Old Tampa Bay is a large, shallow saltwater bay on the west coast of Florida, forming the northern section of the larger Tampa Bay estuary. It is characterized by extensive mangrove shorelines, intertidal flats, and seagrass beds, offering a mix of open-water paddling and sheltered mangrove trails. The bay's waters are generally calm and protected from open-ocean swell, though wind can create chop across its broad, open sections. Tidal variance throughout the bay is approximately 1 to 2 feet, creating gentle currents rather than strong flows; paddlers on the marked trails at Weedon Island Preserve and Fred Howard Park are advised to plan trips around high tide or the middle of an incoming tide, as significant portions of these routes become inaccessible at low water.

Key public access points for paddlers include Philippe Park in Safety Harbor, which offers a public boat ramp and sandy beach launch into a particularly sheltered and beginner-friendly section of the bay. Weedon Island Preserve on the western shore provides a small ramp and access to two marked paddling trails that wind through red mangrove tunnels and over shallow grass flats; the North Trail was temporarily closed due to construction. Fred Howard Park also offers canoe launch access to paddling trails. The bay is subject to typical coastal Florida conditions, with mornings often calm and afternoon thunderstorms with associated winds common in summer. Prevailing winds from the west and southwest are partially broken up by the surrounding coastline.

The area is rich in wildlife, with frequent sightings of manatees, dolphins, rays, ospreys, roseate spoonbills, and wading birds. The aesthetic is a mix of natural mangrove forests and views of the urban Tampa Bay skyline in the distance. Hazards for paddlers include potential boat traffic in the main channels, aggressive mosquitoes in mangrove areas at dawn and dusk in summer, and the need for careful tide planning to avoid being stranded in shallow areas. The water is warm enough for paddling in shorts for most of the year. Facilities at launch sites typically include parking, boat ramps, and sometimes docks. The bay connects to smaller systems like Mobbly Bayou, allowing for extended trips into the broader Tampa Bay system for experienced paddlers.