Clam Bayou

A small nature preserve straddling the Gulfport / South St. Pete line, set aside specifically to restore the mangrove system that once covered most of this coast before mid-century development bulldozed it. The trails are no-motor, which means you can hear birds instead of outboards. Wading birds work the edges year-round: great blue herons standing motionless, snowy egrets in their breeding plumes, white ibis poking in the mud. Manatees push deep into the bayou in winter for the warm water. The preserve is the result of a long community fight to keep this corner of the city wild; there are interpretive signs along the kayak launch that explain the restoration work. Bring binoculars if you have them.

Where do I park, and is it free?

Cost

Free

Parking

Very limited

Parking is very limited here, mostly road shoulder, so consider a board cart or dropping your board first. No restrooms. It is a no-motor mangrove preserve, calm and quiet once you are on the water.

How clear is the water?

Mangroves hold tannic (tea-brown) water, but incoming tide brightens it noticeably

What will I see?

• Wading birds year-round: herons, egrets, ibis
• Manatees push deep into the bayou

What's the fishing like?

Snook and mangrove snapper through the bayou, redfish and trout on the nearby flats. A known local shore-fishing spot.

How do I share the water here?

This whole preserve was set aside to restore the mangrove system, so stay in the marked no-motor paddle trails and out of the replanted edges. Wading birds work those edges year-round, so give any heron, egret, or feeding ibis room rather than pushing in for a closer look.