Looking for the best spots to set sail? Here are four top boating destinations!
Each offers breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences for boating enthusiasts!
1. Biscayne Bay National Park
Location: Just 15 minutes by boat from downtown Miami.
Boating: A sprawling 250-square-mile park, mostly water, only accessible by boat. Despite its proximity to Miami, it offers pristine reefs, scenic islands, lighthouses, and underwater wrecks. Be cautious of shallow areas and follow the brown, brown, run aground; white, white, you just might, blue, blue sail on through rule.
Fishing: Known for light tackle fishing, species like snapper, grouper, snook, and tarpon are abundant. Be mindful of restricted fishing areas, and check the park’s fishing website for regulations.
Where to Stay: Camping is available on Elliott and Boca Chita Keys, with dockage fees. First-come, first-serve basis, no reservations. Additional camping permits are required. For details, visit the park’s website.
Things to Do: Snorkeling is the main attraction. Explore coral reefs, underwater trails, and wrecks. Don’t miss Stiltsville, a historic cluster of houses surviving hurricanes and time.
2. Lake Havasu
Location: On the Arizona-California border, near the Sonoran Desert, about 3-4 hours from Phoenix, Las Vegas, or Los Angeles.
Boating: A reservoir created by the Parker Dam, with 450 miles of shoreline and relatively stable water levels. Topock Gorge offers stunning views, nicknamed Little Grand Canyon, with cooler waters in summer.
Fishing: A top bass fishing destination, with giant panfish and record-breaking catches. In 2021, a world-record redear sunfish was caught here.
Where to Stay: Hotels in Lake Havasu City offer convenient boat access. The iconic London Bridge is a must-see, brought here from England in 1971.
Things to Do: Perfect for water-sports, kayaking, paddle-boarding, and year-round sunny events. Lake Havasu hosts over 300 events annually.
3. Santa Catalina Island
Location: 90 miles off the coast of Southern California, accessible only by boat or helicopter.
Boating: A great destination for experienced boaters, especially in spring and fall when seas are calmer. Docking options include Two Harbors and Avalon Harbor, both equipped with gas and other services.
Fishing: A legendary fishing location for calico bass, yellowtail, and tuna. Be aware of no-take sanctuaries and use a GPS chart to avoid them.
Where to Stay: Options include hotels on the island and boat-in campsites for the adventurous. Visit catalinaisland.com for all the necessary details.
Things to Do: Dive, hike, zip-line, shop, dine, or relax at golf course. There's something for everyone on Catalina Island.
4. Choctawhatchee Bay
Location: Nestled near Destin in Florida’s Panhandle, Choctawhatchee Bay is a prized gem of the Emerald Coast.
Boating: Spanning 27 miles, this bay is ideal for boating, offering plenty of space for water-sports and exploration.
Fishing: The bay is known for fantastic fishing, with grass flats and bayous teeming with trout and redfish. Offshore, you can chase larger catches in the Gulf of Mexico, including the annual spring cobia run.
Where to Stay: For easy access to the bay, stay at places like Sandestin, a village offering boat docking at the Baytowne Marina.
Things to Do: Explore the area’s beautiful beaches, beach your boat along the Intracoastal Waterway, or enjoy waterside dining, shopping, and top-tier golf courses.
