Did you know about 35% of Canadians enjoy leisure boating and own over 4.3 million boats?

Boating and sailing are beloved activities that allow people to disconnect and relax. While some people prefer party boating destinations, others choose natural surroundings. If you own a boat or are looking for new places to explore, you came to the right place.

Read on to learn about these new boating destinations you need to explore before you die.

 

1. Newport, Rhode Island

If you want to take your boat out to one of the most sought out boating destinations in New England, then you need to check out Newport.

Because it’s such a big boating destination for experienced and amateur mariners, you can expect plenty of dock space in one of the many marinas. Some of the most popular marinas include Newport Harbor, Easton Bay, Sheep Point Cove, and Newport Harbor.

When you’re ready to get back to land, you can experience some of the freshest seafood prepared by expert chefs in one of the many restaurants. If you want to do more land exploration, don’t forget to visit the Newport Historic district for incredible colonial architecture.

The Newport Cliff Walk also offers nature lovers the opportunity to birdwatch and take the breathtaking 3.5-mile hike.

When you’re ready to get back on the boat, Newport is a great destination for saltwater fishing and even shellfish. However, if you plan to go fishing, make sure you get the right permits and fishing gear.

 

2. San Juan Islands, Washington

There’s nothing like the Pacific Northwest if you’re a boating enthusiast. Located an hour and a half north of Seattle, WA, you can find the San Juan Islands.

Made up of 172 individual islands, this archipelago is one of the most famous boating destinations for nature lovers. While you cannot expect a big party atmosphere, you will be amazed by the nature you will observe from your boat.

Although they’re located in the northwest of the country, the San Juan Islands have a moderate year-round climate and significantly less rain than Seattle.

There are plenty of marinas for you to rent or charter a boat. While on the boat, you have great chances of spotting Orcas and other types of whales in the wild. Besides whales, you should also look out for bald eagles, seals, river otters, herons, and black-tailed deer.

When you’re ready to step off the boat, San Juan Islands offer plenty of other activities, such as kayaking, hiking, farms, horseback riding, museums, local food, and more.

 

3. Fort Lauderdale, FL

Known as “The Venice of America,” Fort Lauderdale is one of the United States’ best-boating destinations. Fort Lauderdale was 300 miles of waterways and 100 marinas that house more than 40,000 yachts. Not to mention, boating enthusiasts can enjoy 246 days of sunshine.

Each year, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show attracts boating enthusiasts from all over the country.

Once you’re ready to set foot on land again, you can enjoy the resort-style living of Fort Lauderdale. The downtown area offers some of the best shopping, river walks, and a bustling entertainment district.

Don’t forget to check out the local restaurants and enjoy the catch of the day.

If you want more underwater adventures, Fort Lauderdale is also famous for snorkelling and open water diving, where you can observe the incredible marine life.

Those who want to take their adventures further inland can visit the wild Everglades.

 

4. Isle Royale National Park, Michigan

One of the best boating destinations in the Midwest is Isle Royale National Park, located in Lake Superior. This natural national park location is only available by seaplane or boat.

Because of the distance and inaccessibility from land, Isle Royale is the perfect place for boaters that desire some peace and quiet in nature.

After a day boating and exploring the waters, boaters can enjoy the 165 miles of hiking trails and the many campsites. While you’re not allowed to water ski or jet surf, other activities include kayaking and fishing.

If you’re a nature lover, stay on the lookout for the diverse wildlife that includes beavers, foxes, moose, and more.

Because this is a national park, you will have to obtain camping and other boating permits. The best time to visit is August, as visitors can expect an influx of mosquitos in July due to the blueberry ripen season.

 

5. Lake Havasu, Arizona

If you’re looking for a party boating destination, then you need to look no further than Lake Havasu

Located 24 miles from Las Vegas and near the border between California and Arizona, Lake Havasu is a popular destination for these three states’ residents.

Due to the relaxed regulations, there are no speed restrictions, and visitors can partake in jet skiing, kayaking, and canoe rides. There are plenty of places to go as Lake Havasu has over 60 miles of waterways, including a connection to the Colorado River.

If you enjoy fishing, you will find smallmouth bass, large carp, redear sunfish, striper, and more. Lake Havasu is the ultimate boating destination, and you can even rent a houseboat, so you never have to leave the water.

When you’re ready to explore Lake Havasu by land, you will find many activities such as hiking, mountain biking, off-roading, hot air balloon rides, and more.

 

6. Traverse City, Michigan

Another famous Midwest boating destination is Traverse City, Michigan, on Lake Michigan. With over 100 miles of waterfront, Traverse City offers many coves and small islands for boating enthusiasts to enjoy.

If you enjoy fishing, Traverse City has a rich selection of trout, walleye, steelheads, salmon, and yellow perch.

Because the waters tend to get pretty cold, boating season in Traverse City lasts only from mid-May to mid-October. You can also visit some of the local towns of Harbor Springs and Near Petoskey.

When you’re ready to explore the land, you’ll be happy to know that Traverse City is known for its Cherry wines.

 

7. Port Townsend, Washington

Port Townsend is another boating destination close to Seattle and the San Juan Islands.

