While many people consider a day at the beach the best vacation, excursions really make a trip worth the time. With a budget, careful planning, and a week off, you can have the time of your life. Here are our top tips on the ultimate vacation if you love fishing, boating, and water sports.
Head to Key West
Key West is a fantastic destination for water sports. Many companies run luxury full-day excursions, starting with a trip out on a catamaran to snorkel before returning to jet ski, parasail, or hit up a floating water park. Several include breakfast, lunch, and dinner for a reasonable price.
Hit the East Coast for Fishing and the West Coast for Sports
If you want the ultimate fishing and boating experience, the East Coast of Florida has a lot to offer. Inshore fishing works well on either side, but off-coast fishing is premium along the Gulf Stream, especially if you’re fishing for pelagic species. For water sports, the West Coast has the warmest and clearest water with some of the best deals in rentals.
Choose One of These Top Five Destinations
For the ultimate excursions, you want a place well equipped with options. Here are the top five recommended destinations in Florida for people who love boating, fishing, and water sports.
The Keys – we’ve already mentioned Key West, but it’s not the only option. There are over 100 miles of islands that offer everything you could want or need.
Charlotte Harbor – if you like the feel of the Keys but want a more relaxed experience overall, Charlotte Harbor offers access to Sanibel Island, Cayo Costa, Boca Grande, and many more.
Palm Beach or Jupiter Inlet – for the ultimate East Coast vacation, Jupiter Inlet and Palm Beach are the best choices. With quick access to the Gulf Stream and beautiful beaches, you’ll find yourself going back time and again.
Tampa Bay – if you’re looking for island access with plenty of places for a private boating trip, Tampa Bay offers it all. They even have an annual pirate invasion you can join called the Gasparilla!
Miami and Fort Lauderdale – if you want fun nightlife between your excursions, Miami is a quick jaunt from Fort Lauderdale. A dual vacation can give you endless options.
Once you’ve chosen your destination, it’s time to look for deals and make your reservations. It’s not ideal to book your hotel and flight without ensuring a slot for your watersports or boating adventure. Many places are willing to book months in advance. You should also check the reviews of every excursion to ensure you’re getting a good value for your money, and price check the differences. Spending that extra $50 or $100 might be worth it if the reviews are great.
