FUN ON THE WATER: 7 INCREDIBLY FUN BOAT ACTIVITIES
Ah, the luxury boating life — leisure, travel, water sports, fun, and so many benefits to boost your happiness, health and overall well-being.
That’s right, the activities your yacht inspires and the opportunities it provides to socialize and relax can actually give your physical and mental health a boost. Socialize regularly — head out with friends for a sunset cruise or weekend jaunt — and your risk for diabetes goes down, as do stress levels.
So, if you’re looking to calm some nerves and enjoy a relaxed, luxurious lifestyle, you’re on the right waterway.
To get you started, we’ve put together a list of seven fun luxury boating pastimes. Keep reading to discover activities to try on your next relaxing day off or holiday. Then, pull up your yacht, mark your calendar and make it happen.
1. DAY TRIPPING
Pick a destination that’s not more than a couple of hours away with easy harbor access. Invite a handful of friends — the dinner party kind that bring good conversation and laughs.
Head out early and enjoy your ride. Bring a meal if you’re a yachting foodie who likes to cook or go onshore and enjoy a nice lunch of local fare. Be sure to scope the restaurant out ahead of time in case it’s a popular spot that recommends reservations. Zagat is always reliable unless you have another favorite restaurant app.
Head home in the late afternoon to get home in time for sunset or enjoy it on your boat before you head back to shore.
2.BOAT SHOWS
Local and international boat shows line the coasts regularly. Boaters from around the world flock to them, as do exclusive yacht builders and designers, marine gear and product sellers, and other vendors showing off the best in boating right now.
Meet fellow yachting enthusiasts, learn about what’s new in all sizes of luxury boats, enjoy a few parties, explore a new city or just have an excuse to get away on your boat!
Reach out to your local boating community to learn about special events where you can meet old and new boating friends alike.
3. SNORKELING
What do relaxation and stunning underwater wildlife have in common? Snorkeling, for one — especially when done in the gorgeous, warm waters of a tropical paradise. That’s not to say you can’t snorkel in other waters when you’re not near a reef or natural fish hotspot. Do a little research to find a local snorkeling haven and head out for a nautical staycation!
Once again, this is a perfect boating activity for packing that fabulous boat foodie picnic basket. Let the swimmers hop in for a while and lounge on the deck while you all enjoy a well-deserved meal.
4. TRAVEL AND EXTREME ADVENTURE
Your boat is your key to exploring in a whole new way. Grab a map and sit down with friends or family and plan weekend getaways to harbors near you. Educate yourself first so you know how to dock like a pro wherever you go.
If you’re feeling the itch for adventure, look into more extreme trips and activities on the water. Consider boating and camping in the Everglades or even shark fishing.
Sport fishing trips are always an adventure. Head to the Florida Keys between March and October for Blue Marlin, but the best time is April and May.
Also, check out big-game anglers at tournaments around the globe, like the San Juan Billfish Tournament in August.
If you’re a thrill seeker, try high-speed, adrenaline-rush boating where you go up to 180 miles per hour! Speed boat tours are found across the United States, but you’ll need to go to speed school before you hit the throttle yourself.
After your adrenaline rush, consider some calm tropical waters where you can sleep in the harbor and maybe take a nice, quiet yoga class.
5. BOATGATING
Do you have a favorite sport — soccer, football, baseball, tennis or golf? Many big coastal cities with professional teams and stadiums have a harbor. This also holds true for professional golf and tennis tournament locales.
Consider taking a tour to see your beloved team or players when they hit coastal spots along the East Coast, Gulf Coast or the Pacific Coast.
6. NIGHT BOATING
Heading out on the water under the stars is always a hit with the kids. Adults love it too, especially when you bring an elegant spread and a nice bottle of your favorite wine.
Go for a swim if waters are safe and warm, and bring a telescope for stargazing. You can also bring a constellation map or download a stargazing app to pinpoint constellations. Make a game of who can find the most constellations and kids will be over the moon.
7. FLOTILLA AND RENDEZVOUS
This is where the real socializing kicks in. A flotilla is a group of boaters who go to a location, anchor next to each other and enjoy themselves. It’s like you’re having a block party on the water.
If you’re new to boating, you’re going to have to put on your nice-to-meet-you hat at the yacht club and make some friends. But once you do, the flotilla sky is the limit.
Boat community meetups — like we recently had at Duck Key for our Intrepid boating “family” — are wonderful too! We stayed at the resort for that extra luxury je ne sais quoi, and it was such a success that we’re already planning the next adventure.
HIT THE WATER WITH YOUR NEW FAVORITE BOAT ACTIVITIES
Now that you have all of these new boat activities to try, you’re ready to hit the water for some luxurious outdoor fun and serious relaxation. As you yachting types know, the right boat is key, as is expertise, safety and an adventurous spirit.
If you’re new to boating or looking for an upgrade, gear or information, feel free to give us a call. We’re here to answer questions and help you find a powerboat of unbeatable quality that meets your lifestyle needs and reflects your unique boating vision.
We also have a fabulous community, so be sure to sign up for our newsletter (top link on the home page) for updates on future group weekend trips and events at boat shows.
Ships and adventure ahoy!
