Boat America Classes
2025-07-26 09:00 - 2025-07-27 14:00, 2025-08-23 09:00 - 2025-08-24 14:00, 2025-09-27 09:00 - 2025-09-28 14:00, 2025-10-25 09:00 - 2025-10-26 14:00, 2025-11-22 09:00 - 2025-11-23 14:00 (America/New_York) | U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 11-1 Headquarters, 510 North Ft. Harrison Ave, Clearwater, FL, 33755, United States
Boat America Classes
Boat America is a boating certificate class that offers an in-depth and interesting boating safety course, and provides the knowledge needed to obtain a Florida Boating Safety ID Card.

For the convenience of our students, some classes are held online via Zoom. These virtual classes utilize the same instructors and materials you would enjoy during the in-person classes. The schedule below notes whether the class is in person or via Zoom.
To register click on the Registration Form link at the bottom of this page or send an email to the Flotilla 11-1 Public Education Officer at clwtr.auxboating@gmail.com

2025 Boat America Classes

June 28 and 29 – 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM – Zoom
July 26 and 27 – 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM – In-Person
August 23 and 24 – 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM – Zoom
September 27 and 28 – 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM – In-Person
October 25 and 26 – 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM – Zoom
November 22 and 23 – 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM – In-Person

Class cost includes book.

Register for Boat America class

Fishing Workshop
2025-08-16 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-09-20 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-10-18 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-11-16 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-12-06 10:00 - 12:00 | Tampa Bay Watch Marine & Education Center, 3000 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL, 33715, United States
Learn to Fish!
Recommended for ages 10 and up • 2 Hours • Gear Included • Up to 15 People

>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Curious about fishing in Tampa Bay but not sure where to start? During this boat-based course, we will cover essential topics like bait selection, appropriate gear usage, regulations, and local fish identification and handling–ensuring participants are equipped with the knowledge to fish responsibly and respectfully.
Each participant will have access to a fishing rod and all essential gear for a hands-on experience during the workshop, with expert guidance readily available as needed. Attendees also have the opportunity to win prizes to help them kickstart their responsible fishing journey.
All proceeds support Tampa Bay Watch’s mission to foster a healthy Tampa Bay watershed through community-driven restoration projects, education programs, and outreach initiatives.

This program is perfect for:

Families and parents looking to foster responsible fishing practices
Individuals interested in fishing responsibly and connecting with like-minded people.
Anglers who have recently relocated to the Tampa Bay area and want a better understanding of the local waters, responsible fishing practices, and common fish species in the area.

What to Bring

While gear is provided for use during the workshop, you are welcome to bring your own bait and tackle.
You are welcome to bring your own snacks and/or beverages. We do not allow alcohol on the eco-vessel.
Please dress with consideration to the Florida climate and weather.
Sun protection and water are highly recommended.

Notes

All participants under 18 years must be accompanied by an adult.

>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Birding on the Bay
2025-11-15 08:30 - 10:00, 2025-12-20 16:30 - 18:30 | Tampa Bay Watch Marine & Education Center, 3000 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL, 33715, United States
The Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center Presents:
Birding on the Bay with the MFA

Join us for an unforgettable birdwatching experience on the waters of Tampa Bay! This 75-minute guided boat tour offers a front-row seat to the fascinating bird species that call this vibrant ecosystem home. During the tour, we’ll visit a nearby bird sanctuary island, strategically timed to provide the best viewing opportunities for observing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
As we navigate the waters, your expert guide will share insightful details about the diverse bird species you’ll encounter, from elegant waders to soaring seabirds. With our prime location and optimal timing, you’re sure to enjoy exceptional views of these feathered residents as they go about their daily routines.
This tour is perfect for bird enthusiasts, nature lovers, and anyone looking to explore the rich wildlife of Tampa Bay in a relaxed and educational setting.

>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<
More Information

75 Minutes
$45 ($5 member discount offered)
Tour includes admission to the MFA and TBWDC.
Children under 3 free
November 2024 to February 2025

What to Bring
-You are welcome to bring your own snacks and/ or beverages.
-We do not allow alcohol on the eco-vessel.
-Please dress with consideration to the Florida climate and weather.
-Sun protection is highly recommended.

Hillsborough River Holiday Boat Parade
2025-12-13 18:00 - 20:30 | Lowry Park Boat Ramp,, 1204 W Flora Street, Tampa, FL, 33604, United States
25th Annual Holiday Boat Parade sponsored by Friends of the Hillsborough River and the Tampa Bay Sierra Club

Signup Instructions: All participants must register.
Bring: Battery operated lights to decorate your canoe, kayak, paddle board or boat; water; layers of clothing in case it is cool after sundown; a flashlight; your own vessel; a whistle; LIFE JACKETS MUST BE WORN AT ALL TIMES
Signup Restrictions: All participants must register and sign the Waiver
Additional Directions: We will gather at the Lowry Park Boat Ramp beginning at 5:00 pm to begin decorating boats so that we can launch at 6:00 pm. Canoes and kayaks lead the parade upstream past the Bird Street bridge at I-275 where the decorated boats will come and turn around and then lead the paddlers back to Lowry Park Boat Ramp.
Cancellation Policy: Heavy rain cancels

For more information and to Register:
https://act.sierraclub.org/events/details?formcampaignid=701Po00001AJTEcIAP

Tampa Bay Super Bowl Paddle
2026-02-08 10:00 - 13:30 | Rotary Park, 5505 Rose Garden Road, Cape Coral, FL, 33914, United States
We will put in and take out at Rotary Park and paddle up to Lettuce Lake Park.
At Lettuce Lake, we will have a group pizza lunch. We have a pavilion near the boat launch reserved, and we will furnish pizza directly to Lettuce Lake. We can enjoy lunch, walk the boardwalk, enjoy the birds and gators, and then paddle easily back to Rotary Park.
Total paddle length is about 5 miles.
For more information and to register:
https://act.sierraclub.org/events/details?formcampaignid=701Po00001L2tFLIAZ
