Embark on a nautical adventure as we navigate through the top boating destinations in 2024! From the sun-kissed shores of the Florida Keys to the picturesque harbors of Charleston, SC, Boatsetter’s curated list offers a glimpse into the most sought-after locales for on-water escapades. Whether you’re craving the vibrant nightlife of Miami-Fort Lauderdale or the serene waters of San Diego, CA, these destinations promise unforgettable experiences for boating enthusiasts of all kinds. Continue reading to learn more about the top boating destinations in 2024!
Miami, FL – January 31, 2024 – Boatsetter, the leading mobile app for boat rentals, charters, and on-water experiences, today released its list of Top 10 Boating Destinations for 2024 based on bookings and recommendations from Boatsetter’s customer experience team.
“People are looking for fun and creative ways to spend time outdoors with friends and family,” said Michael Farb, CEO of Boatsetter. “So as travelers plan trips this year, Boatsetter can help facilitate unbelievable on-water experiences, and transform regular activities into something unique. Whatever your itinerary involves— date night, outdoor movie night, birthday parties, cookouts for the big game, bachelor or bachelorette parties—why not do it on a boat?”
With more than 50,000 boats in over 700 global locations, Boatsetter makes getting on the water as easy as calling a rideshare. With no sign-up fees or membership dues, the company’s easy-to-use app and booking process allows anyone–with or without prior boating experience–to browse, book, and go
Below is the full list of Boatsetter’s can’t-miss destinations, including their team’s top recommended pick from local boats in the area.
- Florida Keys
- Florida Panhandle
- Fort Myers – Naples
- Jacksonville – St. Augustine
- Los Angeles, CA
- Miami – Fort Lauderdale
- Orlando – Daytona Beach
- San Diego, CA
- Tampa – St. Pete
- Charleston, SC
Florida Keys
Surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise waters and famous for vibrant coral reefs, the Florida Keys are made up of 800 keys, with the most notable being Key West, Islamorada, and Key Largo. Experiencing what’s arguably the best tropical paradise you can find within the continental United States, the real magic of the Keys can be found once leaving shore. For a truly remarkable adventure, book a full-day trip out of Key West to explore Fort Jefferson in the Dry Tortugas.
Florida Panhandle
Renowned for its pristine beaches and emerald waters, the Florida Panhandle has emerged as a must-visit region for boating and fishing enthusiasts. In fact, this area has experienced 175% growth in bookings in the last year. Boaters especially love taking out a pontoon boat to the picturesque 7-mile island, exploring Shell Island in Panama City Beach, FL, or dropping anchor at Crab Island near Destin.
Fort Myers – Naples
Southwest Florida offers a fantastic boating experience in and around the waters surrounding Fort Myers, Sanibel Island, Bonita Springs, and Naples. For extra convenience, travelers should explore Boatsetter’s Multi-Day booking option, as many local vacation rentals are offered in conjunction with a boat rental. Marco Island is a must-see while in the area, and local owners recommend taking out a bowrider or pontoon to explore the abundance of white sand beaches and enjoy the Gulf of Mexico for fishing and water sports.
Jacksonville – St. Augustine
Located on the northeastern coast of Florida, Jacksonville and St. Augustine provide a diverse array of boating opportunities along the Intracoastal Waterway and the St. Johns River (special note for interested anglers: this area happens to be known as the bass fishing capital of the world). With almost an 80% jump in bookings, this destination will satisfy the interests of all water lovers—from fishing fanatics to sailors and those looking for leisurely cruise to the sandbar.
Los Angeles, CA
From Newport Beach to Marina del Rey and Long Beach, LA offers a vibrant boating and sailing scene in Southern California. Visitors and locals favor larger boats and motor yachts, think 40 feet or bigger, and enjoy sailing in Newport Harbor, exploring the iconic Balboa Island, and cruising through the charming Long Beach waterfront. For a super unique experience, renters can opt for an electric boat (LA is the third largest city that manufactures electric boats within the United States).
Miami – Fort Lauderdale
Known for its glamorous boating experiences and home to the yachting capital of the world, these buzzing South Florida cities are packed full with a mix of luxury yachts and lively waterways. This region has plenty of canals and sandbars to visit by day, and a vibrant nightlife to experience after dark. Top activities include cruising through Biscayne Bay, dropping anchor at Haulover or Nixon sandbars, or exploring a long list of dock-and-dine establishments that line the Intracoastal Waterway.
Orlando-Daytona Beach
The Orlando-Daytona area has as much happening on the water as on land. Escape theme-park crowds to find serenity and peace out on the water with your crew. Visitors can explore inland lakes around Orlando for an adrenaline-inducing day of watersports, or head to Daytona Beach for access to the Atlantic Ocean for cruising and sandbar sessions. The most popular boat types rented are pontoons, followed by wake boats, which are perfect for waterskiing, wakeboarding, and wake surfing.
San Diego, CA
This city’s coastline provides a taste of everything you could ever dream of from a San Diego boating experience—from sailing in Mission Bay to exploring nearby Catalina Island to enjoying the stunning Pacific coastline. One of the most active bays in the country, boaters may see everything from seals swimming in the wake to submarines and Navy Seals conducting training drills near Coronado. If fishing is your forte, look for deep sea fishing charters to cast a line for bluefin and yellowfin tuna, mahi-mahi, marlin, white sea bass, and more.
Tampa – St. Pete
The heart of Florida’s Gulf Coast has miles and miles of beautiful coastline and unique waterways. Boat renters enjoy all kinds of boats from pontoons to yachts, and activities from leisurely dolphin watching to sportfishing. Local captains recommend booking a trip with one of the following itineraries: fishing in the Gulf, cruising south to beautiful Anna Maria Island, or island hopping around Tampa Bay to explore Beer Can Island (Pine Key), Egmont Key, or Davis Island Dog Park.
Charleston, SC
Charleston’s southern charm extends to its waterways, with scenic harbors, picturesque landscapes, and the uninhabited islands of Lowcountry. Visitors can explore the Ashley and Cooper Rivers and take in the sights of the historic architecture along the Charleston Harbor. Local owners and captains can provide expert advice on the best waterfront restaurants to dock-and-dine, or directions out to the most popular local sandbars, like Drum Island, Parrot Point, or Kiawah Island.
Original article published on boatsetter.com