, much bigger, and is found in Saint Petersburg, Russia. The port in Florida is smaller. It is used for superyachts and by the U.S. Coast Guard. The port in Russia is one of the largest in Eastern Europe. It is busy with a lot of cargo and passenger ships.
The two ports have the same name. They do not have the same size or role. Their place and what they do are very different. So, always be sure which one is being talked about—whether it is the one in sunny Florida or the one in Russia. This way, you can avoid any mix-ups with your travel. The “St. Pete” port in the United States has a special small marina feeling.
Historical Significance and Management of the Port
The Port of St. Petersburg started in 1925. It was meant to be a big shipping hub. In the beginning, the U.S. Coast Guard used the port starting in 1927. There were some changes in the activity at the port so it closed in 1933. It reopened again in 1939 because of the demands of World War II.
Now, the port belongs to the City of St. Petersburg. The city manages it to help with local economic development and to plan for a sustainable waterfront. There are master planning meetings held by the city, including sessions in June 2025 to get ideas from the community about how the port should change.
With city management, the port’s growth follows the bigger goals of St. Petersburg’s downtown waterfront. The port now focuses less on large shipping, and instead concentrates on serving superyachts. This new aim matches what the United States port needs, and brings fresh chances for Petersburg, St.
Facilities and Amenities at the Port
The Port of Saint Petersburg is the only superyacht marina on the Florida gulf coast. This port has special places made for big yachts. It can hold boats that are from 100 ft. up to 500 ft. long. There is a quay that is 1,200 ft. long. The dockside depth here is 23 ft., so these large ships can get in and stay safe.
This place gives more than just a spot to tie up. You get many things here to make your stay easy and safe. The port has shore power options, so you can plug in your yacht while you are there. You will also find dockside fueling. There is 24-hour security all the time, so both you and your yacht will be watched day and night. Here, let’s take a look at what the port gives to different kinds of ships and what you can use when you visit.
Ship Types, Cruise Services, and Passenger Terminals
The primary ship types served by the Port of Saint Petersburg are large, private yachts. As a dedicated superyacht facility, its infrastructure is tailored to meet the needs of these vessels. The port also hosts the U.S. Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg.
In the past, the port did try to attract cruise services. Cruise lines like Scandinavian World Cruises and a Ukrainian line operated from the port in the late 1980s and early 1990s. However, challenges, including a shallower depth compared to Port Tampa Bay, led to a decline in cruise operations. Today, the Port Terminal Building is part of a plan for ‘Port Discovery’, focusing on marine education rather than passenger terminals for cruises.
The port is designed to accommodate specific ship needs with its robust infrastructure.
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Facility/Service |
Details |
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Berthing Length |
Accommodates yachts from 100 ft. to 500 ft. |
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Quay Length |
1200 ft. (366 m.) |
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Dockside Depth |
23 ft. (7 m.) |
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Security |
24-hour security, ISPS Port Facility |
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Customs |
On-site customs and immigration clearing |
Visitor Facilities, Dining, and Leisure Options
The port in St. Petersburg is close to downtown. This means you can find many good places and things to do just a short walk away. The port is not far away in an industrial area. It is part of the city, so people working at the port and visitors can enjoy their free time easily.
There are no restaurants right inside where the port works, but you can go just a short way and find lots of places to eat. Because this port sits downtown, it is easy to see a lot of different cafes, bars, and restaurants. There is food for every taste. This is a big plus if you are coming to the port in St. Petersburg, FL.
There are many ways to have fun that you can get to quickly from the port. Here are some things you might want to see in St. Petersburg, Florida:
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The St. Pete Pier, where you can play, eat, and go to events by the water.
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Museums like The Dalí and the Museum of Fine Arts.
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Parks and green spaces that are part of the Downtown Waterfront Master Plan.
Getting to the Port and Transportation Options
Getting to the Port of Saint Petersburg is easy because it sits in the middle of the city and has good transport links. No matter if you are coming from somewhere in Florida or from far away, you can pick from a few options that will get you to the waterfront fast.
You can drive right to the port, and big roads lead you into downtown St. Petersburg. If you fly in, you will find a few airports that serve the Tampa Bay area. There is not a railway for passengers that stops at the port in the city, but you will have other ways to finish your trip with no trouble.
Access by Land, Sea, and Public Transit
Getting to the port by land is easy. If you drive, it is simple to find your way. Roads going to downtown St. Petersburg have clear signs. At the port, you will find gated parking that is safe to use. If you come from Tampa, you will see a nice view on your drive across the bay. The road from Tampa is also easy and direct.
Most people who use the port come by sea. You can find the port at latitude 27° 45.7’ North and longitude 082° 37.8′ West in Tampa Bay. This spot gives ships an easy way in from the Gulf of Mexico. People who fly with a small plane, jet, or helicopter will find there is a FBO airport close by.
Even though there is not a direct railway for passengers, you still have some good ways to get here.
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Public Transit: Buses run all over downtown Petersburg. These stop close to the port.
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Ridesharing: You can use Uber or Lyft for a quick ride to or from the port.
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Airports: You can fly into Tampa International Airport (TPA) or St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE). These two airports serve people traveling to the Tampa and Petersburg area.
Real-Time Ship Traffic and Navigation Tips
If you are a captain or someone who loves boats, it is important to keep an eye on real-time ship traffic. This helps with safe travel on the water. You can use many online marine traffic websites and apps to get live info. These platforms show where ships are, which way they are going, and how fast they move near the Port of Saint Petersburg and all over the Gulf Coast. They do this with AIS (Automatic Identification System) data.
When you are coming into the port, know that the channel depth is 23 feet. It is pretty easy to go through Tampa Bay, but you must always check up-to-date nautical charts. These will tell you about water depths, buoys, and any dangers that you should watch out for.
If you are new to the waters around Florida or Saint Petersburg, it is a good idea to plan your trip so you arrive or leave during the day. Daylight can help you see better and makes moving around easier. Also, stay in touch with the port office. They give you docking steps and share important news about the area. Doing these things helps you have an easy and safe entry or exit at this top superyacht marina in Petersburg, Tampa, and the Gulf Coast.
Conclusion
To sum up, the Port of Saint Petersburg is more than just a place where people start their trips. It is a lively spot full of history and modern comforts. There are many things to do, ways to get around, and a lot to see, which makes it a special place in petersburg for visitors. It does not matter if you want to go on a cruise or check out what the port has to offer, there is something for everyone here. So, get ready for a great time and enjoy all that Saint Petersburg gives you. If you want travel tips that fit you or more inside news, you can book a free talk with our travel team!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Port of Saint Petersburg known for?
The Port of Saint Petersburg in Florida is well known as the only superyacht marina on the Gulf Coast. It sits right in Tampa Bay. The port is a top spot for big, luxury yachts. There are special facilities set up for them, and its spot is right in the heart of downtown Saint Petersburg.
Is the Port of Saint Petersburg used for cruises?
The Port of Saint Petersburg used to have cruises before. Now, the port is not used by big cruise lines. This is because it is not as deep as Port Tampa Bay nearby. The port in Saint Petersburg now mainly welcomes superyachts. People may use its passenger terminals for school or learning programs in the future.
Who manages the Port of Saint Petersburg?
The Port of Saint Petersburg is owned and run by the City of St. Petersburg. The city handles all the work there. It looks after both the day-to-day work and any big plans for the future. The main goal is to help local economic development. The city also wants to make sure the port fits in well with the waterfront area in downtown Saint Petersburg, Florida, United States.