Protected Cove Location – Boat & Water Sports Recreation – AJ’s Dockside Bar & Grill – Family-Friendly Atmosphere
Cove Cay Marina is Clearwater’s premier protected cove marina and waterfront recreation destination located at 1300 Cove Cay Drive in Clearwater, featuring protected cove location with maximum natural protection, boat storage (covered and lift options), boat and jet ski rentals, kayak and paddle board rentals, pontoon boat rentals, on-site AJ’s Dockside Bar & Grill, marine fuel dock, bait shop, Freedom Boat Club location, and a scenic setting among mangroves with frequent manatee and dolphin sightings.
This uniquely-positioned family-friendly facility combines maximum vessel protection with intimate waterfront recreation atmosphere, 24-hour patrolled security, and convenient access to Old Tampa Bay, Clearwater Harbor, and the Gulf of Mexico. Cove Cay Marina’s protected cove position in a gated community delivers superior storm safety combined with welcoming recreational and dining atmosphere
Marina Overview & Location
- Address: 1300 Cove Cay Drive, Clearwater, FL 33760
- https://covecaymarina.com/
- Location: Clearwater waterfront, Cove Cay gated community on Old Tampa Bay
- Type: Protected cove full-service marina, boat storage, and waterfront recreation center
- Phone (Marina): (727) 475-8910
- Phone (AJ’s Bar & Grill): (727) 493-8300
- Hours (Marina): 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM daily
- Hours (Bar & Grill): 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Boat Storage: Covered storage, boat lifts, trailer storage, kayak storage
- Rentals: Pontoon boats, boats, jet skis, kayaks, paddle boards
- Dining: AJ’s Dockside Bar & Grill with tiki bar
- Special Features: Manatees, dolphins, mangroves; 24-hour patrolled security
- Community: Located in Cove Cay gated community with 18-hole PAR 71 golf course
- Protection: Protected cove location with maximum natural shelter
- Atmosphere: Family-friendly, welcoming, casual waterfront recreation
Cove Cay Marina – Clearwater
Cove Cay Marina occupies Clearwater’s protected Cove Cay location with maximum natural protection in a scenic gated community setting along Old Tampa Bay.
Table of Contents
Protected Cove Location
Maximum Natural Protection
Cove Advantages
Cove Cay Marina’s protected cove position provides exceptional vessel security and comfort:
- Protected cove – Maximum safety from wave action and weather
- Natural protection – Geographic advantages from surrounding landmass and mangroves
- Wave attenuation – Minimal wave action due to cove configuration
- Storm shelter – Hurricane protection from natural barriers
- Protected waters – Calm conditions maintained year-round
- Secure mooring – Safe anchorage in all weather conditions
- Year-round security – Consistent protection in all seasons
- Gated community location – Additional security within Cove Cay residential community
Why This Matters
Cove Cay Marina’s protected cove position provides maximum vessel security and optimal protection compared to open-water marinas. The natural cove geography creates a sheltered basin ideal for safe boat storage and peaceful recreation, especially important during Florida’s hurricane season.
