In Clearwater and St Pete Beach;
Due to ongoing regeneration in these areas, Clearwater and St Pete Beach are becoming increasingly desirable holiday destinations, attracting families, couples and small groups of friends with their ever-increasing range of top-notch amenities.
In a nutshell
Laid-back in atmosphere, the 2 resorts are renowned for their beautiful coastline and agreeable climate. In fact, St Pete is in the Guinness Book of Records for having the longest string of consecutive sunny days - 768 of them - so there's no need to worry about the weather! Both offer fantastic shopping and plenty of evening entertainment. There's also lots to keep the kids happy, including pirate cruises, dolphin encounters, close proximity to theme parks and, of course, those fantastic sandy beaches!
Non drivers
We understand that even in the land that invented the automobile, not everyone likes to drive. But don't worry, after the Orlando leg of your holiday, let us take you to St Pete Beach or Clearwater.
We offer
Full-size coaches with Virgin Holidays' livery
Video on board
Toilet, wherever possible (100% record so far!)
These round-trip transfers cost from:
St Pete Beach
£30 per person
Coach leaves every Wed (2 hours 30 min)
Clearwater
£30 per person
Coach leaves every Thu (2 hours)
Operates between 05 Mar-04 Dec '08 and from 25 Mar '09.
Alternatively, why not take one of our private taxi transfers to the Gulf Coast? There are no restrictions to what day of the week you need to travel and they will pick you up from any of our Disney or International Drive hotels.
These round-trip transfers cost from:
International Drive hotels
£310 per taxi
Walt Disney World Resort hotels
£275 per taxi
Or opt to arrive in style
from as little as £539
Our limo transfers are hugely popular. Stretch out in one of these amazing vehicles and arrive at your hotel in film-star style. Go on - you're worth it!
All limo prices are per car, round-trip for a min of 2 people. Limos take a max of 8 people excluding luggage. The boot fits 4 large suitcases and 2 pieces of hand luggage. If your party has more luggage, you will need to book an additional taxi.
Getting there
Flight Details - You fly direct non-stop to Orlando international airport from Gatwick, Manchester or Glasgow with award-winning Virgin Atlantic.
Flight Time - Approx 9 hours
Days of departure - Daily
Time Difference - GMT -5 hours
Distance - Clearwater - 106 miles southwest of Orlando international airport. 23 miles east of Tampa. St Pete - 115 miles from Orlando international airport. 20 miles south of Clearwater.
Driving Times - Both Clearwater and St Pete are a 2-hour drive from Orlando and only a 50-min drive to Busch Gardens.
Additional info
White Sands and Water Sports
Fort De Soto Park is home to a 7-mile stretch of sand, rated the number 1 nature beach in the USA, and Caladesi Island (opposite) is ranked number 2 in the USA. Water sports abound with dolphin encounters, pirate cruises, deep-sea fishing, shelling and snorkelling available. For wildlife and tortoises, head to the uninhabited island of Egmont.
Family Fun
The perfect place to wind down after a week at Disney, families can still enjoy a wealth of activities in between lazing on the beach. If you still want an action-packed day out, Busch Gardens is a short drive away, where teenagers can experience the terrifying floorless SheiKra roller coaster. Back at the beach, book a family excursion such as the Pirate cruise or visit the aquarium.
Away from the Beach
Hop on board the Sunset Beach trolley and head to downtown St Pete for the Salvador Dali Museum and the St Petersburg Museum of History and Fine Arts. Transportation is provided to Disney and other theme parks, 1 hour 30 min away. Take a boat trip on the world's largest speedboat or head to Crystal State Park for the opportunity to swim with manatees, Florida's unique sea cows.
Evenings
Head to Pier 60 on Clearwater Beach for sunset celebrations and FREE entertainment from street performers and local craftsmen (be sure to arrive approx 2 hours before sunset). Local dining favourites include Crabby Bill's and Frenchy's beachside restaurants. For a dazzling night out, treat yourself to a StarLite Dinner Cruise.
Shopping
Serious shoppers should head to Tampa for the International Plaza or Ellenton Outlet Mall. Closer to home there is Tyrone Mall in St Pete or Westfield Mall in Clearwater. The pier at St Pete offers waterfront entertainment and shops galore. For more fun, dining and shopping, visit the charming beachside communities of Safety Harbor and Gulfport.
Indulge Yourself
If you're looking to indulge yourself, see your Virgin Holidays' rep for a recommendation to one of many day spas in the area, offering a wide range of treatments in state-of-the-art surroundings. Whilst you're busy pampering yourself, your partner could head to a nearby championship golf course - there are plenty to choose from in both resorts!