Top 3 Bucket List Boating Trips in America
Every boater dreams of their perfect once in a lifetime trip. Whether you’re cruising through calm inland waterways, island hopping in the Caribbean, or exploring the coastlines of America, there’s no shortage of cool and unique routes to add to your boating bucket list. From the legendary Great Loop that circles the eastern United States to hidden gems scattered across the coast line, these three bucket list trips are must do's for any recreational boater.
Exploring the Florida Keys
Marathon Key, Florida. Taken by Mikhail Nilov.
The Florida Keys are a well-known vacation spot for boaters and families alike, defined by their crystal-clear waters, tropical climate, amazing fishing and snorkeling spots, and boater-friendly shores. For many, sailing around the Keys isn’t just about the scenery, but the Margaritaville lifestyle, where laid-back island living, good music, and cold drinks go perfectly with a long day on the water. Whether you’re hopping between islands or anchoring for sunset, the Keys offer the ultimate combination of adventure and relaxation.
Where to Launch From in The Keys
There are many boat ramps throughout the island chain with the majority choosing to start in Key Largo, the northernmost Key, because it is easily accessible and has a large variety of private and public boat launches (parking availability and price varies by location). After launching we recommend traveling south to the Hawks Channel which runs parallel to the Keys and is protected by the Florida Reef. I would recommend planning this trip sometime from late April through May to avoid Florida's hurricane season which is from June 1 to November 30 and the Key’s peak tourism months, which is from November to early April.
Key West, Florida, United States, taken by Ollie Craig.
Beaches in The Keys
This also allows boaters to anchor at any of the island's miles of beaches or sand bars. However, if you want boater only sandbars and beaches you will have to go to the north side of the islands where there are still uninhabited islands and protected parks. We recommend checking out Curry Hammock State Park if you’re in the central Keys but do keep in mind that most of the park does not allow engine powered boats or Bahia Honda State Park because of its beautiful and unique views.
Fort Jefferson in the Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida, USA, taken by Charles Shepherd.
Snorkeling in The Keys
For those that enjoy snorkeling there are hundreds of acres of reefs on the south side of the Keys stretching from Key Largo past Key West. Sombrero Reef is one of the most well known and visited reefs in the Keys located about 5 nautical miles off the coast of Summerland Key. The reef is very lively and as a result it gets very busy around the main section, the Sombrero Key Lighthouse. For those that want to avoid the crowds we recommend going to Coffins Patch Reef which is located about 8 nautical miles east of the Sombrero Key Lighthouse and 4 nautical miles south of Marathon Key. It is much less crowded and has free mooring buoys on a first come first serve basis. Lastly, an important detail if you plan on visiting either of these reefs is that anchoring is not allowed in either of these locations since they are protected ecosystems.
Places to Eat in The Keys
Taken by Engin Akyurt.
After a long day on the water it is always nice to be able to boat up to a bar or restaurant and unwind. Lucky for you the Keys have no shortage of those. If you are up north in Key Largo check out Sharkey’s Sharkbite Grill, a popular sports bar that has a waterside patio and second-floor dining room. Their menu features coconut fried shrimp, conch fritters, Mexican-style grilled sandwiches, burgers and tacos, wings and bowls as well as a large breakfast menu and like most restaurants in the Keys, they will cook your catch for you. If you’re in the central Keys and looking for a nicer place to eat, Lazy Days South is an excellent spot. Located on Marathon Key, they offer outdoor and indoor seating that faces west for sunset views, and have slips for your boat. They offer fresh seafood, pasta, oysters, steak, burgers and salads, as well as a cook-your-catch option. If you find yourself in the southern Keys a good, local spot for seafood lovers is Hogfish Bar and Grill located in Safe Harbor Marina on Stock Island. This is a more casual spot than Lazy Days South that serves fish baskets, BBQ, bisque, burgers, and shrimp in many different forms.
From its crystal-clear waters and world-class fishing to its dockside bars and island charm, the Keys offer something for every kind of captain. So if you're looking to take the family or your friends. Remember to check your equipment, gas up, and head down, because Margaritaville is waiting for you.
The Turn Point Lighthouse located on San Juan Island. Taken by Nathan Moore.
