Outdoor Activities to Build Deeper Connections for Valentine’s Day

Last Updated on January 28, 2025 by Boatsetter Team

Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day with your partner, planning a Galentine’s getaway, or treating yourself to some quality “me time” on the water, we’ve got you covered. From wildlife spotting to charcuterie night and guided fishing trips, these activities will help deepen connections and create unforgettable memories.

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1. Rent a boat

This gets the top spot in this list because you need a trusty steed (I.e. the boat) to show up like a knight in shining armor. Finding a truly special boat is easy. You can search by boat type, model, or manufacturer.  Pro tip: Scroll down on the boat listing to check out unique features such WiFi or BBQ grill on board. Cozy up on a sailboat, or go big and book a yacht. Everything is more romantic on the water. 

2. Charcuterie night

Trust us you’ll get brownie points if you go with this one. Bring a charcuterie board on board and indulge in a variety of cheeses, cured meats, and delectable treats while you cruise along. Charcuterie boards are easy to make, do it yourself and wow your date or buy one from a store. Either way the charcuterie date is a winning idea. Not to mention, it’s a perfect food to bring on a boat.

3. Explore someplace new

Exploring a new destination, just around the corner or far away, with someone is a wonderful experience and promotes intimacy. If you have plans to travel somewhere new for Valentine’s Day, make sure you look for things to do on the water. 

4. Book a staycation

Staycations are a great option for those looking to spend less and do something new and exciting this Valentine’s Day. Why not staycation on a boat? Spend the night on board and have fun exploring a whole new world together, right next to home.

5. Recreate a memorable date (on the water)

Take a trip down memory lane by recreating your favorite date, but this time on the water. Whether it’s revisiting a special location or reminiscing about a cherished moment, relive the magic and create new memories together.

6. Stand up paddle boarding

Perfect for both fitness enthusiasts and leisure seekers, paddleboarding lets you explore at your own pace while getting a full-body workout. In Newport Beach, cruise through the harbor while spotting sea lions lounging on docks. Or try Sarasota’s Lido Key’s mangrove tunnels and clear, shallow waters. Check the Add-ons list when booking your boat for paddleboard availability.

7. Learn how to sail

Learning something new together is a wonderful way to deepen connection. Learning how to sail is a great Valentine’s Day date idea because it takes two. In preparation for your sailing date, research what to wear and sailing basics like nautical flags. Book a sailboat with a USCG-certified captain and ask them to show you the ropes.

8. Picnic on the deck

For this one, you want to pick spacious boat types like pontoons or deck boats. Make sure to pack boat-friendly snacks and food. If you’re going with this, you might want to check the Add-ons list for Cooler (Ice Chest) and Ice. You can also check the Amenities on the boat listing for Stereo, AUX cord, or Bluetooth. Otherwise, let the lapping of the waves be the soundtrack for your intimate Valentine’s Day picnic. 

9. Dance on a boat

Turn up the romance by dancing under the stars on the deck of your boat. Create a playlist of your favorite tunes, and let the gentle motion of the water set the rhythm for a magical evening of dancing in each other’s arms.

10. Dock ‘n’ dine

You can’t go wrong with restaurant reservations on Valentine’s Day. Better yet, you really can’t go wrong with making reservations at a waterfront restaurant and booking a boat for a dock ‘n’ dine experience. This way you can relish incredible views of the water and your favorite dish. Explore the best waterfront restaurants in the U.S.

11. Order chinese take-out & hangout

When life gets busy, important days or moments can get missed. Valentine’s Day is one such occasion. People think to go big or stay home. It’s always good to have an easy, low maintenance option and this is that option, friends. Keep it simple: Order take-out to bring aboard, cruise to a nice spot and anchor down, eat and catch up with each other.

12. Daycation

Plan a daytime adventure by cruising to different spots. Whether it’s a secluded beach or a vibrant marina, make the most of the daylight hours on your Valentine’s Day daycation. Explore new surroundings and create shared memories during the sunlit hours.

13. Cocktail hour

There are two hour boat rental durations available for cocktail hour on the water, and also, a way for you to enjoy cocktail hour on the water safely — Book a boat with a USCG-certified captain.  Filter your search to Captained to see your options. Booking a boat with the captain allows you to focus the rumance. 

14. Go stargazing 

Escape the city lights and gaze at the stars from the tranquility of your boat. Stargazing on the water adds a touch of magic to your Valentine’s Day evening. Bring a telescope if you have one and create a cozy space for marveling at the celestial wonders together.

15. Set a special dinner on board

Bring your chef’s hat aboard for a candlelit Valentine’s Day dinner. There’s nothing more appreciated than sharing a “boat-cooked” meal.  Scroll down the boat listing to Amenities to check for a Grill on board. Create a memorable evening by preparing their favorite dish or even a shared favorite to be enjoyed on the water. 

16. Self care outing  

 Bring face masks, soothing music, and enjoy a relaxing day pampering yourselves in the serenity of your boat. It’s a unique and rejuvenating way to celebrate your love and prioritize well-being together.

17. Movie night on board 

Create a cozy movie night setup on the deck. Snuggle up with blankets, pillows, and your favorite films for a cinematic experience under the stars. The tranquil environment of the water enhances the movie-watching experience, making it a memorable evening.

18. Sunset cruise 

What’s more instagrammable than the sun setting on the water? You can use this date idea as a compliment to a larger plan, like dock ‘n’ dine lunch followed by or a sunset cruise. You can also remix one of the options with this one, like charcuterie date during golden hour! The possibilities are endless.

19. Do a photoshoot 

Grab your Fuji camera and hop on a boat for a fun day out on the water taking shots. With scenic water back drop, marine life, and new perspectives of popular attractions, there’s no shortage of photogenic spots to discover through your lens.

20. Wine & chocolate tasting 

End your Valentine’s Day on a sweet note with a wine and chocolate tasting on board. Indulge in decadent treats, sip on fine wines, and toast to the love you share. It’s a delightful way to conclude your romantic day on the water. 

21. Visit a national park by boat

Get a boat with snorkel gear to explore Biscayne National Park’s fish bejeweled coral reefs and hang out with schools of manatee. Or, get a Captained sailboat and set course for Channel Islands National Park, “the Galapagos of North America,” to see the painted sea caves of Santa Cruz Island, one of the world’s largest sea caves.

22. Wildlife spotting

Lock-in a private boat tour in Dana Point, the whale watching capital of the world, to watch whales breach the surface together or playful dolphins swimming alongside your boat. The intimate setting of a private tour means you can share these magical moments without any distractions. Pack some champagne and snacks to make the experience even more memorable.

23. Go fishing with a Captain

Get a local angler to take you to the best fishing grounds and share insider tips. There’s something special about learning together and sharing the excitement of your first catch-and-release moment. Plus, if you’re lucky, you might even catch dinner for a romantic evening meal you’ll never forget.

24. Yoga on the water

Gather your yogi group, find a cove to anchor, and practice your Reverse Warrior pose on the water. The serene setting is perfect for meditation and breath work. End your session with refreshing smoothies and good conversation on deck.

25. Go kayaking

Many parks have scenic on-water trails to explore by kayak or rowboat. Biscayne National Park in Florida has mangrove trails  that intersect with manatees favorite hang out spots. La Jolla in California has seven ancient sea caves and sandstone cliffs to explore. Scroll down to the Add-ons section to know if the boat comes with kayaks.