Johns Pass is the waterway between Madeira Beach and Treasure Island, where Boca Ciega Bay empties into the Gulf of Mexico. The village built along it is the biggest concentration of boat tours, fishing charters, restaurants, and water activities on the Pinellas County beaches. If you're staying anywhere between Clearwater and St. Pete Beach, this is where you come to get on the water.
Here's what's worth doing at Johns Pass — from the boardwalk to the deep sea fishing fleet.
1. The Boardwalk
A wooden boardwalk runs along the north side of the pass, lined with over 100 shops, restaurants, and tour operator kiosks. It's touristy in the best way — ice cream, souvenirs, waterfront bars, and a steady parade of fishing boats, dolphins, and pelicans in the channel. The boardwalk is free to walk, and it's the natural starting point for anything else you want to do at Johns Pass. Best in the late afternoon when the charter boats are coming in with their catches.
2. Dolphin Cruises
Multiple operators run dolphin cruises from the Johns Pass docks. The standard trip is 90 minutes through the Intracoastal Waterway and out into the Gulf, where resident bottlenose dolphins feed in the channels and around the bridge pilings. Sighting rates are close to 100%. Hubbard's Marina runs the largest boats (good for big groups), while smaller operators offer 6-passenger pontoons for a more intimate experience. Prices start around $29 per person.
3. Deep Sea Fishing
Johns Pass is home to one of the biggest charter fishing fleets on the Gulf Coast. Options range from half-day party boats ($65–85/person, shared with 30+ people) to private charters ($400–1,200 for the boat). The party boats target grouper, snapper, and kingfish on the nearshore reefs. Private charters go deeper for amberjack, cobia, and pelagics. Fishing charters depart daily, usually around 8 AM and again at 1 PM for the half-day trips.
Pro tip: The half-day party boats from Hubbard's Marina are the best value for casual anglers. No experience needed — they provide rods, bait, and instruction. Book the morning trip for calmer seas.
4. Parasailing
Johns Pass has several parasailing operators that launch right from the village docks. You'll go up 400–800 feet over the Gulf, with views of the barrier islands, the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, and (on clear days) the Tampa skyline. Flights are about 10–12 minutes in the air. It's one of those activities that's over fast but gives you a perspective you can't get any other way. Most operators accommodate 1–3 people per flight.
5. Jet Ski Rentals
Jet ski rental stands are clustered around the pass. Typical rates are $70–100 per hour, and they'll send you into the Gulf or through the Intracoastal depending on conditions. The Gulf side gives you open water and speed; the bay side is calmer and better for beginners. You don't need a boating license in Florida, but you do need to be 18+ to rent (14+ can ride with an adult).
6. Pirate Ship Cruise
Sunshine Scenic Tours runs a pirate-themed boat from Johns Pass — a replica pirate ship that does family cruises during the day and adult cruises (with a bar) in the evening. The day cruise is aimed at kids, with treasure hunts, face painting, and water guns. It's cheesy and the kids love it. The evening cruise is a more relaxed sunset sailing with drinks. About 2 hours, and the boat itself is fun to look at in the harbor.
7. Bridge Fishing
The Johns Pass Bridge connects Madeira Beach to Treasure Island and is one of the most productive shore fishing spots in Pinellas County. The current through the pass funnels baitfish, which attracts snook, redfish, sheepshead, mangrove snapper, and flounder. The fishing is best at night on an incoming tide. You need a Florida fishing license — the bridge doesn't have a pier license like some of the piers do. Locals fish here year-round.
8. Seafood Restaurants
The boardwalk and surrounding streets have a dozen seafood restaurants, most with waterfront seating overlooking the pass. Sculley's is the local favorite for fresh grouper and a view of the boats coming in. The Boardwalk Grill does solid fish tacos and burgers. For something more casual, grab shrimp from one of the walk-up windows and eat it on the dock. The fish is local — most restaurants buy from the boats that dock in the pass.
9. Egmont Key Ferry
Hubbard's Marina runs a daily ferry from Johns Pass to Egmont Key, a state park island at the mouth of Tampa Bay. The ferry drops you on the island for a few hours of exploring — the lighthouse (built 1858), Fort Dade ruins, snorkeling on the Gulf side, and gopher tortoises everywhere. It's one of the best day trips on the Gulf Coast and it departs from right here at the pass. $45 per person round trip.
10. Madeira Beach
Walk south from Johns Pass Village and you're on Madeira Beach — a wide stretch of Gulf-facing sand that's less crowded than nearby Clearwater Beach. The sand is white, the water is clear, and there's usually space to spread out even in season. Beach access is right at the south end of the boardwalk. Combine a morning on the beach with an afternoon of boat tours and seafood at the pass — that's a full day.
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Dolphin cruises, fishing charters, parasailing, jet skis, and island ferries from Johns Pass — compare options and check live availability.
Browse All Tours →Frequently Asked Questions
What is Johns Pass?
A waterway between Madeira Beach and Treasure Island connecting Boca Ciega Bay to the Gulf. Johns Pass Village is the boardwalk district with 100+ shops, restaurants, and boat tour operators — the biggest water activities hub on the Pinellas beaches.
Is Johns Pass free to visit?
Walking the boardwalk, browsing shops, and beach access are free. You pay for food, boat tours, parasailing, and jet skis. Parking is metered or in paid lots, $2–5/hour.
What's the best restaurant?
Sculley's for fresh seafood with a waterfront view. Boardwalk Grill for casual fish tacos. Check the daily catch board at any waterfront spot — they buy from the same local boats.
How far from Clearwater Beach?
About 15 minutes south on Gulf Boulevard. Many visitors combine Clearwater Beach with a Johns Pass dinner or boat tour.
Can you fish without a boat?
Yes. The Johns Pass Bridge is one of the best shore fishing spots in Pinellas County — snook, redfish, sheepshead, and snapper. You need a Florida fishing license (the bridge doesn't have a pier license).