Guide Through Florida's Best Boating Destinations

It’s no surprise that Florida has some of the most beautiful and serene beaches in the world. In fact, if we had to guess, it would probably be a top destination that most people think of when discussing holidays.

However, Florida has a lot to offer off the coast, as well. Whether you are looking for a boat trip with the entire family or are a solo traveler looking for an adventure in the open ocean, read on to find the best boating destinations in Florida.

1. Florida Keys

Florida Keys is one of the top locations to visit in this state, whether you are a solo traveler or the family is coming with you. It has an amazing coral cay archipelago, crystal-clear waters, and incredibly abundant marine life. The place itself is a famous tourist destination with a laidback lifestyle, vibrant culture, and rich history.

Now, someone boating there with a family will find that the place has a lot of spots with shallow water, which will make it perfect for snorkeling and swimming. Moreover, the place is rich in marine life and is home to the Dolphin Research Center. This place is the perfect destination for kids and adults interested in sea creatures, it's a full day out where you can learn and have fun.

On the other hand, solo travellers and those going there with a small group of adventurous friends can enjoy kayaking and sailing opportunities. In the evening, the place has a pretty vibrant nightlife.

When looking through Florida boat rentals and picking locations, this should definitely be one of the first spots you consider.

1. Sanibel island

The next place you should consider visiting is definitely Sanibel Island. This place is located off the coast of Fort Myers, and it has some of the most beautiful white-sand beaches in all of Florida. It’s also an amazing place for shelling.

Behind the beach, there are lush tropical landscapes, which means that if you’re (at least partially) motivated by creating amazing Instagram photos, you just can’t go wrong with this place.

For family visitors, the key motivator is shelling. This way, you’ll give your kids a chance to gather and create their own mementos and souvenirs. The place even has a shell museum, so if shells are any kind of motivator, you should definitely take them into consideration. Also, off the coast, there are a few biking trails.

As a solo traveler, you should use this as a chance to reconnect with nature. Kayaking, hiking, biking, and more are just some of the options you’ll have. The community is friendly and welcoming, which means that you’ll find friends there in no time.

1. Destin

The waters around Destin are emerald green, while the sands on the beaches are sugar-white, which makes them an incredible location to display your beach body. It’s a relatively small fishing city with one of the most iconic looks that you could ever find.

Chances are that if you’re trying to envision a tropical fishing village, this is what’s in your mind. In fact, the place is often dubbed the world’s luckiest fishing village.

The place is safe, and there are shallow beaches all around. The boardwalk is lively and beaming with venues your kids would like. Moreover, this is a place that offers many deep fishing opportunities, which, if you’re going there by boat, you don’t really want to miss out on. 

Then again, fishing is by no means exclusive to family travelers. It could be an adventure for you alone or for you and a group of your buddies. It’s the best place for deep-sea fishing in Florida. In the evening, there are quite a few live music venues where you can unwind and meet new people. 

1. St. Augustine

This is the oldest city in the entirety of the United States, and it originates from the original Spanish colony in Florida. The town captures this aura of historical significance pretty well. It’s filled with beautiful beaches, historic sites, and cobblestone streets. Its authentic colonial architecture makes sightseeing a worthwhile endeavor. 

If your kids are history buffs, taking them to a real ancient fort that they can explore will be a memory like no other. There are also a lot of scenic boat tours that you can go on (regardless of whether you’re there by boat or not). Nearby, there’s also a Pirate & Treasure museum, and this, too, is worth visiting.

As a solo traveler, you’ll get to feel the vibe of the place far more. You won’t be rushed by anyone, and you’ll be able to read up or spend days at your favorite cafe. 

1. Naples

Naples is definitely a bit on the high-end, which means that it’s filled with luxury shopping and dining opportunities. The beach is beautiful, and it’s filled with all sorts of incredible amenities and attractions. 

Naples has some of the kid-friendly beaches on the continent. You can see that the place is affluent from a mile away, and there are so many zoos and museums for your kids to enjoy. Parks and nature preserves are well-maintained, which means that your kids will be safe and have a lot of fun activities available.

The last thing you need to understand is that this place is a perfect getaway. There are a lot of places where you can relax, swim, get a full spa treatment, and more. Therefore, going there alone so that you can recharge makes perfect sense. 

Wrap up

At the end of the day, when you’re traveling by boat, you’re taking your destination with you. Even traveling between two spots can be an adventure and an experience. It will be a ton of content. However, having the right destination and itinerary in mind can elevate the journey to the next level. Now, you at least have these five spots to mold your journey around. 

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Jenny Kakoudakis likes to blog about interiors. She launched the award-winning Seasons in Colour in 2014. When she is not chasing criminals out of the financial system (her day job), she gets creative by redecorating her own home.

Download her free bathroom renovation guide here.