Best Boating Destinations in Florida: A Captain’s Guide
Whether you are a boating enthusiast, a fishing aficionado, or planning your family’s next vacation full of outdoor adventures, it’s difficult to go wrong with Florida. The state’s large coastline, numerous waterways, and many lakes make it a destination where boating is a way of life and a top spot to enjoy your leisure time. Let’s take a look at the list of the best boating destinations in Florida and discover what makes each one unique.
The List: Best Boating Destinations in Florida
1) Naples
One of the best places to boat in Florida is Naples, the heart of Florida’s Paradise Coast. As a place known for luxury and some of the state’s most beautiful waterways, you can’t go wrong with a visit to this city with a small-town feel on Florida’s southwest coast. Exploring the Gulf of Mexico, Naples Bay, and the many islands that dot the area is a boater’s dream. Imagine taking in gorgeous views, spying on dolphins in your wake, and gazing at spectacular blue skies as you venture through the gentle Gulf waters in this island-hopping paradise. How can this place not be on the list of Best Boating Destinations in Florida?
Some favorite places to explore near Naples include Keewaydin Island, Kice Island and Cape Ramano. If you’re after pristine beaches, Pavillion Key or Indian Key in Everglades National Park offer up some of the best. If you want a leisure cruise with stops for shopping and dining, head from Naples down to Marco Island, which boasts some of the area’s best boutiques, restaurants and day spas. It’s a leisurely 90-minute boat ride and you are bound to see some wildlife, like seagulls, pelicans, and cormorants, along the way.
The best time to visit Naples is between March and May when the average temperature hovers between 70-80 degrees and prices are less expensive than the height of winter. The rainy season in the area hits its peak between June and September, and hurricane season stretches from June through November.
2) Fort Myers Beach
When looking for some of the best boating in Florida, you cannot go wrong with Fort Myers Beach. Located between Naples and Sarasota on Florida’s Southwest Gulf Coast, Fort Myers sits on a barrier island about 7 miles long and boasts white sand beaches and lots to do, including parasailing, kayaking, swimming, bird watching, fishing, or just relaxing on the magnificent beaches.
Fort Myers is also home to at least 20 marinas and is a simple hop to get to the collection of almost 100 islands, including Sanibel, Captiva, Cape Coral, and Bonita Springs, among others. This collection of islands are worth exploring and an easy reason to rent a boat from Fort Myers and set out on an island-hopping adventure. This all makes Fort Myers Beach one of the best boating destinations in Florida.
Areas not to miss in Fort Myers include Bowditch Point Park and Bunche Beach Preserve for swimming and playing in the sand, kayaking on the Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail, and of course, fishing the Gulf of Mexico. There are also plenty of restaurants and shopping along with art galleries, museums, and concert venues. This all adds up to Fort Myers Beach being a go-to destination for individuals, groups, and families.
There are accommodations within all price ranges available, but advanced booking is a must during peak season (January through April).
3) Fort Lauderdale and Miami
When looking at Florida boating destinations, it is hard to overlook Fort Lauderdale and Miami. The area can be argued to be one of the most popular places for boating in the world and easily makes the list of best boating destinations in Florida.
Known for its canal-front living, exceptional sightseeing, and hopping downtown, Fort Lauderdale knows how to bring on the fun while Miami offers up its iconic skyline, popular beaches and sandbars, and unmatched nightlife. The area also showcases amazing inshore and offshore fishing and warm tropical waters that are a delight to explore.
Sandbar culture around Miami is alive and well and something worth taking in. Nixon Sandbar boasts picturesque views and is a great place to meet other boaters, not to mention a wild Miami-style party or two. Another popular Miami sandbar location is The Haulover Sandbar.
4) Palm Beach/Jupiter Island
Located on Florida’s east coast along the Intracoastal Waterway, a place we have not yet listed, the area of Palm Beach and Jupiter Island offers up an eclectic mix of incredible offshore and inshore fishing, an array of fun watersports, relaxing sandbars, and tons of sightseeing, not to mention world-class restaurants, quaint shops, and live entertainment.
The Palm Beach Inlet is one of the safest along the east coast and with its famous lighthouse backdrop and blue waters Jupiter Inlet is possibly one of the most beautiful harbors in Florida. It is also one of the most unique places on the list, filled with history and tropical beauty. This all easily adds up to placing Palm Beach and Jupiter Island on the list of best boating destinations in Florida.
5) The Florida Keys
An experience of all Florida boating has to offer would not be complete without a visit to the Florida Keys, which could be considered a boater’s paradise and surely one of the best boating destinations in Florida.
Derived from the Spanish word, “Cayo,” meaning “small island,” the Keys are a collection of islands that run off Florida’s southern tip. From Key West and Spanish Harbor Key to Big Pine Key or Big Torch Key, and many more Keys between and beyond, the sheltered bays, turquoise waters, and outstanding marine life to be found here makes it a place to explore and enjoy from a boat.
Fishing and diving in the Keys is especially popular, as is relaxing on the many beaches. May and June, when calm waters and exceptional visibility can be found most of the time, marks the beginning of the summer diving season. The weather is hot, the water is warm, and marine life is gathering on the reefs to make for excellent diving.
For fishing in the Keys, the best time to visit is determined by what you are looking to catch. If Blue Marlin or a yellowtail is what you’re after, then April through May is going to be your best bet. If you’re looking to catch a sailfish, kingfish or tuna, then December through March is better, while other fish are going to be best caught in the autumn. Check out the Florida Keys fishing guides to pinpoint the best time for your visit.
The Last Word on the Best Boating Destinations in Florida
From Naples to Fort Myers and beyond, boating Florida vacation spots is every measure of fun. Whether you are looking to island hop, explore sandbar culture, enjoy numerous water sports, or take in some excellent fishing, heading to any of these best boating destinations in Florida on your next vacation is a must-do.
Taking in the best boating destinations in Florida though does require a boat. Contact Your Boat Club to fulfill all your boat renting needs for your next vacation!
