Best Places to Explore by Boat this March
Last Updated on March 5, 2025 by Boatsetter Team
Time to shake off winter and get back on the water. March kicks off with the 98th Bacardi Regatta in Miami, drawing world-class sailors to Biscayne Bay, while along the Pacific, gray whales make their incredible migration south. With several fish species in peak season—from striped marlin in Cabo to mahi mahi in West Palm Beach—and prime conditions for snorkeling and sightseeing, March waters offer unique experiences and a break from spring break crowds. Drop anchor at these top destinations this March for unforgettable spring break activities.
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1. Miami, FL
March is great for: Attending the 98th Bacardi Regatta and snorkeling in Biscayne National Park with manatees
- Average hourly rental price: $265
- Average total trip price: $1,008
- Most popular style of boat: Motor yacht
If Miami Beach’s World Travel Award win or the Miami Open isn’t enough to convince you, these major events and top spring break on-the-water activities might just seal the deal.Get on the water for the 98th Bacardi Regatta for prime views as 600 Olympic sailors race across Biscayne Bay, with defending champions Mateusz Kusznierewicz and Bruno Prada chasing their sixth title. Local anglers enjoy peak sailfishing season in March, reeling in 10 to 30 sailfish daily. March offers the best snorkeling conditions in Biscayne National Park, with optimal visibility, minimal rainfall, and mild water temperatures averaging 75°F—perfect for spotting manatees, tropical fish, and vibrant coral reefs.
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2. Clearwater Beach, FL
March is great for: gulf coast beach getaway with friends
- Average hourly rental price: $161
- Average total trip price: $692
- Most popular style of boat: Pontoon
With a boat rental departing from Tampa you get to enjoy scenic views of Florida’s west coast as you drift toward Clearwater Beach, one of the most famous of the gulf beaches with its signature blue-green waters and white-sand shores. Plan your group trip for the first two weeks of March to catch this classic beach getaway before spring breakers start to pile in. If you’re looking for island time, head out to Caladesi State Park, a natural island with several secluded cays and beaches to comb for shells.
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3. San Diego, CA
March is great for: sightseeing day trips and gray whale watching boat tours
- Average hourly rental price: $364
- Average total trip price: $1,022
- Most popular style of boat: Motor yacht
With a Captained boat rental, families can bond, get outdoors time, and make core memories all while learning a thing or two about one of the world’s most important marine environments. Start the day by cruising around the San Diego Bay getting views of the USS Midway, the longest-serving aircraft carrier in the 20th century, and the Hotel del Cornado. Then change course to the Pacific to catch views of the gray whales on their 10,000 migration journey from Alaska to Baja-Sur California.
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4. Cabo San Lucas, MX
March is great for: humpback whale watching boat tours and deepsea fishing for striped marlin
- Average hourly rental price: $154
- Average total trip price: $2,004
- Most popular style of boat: Luxury cabin cruiser
A boat will give you some reprieve from the Spring Break crowds visiting Cabo this time of year. While Cabo is known for year-round marlin fishing, Black and Blue marlin start to recede in January making Striped marlin a top catch in March. Head to the Finger Banks, a top spot for local anglers and considered one of the best striped marlin fishing spots in the world. Whale watching season typically runs from January to April with March being the best time of year to see whales as they are more active – leaping from the waves and rising to the surface. Check out this day itinerary for the perfect family vacation in Cabo.
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5. West Palm Beach, FL
March is great for: sightseeing boat tours, scuba and snorkeling with a guide, fishing for mahi mahi with a local angler
- Average hourly rental price: $143
- Average total trip price: $754
- Most popular style of boat: Center console
America’s First Resort Destinations, which broke the visitation record of 5.19 million visitors in 2024, was cited as the top destination to explore by boat for South Floridians. Whether offshore fishing in the Atlantic to intracoastal waters, lock-in a Captained fishing boat rental to go out with a local that can show you where the mahi mahi lurk. Or, get a Captained boat rental with snorkeling gear and head to the artificial reefs of Peanut Island, a destination only accessible by boat.
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