I am very familiar with the St Pete and north. I have a buddy staying down in Tampa next week and wants to do some boating. I was wondering if there are any good places in Tampa like Shell Island, Undertow, Gators, etc. or if I should have him meet me in St Pete?

go north to clearwater tons to do up there.......BZ

Hook up with the Offshore Powerboat Association. Look for the performance boats at Gators, SandBar, or anchored off Under Tow at St. Pete Beach, where the girls are hanging out.

Sheapards in Clearwater is also a cool hangout. No docks, you have to anchor by sand key and wade in. (good anchor is a must, gets a huge current at tidal changes) Gets festive on the weekends most of the time.

I am very familiar with the St Pete / Clearwater area.I try to do Clearwater when I go only by boat from hear. When trailering, I go further south to St Pete.

I know Shephards, Sandbar, Gators, Undertow (got kicked out of there 2 weekends ago), etc.

The question was does the Tampa side have anything to offer?

Thanks for the input!!

There's plenty in Tpa. Rocky Point( top of Tpa Bay) Bahama Breeze & Green Iguana. Rattlefish, east side of bay near Gandy Bridge & Jacksons downtown Tpa. Bahia Beach Club is another spot you can have lunch(Appollo Beach)You can always head into the Manatee River (Riviera Dunes, Capt Jacks, & a bunch of places. The Icw into Sarasota has some real pretty areas, Mar Vista restaurant & others. Make a day trip south to Casey Key & stop off at The CaseyKey Fish house before the developers tear it down Passage Key is an adult stop , between Anna Maria & Egmont.
Don't forget The Pier which just a short ride across the Bay.

Are the waters easily navigable? Are these places easy to find?

OH I forgot about Bahama Breeze lots of fun in there...Good choice

Green Iguana is closed. Crabby Bills is on the south east corner of the causeway and can be done by water but not clearly marked.

Get a local chart & most places are marked okay. Watch the water & go slow if you are uncertain. Stay in the markers!!!!