Best of Boating - Social Distance on the Open Water
Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, with numerous springs, rivers, and lakes dotted throughout, it makes sense that boating in Florida is one of the best past times. Spending time in the water on your craft could include a sailboat ride on the bay, a dolphin tour of the gulf, or a fishing trip on the high seas. This is the best of Florida boating!
In the Panhandle
Gulf County is filled with endless possibilities for boating - and for every other kind of adventure, too. It’s over 244 miles of outdoor playground, its shoreline ranging from crystal waters and white sand beaches to tranquil inland passages, each a different world for you to explore. Nature is calling, and it’s your choice how you answer. St. Joseph’s Bay is a coastal sanctuary teaming with marine life from turtles to dolphins, and its crystal-clear, shallow waters make it a kayaker or snorkeler’s dream. Even the deeper waters are calm and perfect for paddleboarding and eco tours. The Bay is ready for whatever adventure you’re dreaming of, with all sorts of easy access points for boating, fishing, and more. Adventure guides and charter captains are ready to take you out on the waters, whether you be an angling ace or a fresh catch looking for some tips and tricks. The Gulf of Mexico and all the adventures that come with it are easily accessible, beckoning you to some boating or deep-sea fishing. The Dead Lakes are legendary for having one of the richest ecosystems in Florida, the Intercoastal waterway flows through Lake Wimico, and Indian Pass offers beautiful scenery and unforgettable oysters. Fishing in the Gulf County is a year-round activity; inshore, offshore, freshwater – whatever your preference, you will find the perfect spot to catch the big one. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a novice, friendly guides are available to help you with any step of the process.
visitgulf.com
Captain’s Cove Marina is located just west of Port St. Joe underneath the Highland View Bridge, sitting at the mouth of St. Joseph Bay on the St. Joseph Canal and Intracoastal Waterway. This Marina was designed with convenience and affordability in mind with dry storage, fuel and great rates for transient cruisers. For generations, this family-owned business has been fishing our waters and they recognize that a day spent on the Gulf waters rejuvenates the soul; so it is their goal to provide customers with a smooth transition into our unique salty playground.
captainscovefl.com
Since Don Tristan de Luna first discovered the naturally deep waters of Pensacola Bay, the waterways of the Pensacola Bay Area have been a source of enjoyment and opportunity to those visiting this pristine Gulf Coast destination. The Bay Area is the perfect getaway for boating; from a peaceful sunset sail to a deep sea fishing adventure. Get up close to beautiful wild dolphins jumping and playing in the wake of the boat with dolphin charter boats ready to take you to their home, the coastal waters of Northwest Florida. From Pensacola Beach to Perdido Key, experienced dolphin charter captains are ready to create some memories of a dolphin adventure. And what’s a trip to the Bay without doing some fishing? From inland fishing to the emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico, there are fishing experiences for everyone. It’s time to unwind and let the wind take you on a sailing adventure. Listen to the hum of the wind hitting the sails as you glide over the water on a chartered sailing experience. If you like to be the captain of your own boat, find your own deserted beach, and relax to the beat of your own drum — then a boat rental is just what you need. From kayaks and paddleboards to catamarans to jet skis and pontoon boats — Pensacola have just what you need to get on the water on your own terms.
Situated on the picturesque Santa Rosa Sound, the Paradise Inn is a quaint and classic beach hotel in the traditional Old Florida style that offers pet-friendly rooms. Their onsite restaurant, Paradise Bar & Grill, serves up tasty plates and beverages. Most importantly for boaters, the inn’s private beach and pier that makes it ideal for boating, fishing, and paddleboarding.
paradiseinn-pb.com
On the Atlantic Coast
Situated on the waters of the San Sebastian and Matanzas Rivers, and a short drive from the Atlantic Ocean, St. Augustine is a gorgeous historic city that is surrounded by opportunities for boating - whether you’re into eco-tours, sailing, or fishing.
St. Augustine Eco Tours offers a huge array of options for viewing wildlife, from boating tours to see dolphins to kayak tours through saltwater marshes of the historic mission grounds. You could even choose a sailboating tour to explore the wildlife of the open waters. This eco tour company is located in the heart of Historic St. Augustine and typically departs from the city marina, making it convenient for any animal-lovers staying in the city.
staugustineecotours.com
Tucked into Florida's East Coast between Fort Pierce and West Palm Beach is Jensen Beach, famous for its pineapples and holding a huge Pineapple Festival every November. Quite appropriately, the pineapple is a sign of hospitality, another thing for which this town is known. You can also enjoy a variety of retail offerings for the avid shopper, and water enthusiasts will find boating, sailing, fishing, skiing, surfing and scuba diving. Jensen Beach also attracts several species of endangered sea turtles during nesting seasons. Jensen Beach is part of Martin County, an area that is renowned for its quiet beaches, historic towns, and outdoor adventures.
