25 Best Places to Explore by Boat this Spring

Last Updated on February 4, 2025 by Boatsetter Team

2025’s top travel trend Waterculturalism is transforming how we explore destinations. From guided fishing excursions to guided sailing and beach camping with a boat, water-based activities are at the forefront of adventure this spring. Here’s where to drop anchor this spring.

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Destin, FL

Cast lines in the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” where spring cobia follow manta rays along the coast. Navigate to artificial reefs just 250 yards offshore from public beaches—home to red snapper, grouper, and amberjack. Or, turn the family Spring Break trip into a Florida vacation at one of the most popular Spring Break destinations for families.

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San Diego, CA

Take advantage of being close to the Whale Capital of the World and get on a private whale watching boat tour in Dana Point. Witness gray whales, as well as several wild dolphins, on their northern migration through April. Cruise to La Jolla Cove—just 15 minutes north—where you can kayak in ancient sea caves or spot docile leopard sharks and sea lions.

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Islamorada, FL

Known as the Sport Fishing Capital of the World, this Florida Keys destination offers anglers a shot at the coveted Florida Keys Grand Slam—catching a bonefish, permit, and tarpon in a single day. Navigate to Alligator Reef Light for spectacular snorkeling, or dock at one of the local waterfront restaurants for fresh-caught seafood.

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Washington, D.C.

Navigate the Potomac River past the Tidal Basin lined with cherry trees in peak bloom. Launch from Washington Sailing Marina, just five minutes from Reagan National Airport. Spring brings migrating striped bass up the river—join local anglers at their favorite fishing holes near Chain Bridge.

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San Francisco, CA

Book a captained sailing trip for prime views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island. Spring brings migrating whales and harbor porpoises to the bay, with your captain navigating prime wildlife zones. If you’re looking for a spring travel dupe to San Fran, head over to Monterey Bay for a laid-back coastal atmosphere.

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Los Cabos, MX

Los Cabos ranks among 2025’s top boat destinations. Catch the last glimpse of humpback whales in March as they breach against the backdrop of El Arco. Surf legendary breaks at Zippers and Playa Costa Azul, both accessible only by boat. Or go to Playa Maria, one of the best swimmable beaches and an excellent snorkeling spot, for underwater exploration.

Sanibel Island, FL

Anchor near the historic lighthouse where morning tides deliver prized shells to sugar-sand beaches. Navigate the quiet backwaters of Pine Island Sound, home to manatees emerging from winter refuges. Cast a line for snook and redfish along mangrove shores, following paths used by anglers for generations.

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Monterey Bay, CA

Monterey Bay’s laid-back spring vibe delivers the perfect quiet beach getaway. Cruise from Old Fisherman’s Wharf past the Monterey Submarine Canyon—as deep as the Grand Canyon at 11,800 feet—where migrating whales and playful sea otters gather. Continue south to Carmel Beach, where America’s whitest sand gives Florida’s Gulf Coast serious competition.

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Honeymoon Island State Park (FL)

Florida’s most visited state park, attracting over one million visitors annually, is best accessed by booking a boat from Clearwater Beach just minutes away. Navigate through one of the state’s last remaining virgin slash pine forests, or dock along secluded beaches only accessible by water. Perfect for a multi-day adventure, drop anchor in protected coves for swimming, fishing, and witnessing spectacular Gulf sunsets.

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St. Petersburg, FL

Discover Florida’s favorite coast alternative—St. Petersburg, where calmer waters and pristine beaches await Miami-bound travelers. Join April’s Old Salt Spring King of the Beach Tournament, a three-day family fishing celebration targeting tarpon and grouper. From Siesta Key to Naples, explore the Gulf Coast that draws more Floridians than any other shoreline in the Sunshine State.

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Chicago, IL

The Great Lakes sailing season awakens in spring, bringing architectural tours back to the Chicago River. Capture stunning photography of the most iconic buildings of the birthplace of modern architecture—from TheMart, formerly the largest building in the world, to The St. Regis Chicago, the tallest building in the world designed by a woman. For a private viewing, book a boat rental to explore at your own pace, navigating beneath these architectural marvels.

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Lake Austin (TX)

Looking to experience the fastest growing metro area of the country at a slower pace? Use this local’s itinerary and spend the day on Lake Austin—discover with hidden coves and limestone cliffs. Anchor in Devil’s Cove where Spring Break energy fills the water. Get scenic views of the 360 Bridge—an Austin landmark—for unmatched sunset views of the city skyline.

