National Parks Best Explored by Boat

Last Updated on March 28, 2025 by Boatsetter Team

Across the United States 400+ acres of geographical wonders, there are over 4 million acres of water bodies. While you can see a lot by land, there’s no better way to experience these National Parks than by boat.

Find boat rentals & on-the-water experiences near you

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Explorer Trivia:

How many national parks are in the U.S.?

A) 500
B) 50
C) 175
D) 63

Write down your guess. We reveal the answer at the very end.

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Biscayne National Park, Florida

What better way to explore a park that’s 95% water than by boat? Add a boat day at Biscayne National Park to your Miami trip itinerary.

When to visit

Plan your trip between November and April to take advantage of Florida’s cooler, drier months—perfect for avoiding the summer heat and bug season.For snorkeling, it doesn’t get better than March. The water is calm, clear, and made for exploring fish bejewel coral reefs or shipwrecks.

What to book

Go on private boat tour to learn about ecosystem of Biscayne National Park and and get up-close to schools manatee. Or, book a boat rental with snorkeling gear to explore the shipwrecks and fish bejeweled coral reefs. 

Find available boat rentals for Biscayne National Park, Florida

Channel Islands National Park, California

This park has been thousands of years in the making. Come here for unique animals and archaeological resources like no other. Make sure to head over to the Arch Rock, a 40-foot-high natural bridge, for pictures before you go. 

When to visit

The best time to visit is August through October when ocean conditions are calmest and perfect for sailing. Late summer also brings prime chances to spot wild whales and dolphins.

What to book

Opt for a Captained boat rental—these waters are best explored with a skilled hand at the helm.

Find available boat rentals for Channel Islands National Park, California

Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida

West of Key West lies Dry Tortugas National Park, a seven-key archipelago only accessible by boat or seaplane. This park is most known for Fort Jefferson and as one of the best snorkeling destinations in North America.  

When to visit

The best time to visit is late May when the seas are typically calm and the weather is warm—ideal for boating and snorkeling without summer crowds.

What to book

Book a Captained boat rental with snorkeling gear to explore coral reefs, spot sea turtles, and swim around the moat of Fort Jefferson.

Find available boat rentals for Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida

Everglades National Park, Florida 

Besides being the largest subtropical park in the US, it’s internationally revered as a World Heritage Site. With hundreds of miles of scenic water trails, find a boat with a kayak and paddle through cypress forests and mangrove tunnels. 

When to visit

Visit between December and April for cooler temps, low water levels, and better wildlife visibility. February is especially comfortable with fewer mosquitoes.

What to book

Head out on a solo saltwater fishing trip, or team up with a local guide who knows where the redfish and snook like to hide.

Find available boat rentals for Everglades National Park, Florida

Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota

Looking for out-of-this-world views? Between Minnesota and Ontario lies Voyageurs, a certified Dark Sky Park. Plan a nighttime trip and get your camera ready; here you can expect to see shooting stars, meteor showers, and auroras.  

When to visit

Plan your visit for late August to early September for warm days, crisp nights, and fewer bugs. The water is still welcoming, and the fall colors start to pop.

What to book

Book a Captain-led trip to navigate the best routes between lakes and learn the park’s rich history and natural features.

Find available boat rentals for Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota

Isle Royale National Park, Michigan 

Hop on a bow rider boat and find refuge in this patch of Lake Superior wilderness. Get ready for boreal forests and moose sightings and even wolves. While the gray wolf is an endangered species, gray wolf sightings are common on Isle Royale.

When to visit

The best time to visit is June through August, when facilities are open, waters are calm, and the island is most accessible by boat.

What to book

Grab your scuba gear and hire a Captain to take you to the park’s legendary shipwreck dive sites beneath the lake’s surface.

Find available boat rentals for Isle National Park, Michigan 

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Answer to Explorer Trivia

There are 63 national parks in the U.S. America’s newest national park is New River Gorge National Park & Reserve in West Virginia, and was established in December 2020.