Boat Storage Options
Comprehensive Storage Solutions
Cove Cay Marina offers multiple professional storage options:
Storage Types & Rates
- Boat Lift Storage: $439/month – Premium dry storage on individual lifts
- Covered Storage: $299-$329/month – Weather-protected covered racks
- Boat and Trailer Storage: $249/month – Outdoor trailer parking
- Kayak Storage: $45/month – Convenient kayak storage
- Daily Wet Storage: $2/day per foot – Short-term dockage
- Daily Dry Storage: $2/day per foot – Short-term lift/rack storage
Storage Benefits
- 24-hour patrolled security – Professional monitoring for peace of mind
- Protected cove location – Natural storm and weather protection
- Well-maintained facilities – Clean, professional infrastructure
- Convenient access – Easy launching and retrieval
- Multiple options – Flexibility to choose best storage for your needs
- Competitive pricing – “Best priced marina in town” per website
- Gated community – Additional security layer
Boat & Water Sports Rentals
Complete Recreation Fleet
Cove Cay Marina provides diverse rental options for exploring Clearwater’s beautiful waters:
Pontoon Boat Rentals
- Pontoon boats available – Perfect for groups and families
- Explore Tampa Bay – Cruise beautiful protected waters
- Family-friendly – Safe, stable platform for all ages
- Scenic cruising – See dolphins, manatees, and natural beauty
Jet Ski Rentals
- Jet ski rentals – High-performance personal watercraft
- Clearwater Jet Ski Rentals – “We Get You Wet Water Sports” on-site
- Exciting water sports – Adventure and thrills on the bay
- Professional staff – Instruction and safety orientation provided
Kayak & Paddle Board Rentals
- Single and tandem kayaks – High-quality Hobie kayaks ($30 for 4 hours)
- Stand-up paddle boards – SUP rentals available
- Four-hour rental periods – Extended time to explore
- Two route options:
- Scenic mangrove tunnels through creeks and under highway bridge
- Open bay for dolphin watching and fishing
- Wildlife viewing – Frequent manatee and dolphin encounters
- Professional staff – Helpful orientation and route suggestions
AJ’s Dockside Bar & Grill
Waterfront Dining & Entertainment
Restaurant Features
AJ’s Dockside Bar & Grill provides casual waterfront dining with beautiful views:
- Phone: (727) 493-8300 for carryout and questions
- Hours: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM daily
- Tiki bar – Relaxed outdoor bar atmosphere
- Water views – Scenic bay and marina vistas
- Wine on tap – Unique beverage offerings
- Full menu – Chef-prepared meals with fresh ingredients
- Casual atmosphere – Family-friendly, welcoming environment
- Carryout available – Take food to your boat or home
Customer Reviews
Guests consistently praise the dining experience:
- “The chef made us the most amazing meals, the best vibes”
- “Great deals in the bait shop and the restaurant is great”
- “Nice water views from the tiki bar”
- “Try the wine on tap”
- “Perfect spot with everything you need”
Marine Services & Amenities
Complete Boating Support
On-Site Services
- Marine fuel dock – Gasoline and diesel available on-site
- Bait shop – Live bait, tackle, and fishing supplies; “great deals”
- Boat repairs – “We are the solution” for boat problems; transparent pricing
- Maintenance services – Professional marine repairs
- Dock facilities – Dock shower for cooling off before and after activities
- Restrooms – Clean facilities for guests
- 24-hour patrolled security – Professional security monitoring
Freedom Boat Club Location
Membership Boating Program
Cove Cay Marina hosts a Freedom Boat Club location:
- No boat ownership hassles – No maintenance, storage, or insurance costs
- Access to boat fleet – Multiple boat options for members
- Beautiful docking facilities – “Small boat house connected to a beautiful docking”
- Professional management – Club coordination and boat maintenance
- Convenient launching – Easy access from protected cove location
Wildlife & Natural Beauty
Manatees, Dolphins & Mangroves
Natural Attractions
Cove Cay Marina is home to abundant Florida wildlife:
Manatees
- Frequent manatee sightings – Often seen around docks and in cove
- “Surrounded by manatees” – Common visitor experience
- Close encounters – Manatees often follow kayakers
- Year-round presence – Especially common in cooler months
Dolphins
- Bottle-nose dolphins – Regular visitors to the cove
- Playful encounters – Dolphins often swim alongside boats and kayaks
- “Played around the kayak for nearly an hour” – Memorable experiences
