25 Destinations to Explore by Boat

Last Updated on January 10, 2025 by Boatsetter Team

As travelers seek more immersive ways to experience destinations in 2025, getting on the water has become the new frontier of exploration. From getting on the water in SoCal for the La Jolla Underwater Park to the unknown secluded coves and islands of Florida’s west coast, here are 25 destinations to explore by boat. 

1. Miami, FL

Miami’s waterways offer more than just a path to pristine beaches. In 2025, the city’s maritime calendar peaks with the 98th Bacardi Regatta (February 28 – March 2), where Olympic athletes and sailing legends compete in Biscayne Bay. Beyond the races, explore the lesser-known mangrove trails of Oleta River State Park or venture to the secluded Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park for a glimpse of its historic lighthouse.

2. Los Angeles, CA

LA’s coastline takes center stage in March as the Sail GP championship returns (March 14-15). Watch as high-tech F50 catamarans slice through the Pacific, with the iconic California coast as backdrop. For a quieter escape, cruise to Catalina Island where clear waters reveal flourishing marine gardens and the occasional bright orange Garibaldi fish, California’s official marine fish.

3. San Diego, CA

With 70 miles of coastline, San Diego’s waters provide year-round adventures. The city’s historic harbor, home to the maritime museum’s fleet of tall ships, tells tales of California’s seafaring past. Don’t miss the La Jolla Underwater Park, where seven marine life protection areas offer exceptional encounters with bright orange Garibaldi fish and graceful leopard sharks.

4. West Palm Beach, FL

Beyond its luxury waterfront homes, West Palm Beach offers access to pristine barrier islands and hidden coves. Peanut Island, a former Coast Guard station, now serves as a snorkeling haven with crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life. Time your visit to catch sea turtles nesting on the nearby beaches between March and October.

5. Fort Lauderdale, FL

Known as the “Venice of America,” Fort Lauderdale’s 300 miles of inland waterways weave through exclusive neighborhoods and historic districts. Explore the New River, where century-old mansions line the banks, or venture offshore to the unique reef system where shipwrecks create artificial reefs teeming with tropical fish.

6. Tampa, FL

Tampa kicks off 2025 with the Gasparilla Pirate Festival (January 25), a 120-year-old tradition turned one of the most unique outdoor celebrations in the country. Beyond the festivities, Tampa Bay harbors wild dolphin pods and serves as vital manatee habitat. The nearby Egmont Key State Park, accessible only by boat, offers pristine beaches and a historic lighthouse dating back to 1858.

7. Honolulu, HI

Oahu’s waters provide endless exploration opportunities, from surfing the North Shore’s legendary waves to snorkeling in Hanauma Bay’s protected reef. Winter months bring humpback whales to the warm Hawaiian waters, while spinner dolphins regularly perform acrobatic displays in Waianae Coast’s remote bays.

8. New York City, NY

The Big Apple’s waters come alive in 2025 with the Sail GP championship (June 7-8) racing past the Manhattan skyline. Beyond the harbor’s iconic views, explore the lesser-known Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge or cruise up the Hudson River during peak fall foliage in October for a different perspective of the city.

9. Chicago, IL

Lake Michigan transforms into an aquatic stadium during the summer’s Air and Water Show, where the Golden Knights free-fall from 12,500 feet. The city’s 18-mile Lakefront Trail reveals a different side of Chicago, while nearby harbor communities offer peaceful alternatives to downtown’s energy.

10. Gulf Shores, AL

Alabama’s coastal gem offers access to secluded islands and hidden bays. Wolf Bay and Perdido Pass provide excellent fishing grounds, while the waters around Sand Island Lighthouse teem with marine life. Bottle-nose dolphins frequently accompany boats exploring these fertile waters.

11. Austin, TX

Ranked among the most-booked destinations during Travel Tuesday 2023, Austin has had a meteoric rise as a travel destination. Its lakes are a big part of that appeal. The limestone cliffs and hidden coves of these Highland Lakes provide natural swimming pools and photo-worthy vistas. Devil’s Cove becomes a social hub during summer weekends, while quieter corners offer peaceful fishing and wildlife watching.

