TAMPA, Fla. — As thousands descend on South Tampa this week for the Gasparilla Parade, some are preparing for a less stressful arrival to the big party by traveling there by boat.

Little Harbor Marina General Manager Rick Soran said he’s expecting to see more than 100 boats through the marina and its shops in Ruskin.

What You Need To Know

  • Little Harbor Marina in Ruskin says it will see more than 100 boats travel from and through its facilities for this year’s Gasparilla Parade in Tampa

  • Law enforcement is encouraging anyone driving on the road or water to refrain from alcohol and to bring their patience

  • The Gasparilla Invasion begins at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, with the parade stepping off at 2 p.m.

  • The parade runs a 4.5-mile stretch of Bayshore Boulevard, with police closing several South Tampa roads beginning early Saturday morning

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Although Soran said boat traffic is heavy for the parade, it still doesn’t compare to trying to get to the parade by car.

“By boat, you can get to Tampa in less than a half an hour,” said Soran. “By car from downtown Tampa it’ll take you an hour and 15 minutes, without traffic.”

And traffic, there will be plenty of this weekend, and several road closures at the same time.

Little Harbor Marina’s restaurants, Hooks and The Sunset Grill, as well as other facilities, allow boaters to enjoy an entire weekend, filled with less stress than a single day of fighting traffic and the crowds.

Law enforcement has been working this week on its annual campaign to advise drivers of cars and boats to avoid drinking, and to bring their patience.

The Gasparilla Invasions starts at 11:30 a.m. and runs until 1 p.m. 

The parade steps off at 2 p.m.