Victorian homes and a diverse landscape adorn the waterfront of Port Townsend. Some of the other popular attractions of Port Townsend include the Port Townsend Marine Science Center, Northwest Maritime Center, and boating center.

There are also plenty of kayak tours and scuba-diving instructor for those that enjoy water activities. When it comes to fishing, Port Townsend has plenty of oysters, clams, mussels, lingcod, halibut, salmon, and more.

Although the temperature usually doesn’t get below 45 degrees in the winter, the boating season is from May to September.

Port Townsend is also known for the world’s largest wooden boat festival and other vents such as classic car gatherings and acoustic blues.

 

8. Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine, is another popular boating destination on the coast of New England. Due to its location, it has easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and Sebago Lake.

Those who love exploring the surrounding areas can take day-trips to Hartswell, Casco Bay Islands, and Boothbay Harbor.

Those looking for activities outside the water can visit the Portland Museum of Art, the railroad museum, Harbor Museum, good theatre, and take long walks overlooking Casco Bay.

 

9. Chicago, Illinois

Although the Windy City is mostly known for a deep-dish pizza, the Chicago Bears, and the rivalry between the Cubs and White Socks, it also has a rich boating community.

During the summer months, hundreds of boats set sail on Lake Michigan’s waters and the Chicago River. Chicago has 11 municipal marinas and also privately owned marinas.

On the weekends, you can join one of the many boat parties taking place along the lakeshore. After you’re ready to rest the boat for the night, you can enjoy everything Chicago has to offer.

Chicago is the midwest hub, rich in culture, food, business, technology, and nightlife.

 

10. San Diego, California

For those who enjoy boating neat, the big city, San Diego, California, is one of the best boating destinations in Southern California.

Due to its size, San Diego offers many boatyards and large marinas for boating enthusiasts. You can dock your boat in one of the 30 marinas or six full-service boatyards in the bay area.

Unlike some destinations that close down for the winter season, San Diego is open for boating year-round.

As far as one-day boat trips go, you can visit Mission Bay, Oceanside, and even a trip to Ensenada, Mexico.

If you want to venture deeper in for some fishing, you will be able to find halibut, guitarfish, barracuda, sand bass, calico bass, and more.

Once you’re ready to take a break from the waters, you can explore the San Diego Zoo, Maritime Museum, SeaWorld, Space Museum, and more. You can also enjoy some of the best Southern California cuisine, beaches, and great shopping.

 

11. Marina del Rey, California

Another great boating destination in Southern California is Marina del Rey. Because it’s only 45 minutes from downtown Los Angeles, many boaters hit the road to get away from the city.

Marina del Rey is also famous for having the largest humanmade small-craft harbour in the United States. Because this is a luxury boating destination, don’t be surprised if you run into some celebrities.

You can also expect plenty of luxury amenities, such as the Ritz Carlton Marina del Rey. You won’t see your average boat on the Marina del Rey marinas, so be prepared to see luxury yachts.

 

12. Key West, Florida

A boating destination list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the Florida Keys. Stretching over 180 miles, the Florida Keys region is made up of 800 keys.

42 bridges also connect the keys, with the longest bridge stretching over seven miles. Because they’re surrounded by water and sunshine, the Florida Keys are every boater’s dream destination.

You can sail from key to key to explore some of the most famous places and landmarks.

Once you’re ready to take on the streets, don’t forget to stop by Duval Street, Bahia Honda State Park, Dry Tortugas National Park, the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, Mallory Square, and the Dolphin Research Center.

 

13. Nantucket, Massachusetts

Nantucket is a coastal New England island only 25 miles from Hyannis Harbor. In the summer, Nantucket’s population increases as boaters come in to enjoy the New England summer.

Because of the large influx of boats during the summer, the docking options include the Nantucket Boat Basin or mooring in the harbour.

As far as inland activities, you can enjoy exploring the island on a bike while admiring the architecture, try fishing, explore the harbour, and visit the Whaling Museum.

 

14. Maui, Hawaii

Although Hawaii is known for its beautiful beaches, luaus, luxury resorts, and great food, it’s also a great boating destination.

Because of the strong winds, many sailors enjoy boating around the island. The most popular boating areas of Maui are the South and the West. Sailing around Mauii will allow you to discover a tropical vibe and exotic landscape.

If you want to see more mountain ranges, you should start at the West of the island.

 

15. Atlantic City, New Jersey

For boating enthusiasts who enjoy gambling and exciting nightlife, Atlantic City is also a great boating destination. It’s never been easier for boating enthusiasts to have convenient access to the marina than Atlantic City.

If you’re a fan of fishing, you can find blackfish, ling, cod, striped bass, tuna, and more, during the different fishing seasons.

Without travelling far, you can get off your boat and have access to many of the hotels and casinos.

If gambling is not your cup of tea, Atlantic City also has to offer the Boardwalk, Atlantic City Beach, outlet mall shopping, and more.

 

Are You Ready to Enjoy the Best Boating Destinations?

Now that you know about these incredible boating destinations, you’re ready to choose your next boat.

Although there are plenty of places to boat, remember that the best destinations include Maui, the San Juan Islands, the Florida Keys, Nantucket, and many more.

Are you ready to find your next boat to help you sail across North America? Contact us today to get started.