The summer months are a great time to get out on the water, and whether you have a small fishing boat or an enormous yacht, there are so many things you can do with your vessel.
Here’s a list of ten things you can do with your boat this summer:
Look for wild dolphins.
Dolphins are a frequent sight in most bodies of water, but they’re prevalent in the Gulf of Mexico. So it will be an exciting and memorable experience if you catch the eye of one from your boat.
They are often spotted swimming in the same areas as boats, so keep an eye out for them and try to get some close-up photos! They tend to swim alongside boats, even when they’re not trying to be friendly!
They may want company, though — dolphins are highly social creatures!
Swimming with them is also one of those things that everyone should try at least once in their life! However, finding an area where they hang out regularly can be challenging, so make sure that you do some research before heading out there.
Cruise at sunset
One of the best ways to enjoy a boat is to cruise at sunset. You can take your boat out on the water and enjoy the view of the sun setting.
Nothing beats a leisurely cruise on the water at sunset with friends. If you’re lucky enough to live near the water, take advantage of those relaxing summer evenings for good old-fashioned fun with friends and family.
The colors are beautiful and an excellent way to unwind after a long day. In addition, the water will be smooth, making it easy for you to relax and enjoy yourself.
If you want to check out the best boats for cruising, you can check out Takacat Americas for more details.
Go fishing
If you have a boat, you probably want to go fishing with your friends or family.
There are many places where you can go fishing; however, if you don’t have much experience with it, it is better to go with someone with experience in this area.
This way, they can teach you all about how things work and how important it is for them to catch fish for them to survive in this world.
It’s also great for kids because they will learn new things about nature and how animals live in the wild without having any problems with the humans around them.
Try a new activity
If you’ve only ever gone fishing or tubing, consider trying something new.
Renting a kayak or paddleboard is an easy way to get started, but if you want to explore all the possibilities, check out local outfitters and marinas for classes that teach everything from standup paddle boarding (SUP) to sailing.
You’ll learn new skills and get some exercise at the same time.
Explore a new area or body of water
Whether you’re an experienced boater or just getting started, there are plenty of places to discover on the water.
You might even find that it’s like visiting another country — each body of water has its unique characteristics and wildlife — so don’t be afraid to venture away from your usual haunts!
You can head out on a cruise with friends and family — or go alone — and discover hidden coves and secret beaches you never knew existed before. Many boating apps can help you find places to stop along the way so you can swim or picnic together along the shoreline.
Boat ramps are also an option. They are like an untapped treasure trove of possibilities. They’re a great place to explore a new area or body of water or hang out with your friends and family.
Boat owners often get comfortable with their local marinas, but there are many others out there that are worth exploring.
Local marinas are excellent because they usually have all the amenities — including fuel and pump-out facilities — but if you want more options, look elsewhere.
You could visit another state or even another country; many marinas serve as staging areas for boaters who want to cross oceans and seas on their boats.
Become a certified diver
While diving from a boat is not as popular as diving from shore, there are plenty of reasons why it can add an extra layer of excitement to your travels.
So, if you’ve ever thought about becoming a certified diver, now is the time.
Plenty of courses available online or through local dive shops will teach you everything you need to know about diving and underwater exploration.
Diving allows you to explore new depths on your next boating trip. So if you’re traveling with friends or family and want to get them involved in the fun, diving from a boat can be a great way to introduce them to the sport.
Take a day trip to an island.
If you have access to a larger boat, consider taking a day trip to an island.
Island hopping is one of the best ways to enjoy a day on the water. You don’t need much more than the sun, your boat, and a picnic lunch — it’s a relaxing way to spend an afternoon while still seeing some sights.
Many islands off the coast of Florida offer camping facilities and can be reached by chartered boats. You can check out St. Pete Beach, Treasure Island, Madeira Beach, Redington Shores, Clearwater Beach, Indian Shores, and Tampa Bay.
The Great Lakes are also an option as it is home to thousands of islands waiting for visitors. Your GPS will help you navigate the islands, but it’s wise to bring a map if there’s no signal when you’re out on the water.
Meet your neighbors and make new friends.
You can take a cruise to a waterfront restaurant on the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (GICW). It’s a series of rivers running along the Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana coasts.
It’s also known as the East Coast Waterway or Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (IICW).
It’s a great way to meet other boaters, share stories and learn from each other. The best part? No work or planning is required! Just pick up your phone, call one of the local marinas and ask when they will offer this service. Then enjoy yourself!
Go camping on your boat.
If you have a cabin cruiser or sailboat that sleeps at least three people comfortably, make reservations at your favorite marina (or even dock).
Then go and enjoy all the benefits of land-based camping while still being able to move around freely once things have settled down at night.
You can also opt for a smaller boat if you want something more portable that would be easy to tow behind another vehicle in case there aren’t any slips available when you arrive at your destination.
Final Thoughts
If you have a boat and you’ve been meaning to get it in the water, take the time to do so this summer.
It doesn’t have to be something gigantic or fancy; if you have some boat that floats, you can use it.
Go out on the water with friends; explore new places; see the world from a new perspective—or grab some beers and float around.
You don’t need to make it a big deal. Just get out there!