12. Cabo San Lucas, MX

The meeting point of the Pacific Ocean and Sea of Cortez creates a unique marine environment. El Arco, the natural stone arch, marks the peninsula’s end, while hidden beaches like Lover’s Beach are accessible only by water. Winter brings migrating whales, while summer offers chances to swim with whale sharks.

13. Nassau, Bahamas

Crystal-clear waters and vibrant reefs surround New Providence Island. Rose Island, a short boat ride from Nassau, offers isolated beaches and snorkeling spots. The lesser-explored northern shores reveal quiet coves and traditional fishing villages, while the Exuma Cays lie within day-trip distance.

14. Hamptons, NY

Long Island’s eastern shores offer a network of bays, harbors, and quiet coves. Shelter Island’s waters provide peaceful anchorages, while Montauk Point reveals dramatic Atlantic views. Sag Harbor, a historic whaling port, maintains its maritime charm with a mix of classic sailboats and modern yachts.

15. Northport, NY

This historic maritime village on Long Island’s north shore centers around a protected harbor where sailboats bob against a backdrop of Victorian architecture. Explore the quiet waters of Northport Bay, or venture to the nearby Eatons Neck peninsula for lighthouse views and secluded beaches.

16. Sacramento, CA (Folsom Lake)

Folsom Lake stands out as one of California’s premier fishing destinations, hosting an impressive variety of species including trophy-sized largemouth bass weighing over 10 pounds. Anglers can target everything from rainbow trout (regularly stocked by California Fish and Wildlife) to striped bass in season. And, fishing for landlocked salmon. Folsom is one of the few lakes where anglers can experience salmon fishing without heading to the coast.

17. Siesta Key, FL

This barrier island’s waters range from the calm bay side to the open Gulf of Mexico. Big Pass, between Siesta and Lido Keys, offers excellent fishing, while the bayside mangroves create peaceful paddling trails. Look for manatees grazing in the shallow seagrass beds.

18. Key West, FL

The southernmost city sits at the gateway to both the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean. The surrounding waters host North America’s only living coral barrier reef, while backcountry flats provide world-class fishing. Don’t miss the chance to sail around Sunset Key or explore the remote Dry Tortugas National Park.

19. Destin, FL

Known as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” Destin’s emerald waters host diverse marine life. East Pass provides access to the Gulf of Mexico, while Choctawhatchee Bay offers protected waters for water sports. Crab Island, a submerged sandbar, becomes a social hub during summer months.

20. Ibiza, SP

Beyond its famous nightlife, Ibiza’s waters hide secluded coves (calas) and pristine beaches accessible only by boat. Es Vedrà, a mysterious rocky island, rises dramatically from the Mediterranean, while the nearby Formentera offers Caribbean-like waters and protected seagrass meadows.

21. San Juan Islands, WA

This archipelago’s waters host one of the largest pods of resident orcas in the world. Navigate through channels between forest-covered islands, stopping at hidden coves and quiet harbors. Spring brings gray whales passing through these protected waters on their northern migration.

22. Whidley Island, WA

Puget Sound’s largest island offers diverse waterways and dramatic views. Penn Cove’s protected waters are famous for mussels, while Deception Pass provides dramatic currents and whale-watching opportunities. October brings spectacular fall colors along the shoreline.

23. Lake Tahoe

Straddling California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe’s crystal-clear waters reflect the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains. Emerald Bay, with its Scandinavian-style castle Vikingsholm, offers one of the most photographed scenes in the country. The lake’s depth and clarity create otherworldly paddling experiences.

24. Sanibel Island, FL

This barrier island’s waters host an abundance of wildlife and some of the best shelling beaches in the world. The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge provides peaceful paddling trails through mangroves, while the surrounding waters offer excellent fishing and dolphin watching.

25. Charleston, SC

South Carolina’s historic port city comes alive on the water, where centuries-old maritime traditions blend with modern coastal culture. Explore the vibrant harbor, where shrimp boats still bring in the daily catch alongside luxury yachts, including one particularly famous vessel – the Carlos Singh’s megayacht in Netflix’s “Outer Banks.” Guests have the option of turning this megayacht into their own personal cruise with the Multi-Day Sleep Aboard Excursion.

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