- Bay and inlet sightings – Common when venturing into open water
Mangroves & Birds
- Beautiful mangrove tunnels – Scenic paddling routes through protected waterways
- Under highway bridge – Peaceful passage beneath US 19
- Various bird species – Herons, egrets, pelicans, and more
- Scenic natural beauty – Pristine Florida ecosystem
Clearwater Water Access
Strategic Navigation to Bay & Gulf
Water Navigation
- Old Tampa Bay – Direct access from protected cove
- Clearwater Harbor – Connected via marked channels
- Intracoastal Waterway – Part of connected coastal system
- Gulf of Mexico – Approximately 20-30 minutes via Clearwater Pass
- Protected routing – Safe navigation through sheltered channels
- Well-marked channels – Professional USCG navigation aids
- Fishing grounds – Inshore and offshore access
- Island destinations – Caladesi Island, Honeymoon Island nearby
Cove Cay Gated Community
Residential Setting with Golf Course
Community Features
Cove Cay Marina is located within the exclusive Cove Cay gated residential community:
- Gated community – Secure, controlled access
- Seven-story condominium building – 204 units built in 1993
- 18-hole PAR 71 golf course – Stunning waterfront and course views
- Old Tampa Bay shoreline – Picturesque waterfront location
- Lush greenery – Well-maintained landscaped grounds
- Tranquil environment – Peaceful residential setting
- Marina integration – Convenient marina access for residents and visitors
Family-Friendly Atmosphere
Community-Oriented Marina
Family Features
Cove Cay Marina is consistently praised for its welcoming, family-friendly environment:
- Family-friendly – Kid-friendly environment and activities
- Safe environment – Secure facility with 24-hour security
- Community atmosphere – Small-scale, personal marina
- Welcoming staff – “Very professional and friendly” (Courtney and Mike mentioned by name)
- All ages welcome – Activities suitable for children to seniors
- Social community – Neighborhood feel with regular visitors
- Professional support – Helpful, accommodating crew
- Good for kids – Yelp amenity listing confirms kid-friendly status
Find Professional Boat Services
Need Services at Cove Cay Marina?
YachtService.VIP connects you with certified professionals serving Cove Cay Marina and the Clearwater area. Additionally, Cove Cay Marina offers on-site boat repair services with transparent, competitive pricing.
Common Services Available
- Boat maintenance – Professional routine and emergency service
- Engine specialists – All makes and models
- Boat repairs – On-site at Cove Cay Marina with competitive pricing
- Detailing – Professional cleaning, waxing, polishing
- Electronics – Modern navigation and communication systems
- Mechanical systems – All boat systems diagnosis and repair
- Canvas work – Custom fabrication and restoration
- Provisioning – Bait shop and marine supplies on-site
- Family-friendly services – Kid-safe work environment
- Storage coordination – Lift, covered, and trailer storage options
Marina Features & Specifications
| Category | Details |
| Storage Options | Boat lifts ($439/mo); Covered storage ($299-329/mo); Trailer storage ($249/mo); Kayak storage ($45/mo); Daily wet/dry ($2/ft/day) |
| Protection Level | Protected cove; Natural shelter; Wave attenuation; Storm protection; Gated community; 24-hour security |
| Rentals | Pontoon boats; Jet skis; Kayaks (Hobie, $30/4hr); Paddle boards; 4-hour rental periods |
| Dining | AJ’s Dockside Bar & Grill; Tiki bar; 11 AM – 11 PM; Water views; Wine on tap; Carryout available; (727) 493-8300 |
| On-Site Services | Marine fuel dock; Bait shop; Boat repairs; Dock shower; Restrooms; Freedom Boat Club |
| Wildlife | Manatees around docks; Bottle-nose dolphins; Mangrove tunnels; Various bird species |
| Security | 24-hour patrolled security; Gated community location; Well-maintained facilities |
| Location | 1300 Cove Cay Dr, Clearwater, FL 33760; Cove Cay gated community on Old Tampa Bay; 18-hole PAR 71 golf course nearby |
| Hours | Marina: 7 AM – 7 PM daily; AJ’s Bar & Grill: 11 AM – 11 PM daily |
| Water Access | Old Tampa Bay direct; Clearwater Harbor; ICW; 20-30 min to Gulf of Mexico; Mangrove routes; Protected channels |
| Atmosphere | Family-friendly; Casual; Welcoming staff; Community-oriented; Good for kids; Scenic natural beauty |
| Special Features | “Best priced marina in town”; Hobie kayaks (retail $1300); Two kayak routes (mangroves or open bay); Frequent dolphin/manatee encounters |
Why Choose Cove Cay Marina?
