Fort Desoto / Big Beach

Fort Desoto / Big Beach is a kiteboarding spot near Tampa, St. Petersburg in USA, with open ocean conditions and prevailing SW, NW wind, best ridden in January, February, March, November, December.

About Fort Desoto / Big Beach

Tends to get choppy and disorganized on SW winds. The north end near the point is shallow. The south end closer to the pier is deeper with strong currents. The middle of the cove is great. Stay away from the pier due to Biggers fishes. Beginner to advanced area.

When is the best time to kitesurf at Fort Desoto / Big Beach?

The best time to kite Fort Desoto / Big Beach is January, February, March, November, December, when the SW, NW wind is most reliable.

What are the wind and water conditions?

Fort Desoto / Big Beach offers open ocean conditions with SW, NW wind (Thermal, Frontal wind), launching from ocean.

How do I get to Fort Desoto / Big Beach?

Take I-4 west to 275 south, to exit # 4 (Pinellas Bayway) go west, pass the toll booth (.50 cents), turn left at the second light onto "679" heading south toward fort Desoto. You will have another toll (.35 cents) at the entrance to the Park. Take a right at the "T" junction go 1.5 to 2 miles. This area is just north of the snack bar, at the middle to upper end of the cove, and approx 1-2 miles south of North Beach. Park on the left, and take a path over the sand dune. Stay on the path, and wear shoes, so you don't get splintered with those nasty sand-spurs.

Hazards at Fort Desoto / Big Beach

Currents, Mole.

Other kite spots near Fort Desoto / Big Beach

• Fort DeSoto Park · <1 km
• Fort Desoto / North Beach · 2 km · Tampa, St Petersburg
• Fort Desoto / East Beach · 3 km · Tampa, St. Petersburg
• Pass-A-Grille · 6 km
• North Skyway Bridge (East Side) · 7 km
• Skyway Backside · 7 km

Spot data last updated 2026-07-20 · part of the KiteGlobe database of 6,633 kiteboarding spots.