Jensen Beach Boat Rental will get you out on the waves with ease, with a variety of crafts that area cleaned up, fueled up, and ready to go! Each of their boats is equipped with a stroke engine making them more fuel efficient, quiet and smoke free! If you’re a frequent visitor to Jensen Beach, consider joining their Boat Club to unlock all kinds of perks and discounts.
jensenbeachboatrentals.com
St. Lucie puts the ‘pleasure’ in ‘pleasure cruise.’ Miles of waterways, a safe and easy inlet providing access to and from the deep blue Atlantic and many marinas offer full-service amenities. Toss a line in from a pier, a kayak, or a deep-sea charter boat and enjoy St. Lucie’s multifaceted fishing. If you’re more of an explorer, enjoy snorkeling and SCUBA diving on reefs just offshore. Launch your boat or go aboard a chartered vessel from one of our many marinas to explore reefs farther offshore for an up-close view of the ocean-life. Thrill seekers will enjoy an abundance of opportunities; surfing at Fort Pierce Inlet State Park, rent jet skis and race your friends, or take a special SUP tour through wild mangroves. Along the beaches of St. Lucie, read a book, play with your family and friends, reflect on your incredible vacation, or enjoy the warm waves. The St. Lucie River is a seven-mile long estuary that links to a coastal river system in Martin County, which is part of Florida’s Treasure Coast on its eastern side. St. Lucie is an ever-winding, wild river that is often surrounded by a thick jungle of tropical forest and lined with tall, moss-covered oak trees. Expect to see lots of birds like blue herons and black-bellied whistling ducks. As the water in the river transitions from saltwater estuary to fresh water, you may see mullet fish, or possibly otters.
discovermartin.com
When you paddle this river, you’ll see lots of little islands, and little parks where you can stop off and picnic. Perhaps the most startling aspect of this wild-child river is the fact that it’s only a short distance from the I-95! Be sure to visit South River Outfitters in Stuart to prep for your adventure; they have everything from kayak rentals to accessories and clothing.
southriveroutfitters.com
On the Gulf Coast
No visit to Florida’s Paradise Coast is complete without a boating adventure. Whether you're new to boating or an "old salt," you'll discover a wealth of possibilities in the Naples, Marco Island and Everglades area. Lessons, rentals, cruises, accommodations with marinas, waterside restaurants – they're all here. Many area motorboat rentals also let you hire a captain, giving you more privacy and the ability to totally customize your trip. Even renting a boat yourself is not as hard as you might think. You don't need a captain's license, the boats are easy to operate and the rental companies provide basic instructions along with user-friendly maps.
New to boating? The Paradise Coast makes it easy to get out on the water. Numerous sightseeing cruises let you do nothing more than relax and enjoy the scenery, and many include a stop on an island for shelling.Your personal eco-education tour should include a cruise on the Dolphin Explorer. Cruising the waters of the Ten Thousand Islands and Rookery Bay, you and your fellow passengers will serve as Citizen Scientists, assisting dolphin researchers with the ongoing 10,000 Islands Dolphins Project. Coming by boat or bringing yours? Numerous boat launches are located throughout the area for your convenience. Many hotels with marinas or dockage are also ready to accommodate you and your boat, including the Port of the Islands Resort & Marina, offering 42 cottage suites and studios, full service marina with boat slips, game room, Angler's Cove Restaurant & Bar, outdoor swimming pool, tennis, racquetball, and pickle ball courts, barbecue grills, and more.
dolphin-study.com
poiresort.com
Boating doesn’t have to mean a sailboat or a speedboat. You could literally spend days following the paddling trails in and around Everglades National Park, and each day see something totally different!
