Major Boating Events to Look Forward to in 2025
Last Updated on December 18, 2024 by Boatsetter Team
Stargazers in New York can start the new year watching planetary parades. Seven hundred pirates will invade Tampa Bay in what is known as the most unique outdoor celebration in the U.S. And this year, three super moons will light up the night sky. Add all of your favorites to your calendar for an eventful year (and don’t forget your boat).
Find boat rentals & on-water experiences near you
Planetary parade | Jan 21
Part of the excitement 2025 brings is a plethora of unique natural phenomena. Just a few weeks after the New Year, New Yorkers can get on the water for out-of-this-world views of a planetary parade including Venus, Saturn, Neptune, Mars, Jupiter and Uranus.
Gasparilla Pirate Festival | Jan 25
Every January (since 1904), pirates invade Tampa. Locals call it tradition; America calls it one of the most unique outdoor celebrations. Here’s an event guide, including an on-the-water itinerary curated by a local.
Miami Sailing Week (98th Barcardi Regatta) | Feb 28 to Mar 2
Every early spring, since 2010, Miamians flock to Biscayne Bay for community, festivities and water sports. Kicking off the sailing season in Miami is the Bacardi Invitational Regatta from March 2 to March 8. Six hundred sailors, from Olympic to sailing legends, will compete for the Bacardi Cup.
Sail GP in Los Angeles | March 14 – 15
The high-stakes world of professional sailing storms back to Los Angeles for the fourth stop of SailGP’s 2025 campaign. The Rolex Los Angeles Sail Grand Prix will see American skipper Taylor Canfield and his crew hunting for victory. The U.S. team faces stiff competition from Spain, the defending L.A. champions who clinched the Season 4 crown. All this, you can watch with a boat on the water.
The Bassmaster Classic | March 21
The biggest fishing tournament of the year, the Bassmaster Classic, takes place March 21-23 on Lake Ray Roberts in Fort Worth, Texas. If you’re traveling to Fort Worth for the Bassmaster Classic, give yourself the best experience possible with a fishing boat rental and Captain. Boatsetter Captains are made up of guides, local experts and experienced anglers who can show hidden gems.
Gray whale watching season | March-May
From March to May, gray whales migrate from Baja California to Alaska in groups, reaching lengths of up to 50 feet. This round-trip migration is over 10,000 miles, and the best opportunity for gray whale spotting is by getting on the waters of Dana Point, the whale watching capital of the world.
Music festival season | April
Waterfront music festivals will be taking center stage in 2025 with Tortuga Music Festival (April 4-6) lineup including contemporary musicians like Luke Combs and early 2000s stars such as Ludacris, and North Charleston’s High Water Festival (April 26-27) lineup featuring Lord Huron and The Backseat Lovers.
National Parks Week | April 20
National Parks Week takes place on the third week of April with Free Entrance Day happening April 20. Whether planning an epic trip to the most remote National Park in the U.S. or looking to explore the Galapagos of North America, there’s no better way to explore National Parks than by boat.
Air and Water Shows | May-Aug
Watch the Navy Blue Angels take to the skies during the Fourth of July holiday at the Pensacola Air Show. Or get on Lake Michigan and watch the Golden Knights free fall from 12,500 feet. With boat rentals available nationwide, get unmatched views of the displays of precision, power and patriotism.
Sail GP in New York City | June 7 – 8
Can’t catch the LA action? Set your sights on New York City, where SailGP’s high-speed spectacle takes over the harbor June 7-8. The Manhattan skyline provides an unforgettable backdrop as 12 F50s battle for glory in the Big Apple.
National boating day | July 1
Boaters or people with friends who own boats are in for a treat as National Boating Day takes place on Tuesday, July 1. Celebrate boating and the Fourth of July with a day out on the water exploring our country’s most precious and unique qualities, from sea to shining sea. The Fourth of July is one of the busiest holidays for boat rentals; consider booking ahead.
American Century Celebrity Gold Championship | July 9 -13
Every year, celebrities and sports pros participate in the American Century Championship, and every year, boaters anchor around the 17th hole for premier views and the chance to meet their muse. Enjoy the game from the comfort of an on-the-water seat box and be first in line for autographs. Past celebrity participants include Steph Curry, Patrick Mahomes and Michael Jordan.
Lobster Mini Season | July 30-31
Lobster Mini Season, also known as the Florida spiny lobster sport season, is a highly anticipated, two-day event held annually in late July, attracting thousands to the Florida Keys. This year, the Lobster Mini Season will take place on July 30 and July 31.
Labor Day Weekend | Aug 30-Sep 1
The last long weekend of summer break definitely has to be marked on your calendar. Another busy holiday for boat rentals, secure a boat and spend the long weekend anchored at a sandbar, sun-soaked and surrounded by good vibes.
Peak fall foliage | October
The third and fourth weeks in October are peak fall foliage, an incredible natural wonder that you can experience from a boat in many places across the country. Places to get on the water for fall foliage cruises include the Hudson River, Whidbey Island, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and other destinations.
Super moon cruises | Oct. 7, Nov. 5, Dec. 4
Super moons occur when the moon is full and its orbit is at its closest point to Earth. In 2025, we get three opportunities for a group of friends to get on the water for scenic views of a big, bright moon over the water.
About us
Boatsetter is the leading online marketplace for boat rentals and on-water experiences. Download the Boatsetter app (App Store | Google Play) and follow us on Instagram.
Boatsetter empowers people to explore with confidence by showing them a world of possibility on the water. Rent a boat, list your boat, or become a Boatsetter captain today.
