Essential Florida Boating Vacation Tips
Whether you are a boating enthusiast, planning your family’s next vacation, or someone looking for a taste of adventure, a Florida boating vacation can offer you everything you’re looking for and more. For visitors and locals alike Florida offers a chance to hit the water and take in any number of fun activities. With a few essential Florida boating tips, you can ensure your time on Florida’s waterways is fun, safe and filled with experiences that will provide a lifetime of memories.
Florida: A Boaters Paradise
With over 2,000 miles of coastline, 11,000 miles of rivers or streams, and 7,700 miles of lakeshore, it is no wonder boating in Florida falls on so many water-lovers’ bucket lists. No Florida vacation would be complete without exploring some of its many waterways and taking in some of the boat-related activities on offer. There is just so much to do and explore. The many destinations off the Florida coast and up its byways and waterways offer up unique experiences that the whole family can enjoy. It really is a boat-lovers paradise.
Florida Boating Tips: How to Prepare
Before you set off on your Florida boating adventures, there are a few Florida boating vacation tips that can help you prepare and make your time on the water even better.
Plan for Sun
One of the Florida boating tips not to be overlooked is planning for the sun. Protecting yourself from the sun’s rays means you will continue to enjoy your time on the water without damaging your skin or slowing down your fun with a painful sunburn. Even when the temperature hovers around 70 degrees in the middle of winter, the sun is likely stronger than you think and when you are on the water the sun’s intensity is magnified. Use plenty of sunscreen and replenish it often, especially after being in the water. Wearing a sunhat along with a lightweight cover-up, or pants and shirt can also keep you protected and comfortable throughout your vacation.
Pack for Full Days
There is plenty to do and see on your Florida boating adventure, which is why preparing to pack for full days is another one of our Florida boating tips. Be prepared to pack excursion bags that will last you the whole day and then some. Your packing should include not only sunscreen and sun hats but also towels, drinking water, snacks, sunglasses, and a change of clothes.
Know How to Boat
Boating in Florida is popular, which is why essential Florida boating tips include brushing up on your boating techniques for high traffic and crowded rivers, streams, inlets, bays, harbors, lakes, and coastlines. Some of these areas can be quite narrow, so learn to navigate them while also keeping your boating etiquette front and center. Stay calm, follow the rules, and know that everyone is there to enjoy the fun on offer.
Some companies, such as Your Boat Club, will provide safety training for their boaters. Knowing how to operate a boat properly and safely, though, is more than essential, it is also the law. Before you go, make sure you understand Florida-specific boating laws. For anyone born on or after January 1st, 1988, who will be operating a boat in Florida waters with an engine of ten (10) horsepower or more, the law requires them to complete an approved boating safety course and obtain a Florida Boating Safety ID Card. Boaters from out of state can obtain a Temporary Certificate prior to taking out a boat. You can prepare to spend about fifteen minutes to obtain a Temporary Certificate and it is valid for 90 days.
Florida Boating Tips: Safety First
No boating tips for Florida would be complete without covering safety. Water recreation is fun, but that does not mean it doesn’t include some dangers. These are some important Florida boat tips that keep safety front of mind.
Personal Floatation Devices
When it comes to safety, wearing a lifejacket is one of the top Florida boating tips. It is a safety precaution that no boater should overlook. Lifejackets do what the name says, they save lives. Wearing one is a lifesaving habit you want to remember every time you board a boat. So, make it a habit and you won’t be caught without one when it counts.
Make sure everyone on board has a properly-fitting lifejacket. Height and weight both need to be considered to achieve a proper fit.
Stormy Weather on the Horizon
If you hail from outside Florida, you are often conditioned to expect the weather you see in the morning to remain all day. This is not necessarily the case in Florida. Storms can be frequent and markedly strong, but they can also come and go quickly. It is important to stay off the water during a storm. Thunder and lightning are especially dangerous. Know the weather forecast and avoid getting caught in unfavorable conditions. You can, however, wait it out in a nearby marina and head out when the coast is clear and sunny skies return.
Other boating safety tips include:
Don’t drink and boat. If you are responsible for driving the boat, do not become impaired by alcohol. It puts both you and others in danger.
Use appropriate speeds for the conditions. Speeding around is usually not appropriate anywhere.
Remain aware of your surroundings, including swimmers, wildlife, other watercraft, buoys, and signage.
Share your plans. Someone other than those on the boat with you should know what your plans are in case something goes wrong and others know when to expect you.
Keep a first-aid kit, flashlight, whistle, and fire extinguisher on board.
Know your boat’s weight limitations. Don’t overcrowd or overweight it.
Florida Boat Vacation Tips: Activities and Destinations
No list of Florida boating tips would be complete without knowing where to go and what to do.
Offshore and Deep-Sea Fishing
Florida is known for its fishing, both offshore and deep-sea. It is not only a boater’s paradise. It is a fisherman’s paradise too. It boasts some of the best and most diverse fishing in the world and you cannot go wrong with this boating activity in Florida. Some of the best fishing spots include the Keys, Destin, Panama City, Jacksonville, Daytona Beach, Sarasota, Fort Myers, Miami, and Tampa Bay.
Dock-and-dine
With so many waterways to explore, there is a whole culture in Florida built around dockside fun. Pull your boat up and explore the plethora of unique restaurants, local shops, and full-service marinas. Then, head back out on the water to continue your adventure.
Local Sandbars
One of the many pleasures of boating in Florida is pulling up to a local sandbar and spending the day enjoying the soft sands and turquoise waters while soaking in the sun and gorgeous views. It’s easy to relax the day away in this laid-back atmosphere. Some sandbars to explore include Disappearing Island, Loxahatchee River Sandbar, Three-Rooker Bar, and Peanut Island.
Water-sports
With so much water around, just about any water sport you desire to do is possible in Florida. This includes kayaking, waterskiing, waterboarding, diving, snorkeling, surfing, sailing, and parasailing. You name it, you can do it.
Vacation Cruises in Florida
If you want to get out onto the water in Florida, taking a cruise can be one fun way to do it. When it comes to boat cruises in Florida, there are many to choose from—anything from Florida weekend cruises to weeks-long excursions.
Local Wildlife
Marine life abounds in Florida. While cruising around off the Florida coast, you can take in dolphins, sea turtles, manatees and perhaps even a shark. Fort Myers and Sanibel Island both boast great coastal wildlife. If you like birds, Florida’s rivers are great places for spotting any number of wild birds.
Boat Rental Tips in Florida
One of the best ways to enjoy Florida waterways is from the many types of private boats you can rent. If you decide renting a boat is the way to go, some Florida boat tips for renting a boat, include:
Research to know what type of boat you want to rent. Pontoons, fishing boats, and runabouts are all popular options.
Decide how long you want to rent your boat. You can find rentals for as short as half a day and as long as a week.
Make sure you know the logistics of getting and returning your boat. Some rental places will deliver your boat to your destination.
If you want more information on vacation boat rentals in Florida, check out Your Boat Club’s Florida locations.
Florida Boating Tips: Final Thoughts
Florida offers so much for the whole family to enjoy. Taking advantage of its plethora of boat-related destinations and activities accompanied by its sunny weather and fresh sea breezes, is what makes it a top vacation spot. Whether creating a memorable family vacation, heading out on the water with friends, or casting out for the catch of a lifetime, following a few essential Florida boating tips can help you make the most of this boater’s paradise.