While self-guided paddling tours are just fine, we recommend taking advantage of a guided tour to learn the most you can about this amazing park and its wild inhabitants. Everglades Area Tours will guide you through the exploration of the park and the 10,000 Islands nearby, with a variety of eco-tours that include Sunset and Full Moon Paddles, best suited to experienced paddlers looking for a little extra something in a kayaking experience. Burnham Guides are perfect for birding lovers (guide Joel Beckwith can name all the birds you’ll see!) and is also ideal for several-day trips. Try the Eight-Day Wilderness Waterway tour, which traverses the largest roadless area in the Lower 48!
evergladesareatours.com
burnhamguides.com
In Central Florida
In the Central area of the state, you’ll find “Florida’s Inland Sea”: Lake Okeechobee, the largest freshwater lake in Florida. Waterways on either side run into the lake, making it part of a 152-mile boating passage way through the middle of the state known as the Okeechobee Waterway. Boaters love exploring the lake and fishing, particularly since this is the home of the legendary largemouth bass and speckled perch. Blue gills, Okeechobee catfish and black crappies are other local catches. Many lake-goers love to swim in the dazzling fresh water.
You can drop anchor here and there around the lake to explore hiking trails, or spend all day on the water if you like. There are plenty of outfitters near the shore, including Jolly Roger Marina (on the south side of the lake). This marina is your one-stop shop, with boat sales and rentals, guide services, a bait and tackle shop, and more.
jollyrogermarina.com
The locals of Central Florida will tel you that in the summer months, Ichetucknee Springs State Park is the place to be! The springs create crystal-clear, 72-degree waters that feed into the Ichetucknee River, which eventually runs into the Santa Fe River. While the main summer activity is tubing, this is also a great place to hop in a kayak or canoe. Paddling through the transparent waters makes you feel like you’re floating on air at times, until you get to the deeper and darker waters, which are still fed by the springs of the underground cave system. At this point, your attention will be drawn to the surrounding woodlands, filled with thick foliage and quiet wildlife (except for the busy beavers). You will also see open canopies, cypress swamps, and wild rice that grows in the marsh, with the occasional turtle sunning himself on a log.
floridastateparks.org
Adventure Outpost in High Springs has all of your paddling gear as well as camping equipment, clothing, and jewelry at their Springs Republic store.
adventureoutpost.net
The St. Johns River in Central Florida’s Putnam County is Florida’s only American Heritage River, with nine public landings on the river and twenty public landings on attached waterways. The river’s Paddling Trail is easily accessible, and is a great paddling destination whether you want to spend one day or several. Because many of Florida’s original inhabitants used the St. Johns for transportation, there are scores of Native American historic sites to visit along its banks, including the Mr. Royal Indian Mound site near Fruitland. Also along the riverbanks you’ll see plenty of wildlife, from whitetail deer, Virginia opossums, raccoons, and wildcats to the occasional Florida black bear. In the water, you’ll find alligators, water snakes, and lots of fish species, and above you’ll see birds like swallow-tailed kites, sand hills cranes, and osprey. putnamcountychamber.com
All along the river you’ll find marinas, boat rentals, and boat repair services. You’ll also find an array of beautiful hotels along the river in Palatka - particularly, the Grand Gables Inn is a perfect choice for a Putnam County stay. At the inn you will experience the charming history of the area, all housed in a Queen Anne style bed and breakfast built in the 1880s. With 12 foot ceilings, a grand staircase and a sweeping veranda, guests luxuriate in rooms steeped in American history. It’s only one block to the St. Johns River, and 30 minutes to St. Augustine
grandgablesinn.com
In the Florida Keys
Islamorada, known as the "Sportfishing Capital of the World,” is comprised of six islands in the Florida Keys. If you want to do something in, on, or beneath the water, this is the place to be - especially if you love to fish. Islamorada is where backcountry sport fishing and saltwater fly fishing were pioneered, and where legendary fishing figures including Ted Williams, Jimmy Albright, and Cecil Keith perfected their skills. Due to the Gulf Stream’s flow past the islands, there are plenty of seasonal visitors like sailfish and marlin, kingfish and wahoo, dolphin (mahi-mahi) and tuna, with tarpon and bonefish being inshore species. All of this fishing and boating means that the world’s highest density of professional offshore charter boats with tournament-grade captains can be found in Islamorada.
We certainly recommend chartering here to take advantage of the captains’ knowledge; Bud n’ Mary’s Sportfishing Marina offers plenty of top-notch charters that sail from their docks. Their captains are second and third generation fisherman, many of whom have been featured in media articles and won or placed in a majority of the islands’ tournaments - some are even backcountry fishing pioneers.
budnmarys.com