Clearwater’s Premier Protected Cove Marina & Recreation Destination
- Protected Cove: Maximum natural protection from waves, storms, and weather in sheltered basin
- Boat Storage Options: Lifts ($439/mo), covered ($299-329/mo), trailer ($249/mo), kayak ($45/mo)
- AJ’s Dockside Bar & Grill: Waterfront dining with tiki bar, wine on tap, water views, open 11 AM-11 PM
- Diverse Rentals: Pontoon boats, jet skis, Hobie kayaks ($30/4hr), paddle boards
- Manatee & Dolphin Encounters: Frequent wildlife sightings around docks and in bay
- Mangrove Tunnels: Scenic kayak routes through protected mangrove waterways
- 24-Hour Patrolled Security: Professional monitoring for maximum vessel protection
- Gated Community: Additional security within exclusive Cove Cay residential area
- Family-Friendly: Welcoming atmosphere with kid-friendly activities and staff
- Marine Fuel & Bait Shop: On-site fuel dock and bait/tackle with “great deals”
- Freedom Boat Club: Membership boating program hosted at marina
- Best Pricing: “Best priced marina in town” per marina website
- Golf Course Proximity: 18-hole PAR 71 course in Cove Cay community
Weather & Boating Conditions
- Year-Round Boating: Excellent Gulf Coast climate 12 months
- Water Temperature: 70-85°F
- Air Temperature: 65-90°F
- Best Months: October – May (drier, cooler season; best for manatee viewing November-March)
- Hurricane Season: June 1 – November 30 (protected cove provides superior storm shelter)
- Water Conditions: Calm, protected year-round with minimal wave action in cove
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the protected cove location special?
The protected cove provides maximum natural protection from waves, storms, and weather compared to open-water marinas, with calm waters year-round and superior hurricane security.
Is Cove Cay Marina family-friendly?
Yes, it’s highly family-friendly with kid-safe activities (kayaking, paddle boarding, pontoon rentals), welcoming staff, AJ’s Dockside Bar & Grill, and 24-hour security in a gated community.
Will I see manatees and dolphins?
Yes, manatees are frequently seen around the docks and in the cove (especially November-March), and bottle-nose dolphins regularly visit the area. Many guests report close encounters with both.
What makes the kayak rentals special?
Cove Cay uses premium Hobie kayaks (retail $1,300) for only $30/4 hours, offers two route options (scenic mangroves or open bay), and provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
Is there dining at the marina?
Yes, AJ’s Dockside Bar & Grill is on-site, open 11 AM-11 PM daily with a tiki bar, water views, wine on tap, chef-prepared meals, and carryout. Phone: (727) 493-8300.
What storage options are available?
Boat lifts ($439/mo), covered storage ($299-329/mo), trailer storage ($249/mo), kayak storage ($45/mo), and daily wet/dry storage ($2/ft/day).
Is this a hurricane-safe location?
Yes, the protected cove location with 24-hour security provides superior storm and hurricane protection compared to exposed marinas.
How far is it to the Gulf of Mexico?
Approximately 20-30 minutes via Clearwater Harbor and Clearwater Pass to open Gulf waters.
Contact Information
Cove Cay Marina
1300 Cove Cay Drive
Clearwater, FL 33760
Phone (AJ’s Bar & Grill): (727) 493-8300
Hours (Marina): 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM daily
Hours (AJ’s): 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM daily
Type: Protected cove full-service marina, boat storage, and waterfront recreation center
Location: Cove Cay gated community on Old Tampa Bay
Storage: Lifts, covered, trailer, kayak options
Rentals: Pontoon boats, jet skis, kayaks, paddle boards
Dining: AJ’s Dockside Bar & Grill with tiki bar
Wildlife: Manatees, dolphins, mangroves
Security: 24-hour patrolled security
Atmosphere: Family-friendly, casual waterfront recreation
Emergency: 911 or Coast Guard Channel 16
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Cove Cay Marina – Clearwater’s Premier Protected Cove Marina with Manatees, Dolphins, Waterfront Dining & Family Recreation