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Biscayne National Park

With over 90% underwater, Biscayne National Park is a boater’s paradise. Explore Elliott Key’s Maritime Heritage Trail or spot manatees grazing spring seagrass near the visitor center. Spring #bravecation alert: Grab your scuba gear and head to Tortugas Reef, a sunken 165-feet ship blown up as a prop for ‘Fair Game’ turned a major dive site 110 feet deep.

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West Palm Beach, FL

Just a short drive up the coast, West Palm Beach offers an ideal spring escape for South Floridians—evidenced by a 48% surge in bookings from Miami-Fort Lauderdale travelers this season. Dock at Peanut Island—an 80-acre tropical park surrounded by clear waters perfect for snorkeling. Or, lock-in a fishing charter with a local angler as spring marks the start of dolphinfish season in SoFlo.

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Lake Pleasant (AZ)

Just 45 minutes from Phoenix, Lake Pleasant offers an accessible escape. Navigate 10,000 acres of desert waters, framed by saguaro-studded hills. Anchor in protected coves for swimming and paddling. Spring brings optimal conditions for bass fishing, with largemouth and striped bass active in warming waters.

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Lake Tahoe

Launch from Ski Run Marina to reach Emerald Bay—one of the most photographed places in the world. Spring snowmelt powers Eagle Falls, creating a spectacular backdrop for boating photos. Navigate to Fannette Island—the lake’s only island—home to the historic Vikingsholm Tea House.

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Gulf Shores, AL

Navigate to Robinson Island for secluded swimming and picnics, or dock at The Wharf’s marina for waterfront dining. Spring brings calm waters perfect for family cruising through Wolf Bay and Perdido Pass, with frequent dolphin sightings. Drop anchor at Sand Island Light for snorkeling around the historic lighthouse.

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Hilton Head Island, SC

Cruise Calibogue Sound where dolphins showcase unique strand feeding behavior during low tide. Launch from Harbour Town Marina for quick access to the Intracoastal Waterway. Spring brings cobia migrations offshore while redfish and spotted sea trout feed in warming backwaters.

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Channel Islands National Park

Access this boat-only destination via Painted Cave on Santa Cruz Island—one of the world’s largest sea caves at 1,227 feet long. Spring delivers calm seas and clear visibility for spotting blue whales returning to feeding grounds. Launch from Ventura Harbor for quickest access to the islands.

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Naples, FL

Cruise Gordon Pass where manatees and dolphins return to warm-water havens. Navigate to Keewaydin Island—a barrier island accessible only by boat with eight miles of pristine beach. Target snook and tripletail around dock lights in Naples Bay. Sunset cruises past Port Royal showcase Spring gardens in full bloom.

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Exuma, Bahamas

Cruise to Big Major Cay—home to the famous swimming pigs—just a 20-minute boat ride from Staniel Cay. Snorkel the Thunderball Grotto where James Bond movies were filmed, accessible only during low tide. Navigate to Stocking Island for fresh conch at Chat ‘N’ Chill. Spring brings calm seas and perfect conditions for exploring the 365 cays of the Exuma chain.

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La Jolla, CA

Explore seven sea caves and 75-million-year-old sandstone cliffs on a Captained boat trip. Spot gray whales passing through on their northern migration until April. Spot leopard sharks gathering in the warm spring shallows. Navigate between the caves in a guided boat tour to discover hidden beaches and tidal pools teeming with life.

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Newport Beach, CA

Cruise past multimillion-dollar homes dressed in Spring blooms. Catch one of the first Spring whale watching tours as blue whales return to feeding grounds. Lock-in a Duffy boat with friends for a private cruise around Balboa Peninsula. Enjoy scenic bay views and several Instagram-worthy moments.

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New York City, NY

Sail past cherry blossoms blooming in Riverside Park. Launch from North Cove Marina for unobstructed views of the Statue of Liberty without summer crowds. Join local anglers targeting striped bass during their Spring run up the Hudson. Book a sunset cruise for golden hour photos of the skyline.

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Outer Banks, NC

Lock in a captained boat rental for a private viewing of Nags Head dolphins with your group. Make sure to carve out time to explore Roanoke Sound, the same waters England’s first settlers used to reach the Lost Colony, and swing by Cape Hatteras Lighthouse—America’s tallest brick lighthouse at 198 feet.

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