Exploring The San Juan Islands
If the busyness of The Florida Keys is not for you then the "Caribbean of the Northwest” might be a perfect fit. Don't let the nickname fool you, located between Washington State and Canada, the San Juan Islands chain is peaceful, wildlife-rich, and full of hidden coves and charming harbor towns.
Where to Launch From
There are many small towns near the San Juan Islands that have public boat launches but the most popular spot is Anacortes, Washington. This town is only 21 nautical miles away from the main island and has many boat ramps, marinas where you can store your boat, as well as restaurants and tackle shops.
Taken by Gaspar Zaldo.
Activities Around The San Juan Islands
With the wide variety of wildlife as well as small towns and historical sights scattered through the islands, there is no shortage of fun things to do here. Orcas, seals, porpoises, eagles, and otters sightings are all common occurrences in this island chain making it a very popular destination for wildlife observation. Lime Kiln Point State Park is one of the best places to view and is located on the west side of the main island. With a mix of fresh and salt water fishing this island chain brings in thousands of fishermen every year. For those that are interested in salmon and halibut fishing we recommend checking out Salmon Bank and Hein Bank, which are known for their abundant supply of fish. And after a long day of fishing many boaters head up to Friday Harbor on San Juan Island. Friday harbor is San Juan's largest town full of restaurants, stores, and marinas to refuel. When there, make sure to try the San Jose Brewing Company which was voted the best bar in Friday Harbor island by TripAdvisor. For those interested in history it is also worth mentioning the Roche Harbor Resort which is just a short boat ride to the northern part of San Juan Island. This historical hotel has been around since 1886 and is still open today. With its own restaurant and marina where you can store your boat overnight it is the perfect place to end your day.
Best Time to Visit The San Juan Islands
The best time to explore the San Juan Islands is from late spring through early fall. This is recommended because of the mild temperatures (ranging from 60–70°F), calm seas, longer daylight hours, and light weather making it the most beautiful time to be on the water in the Pacific Northwest. If you prefer fewer boats then early September is better for you because the islands experience their peak visiting months from June through August.
Safety Tips
It get very foggy in the pacific northeast, especially during the colder months. Taken by Matthew Henry.
As for any trip it is important to pay attention to local weather conditions as well as changing tides. This section of the coast is known for sudden and thick fog and quickly changing tides which can cause accidents and unfamiliar boaters to get lost or run aground. Also make sure you have all the safety equipment on board required by federal and state law and remember that this may vary based on what activity you're doing.
Boating through the San Juan Islands offers a completely unique adventure. Between spotting orcas, exploring historic harbors, and relaxing in quiet coves, this destination captures the best of Pacific Northwest boating. Reminding captains and nature lovers alike, that not all getaways are in tropical waters.
Taken By Marcelo Gonzalez.
Exploring The Great Loop
Did you know that you can take a boat from Chicago to Alabama, around Florida to New York City, Niagara Falls and then back to Chicago in one continuous journey? The Great Loop is a 6,000-mile boating route that goes around the eastern United States connecting the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, the Great Lakes, and inland rivers and waterways. There are many challenges to learn before traveling the Great Loop and below we will go through some of the most important ones as well as others you may have overlooked. With over 15 states and 100+ locks, it is no wonder The Great Loop is called the “road trip of a lifetime” for boaters.
The Great Loop Overview
There are 5 key regions when traveling The Great Loop with their own set of unique challenges and climates, this is why many boaters break the trip up rather than finishing it in one go. Another piece of advice is that many Loopers travel counterclockwise to follow the natural current and seasonal weather patterns.
Chicago, Illinois, taken by Pixabay.
The longest portion of The Great Loop, and the one that we are going to start with, is the journey through the inland rivers from Chicago to Mobile, Alabama. This section alone spans over 1,000 miles and has 19 locks boaters have to navigate. Along with this there are many low populated areas so you can expect to have to anchor out some nights rather than tying off in a marina. Some highlights of this leg of the journey are Chicago, Illinois, which has many marinas, beaches and things to do. Paducah Kentucky which is where the Mississippi, Ohio, and Tennessee rivers meet with the Kentucky Lake. This area is rich with history and beauty, making it a very popular stop for Loopers.
The next portion of The Great Loop is the Gulf of Mexico down to Miami. This portion is very straight forward with blue waters, warm weather, and tropical destinations along the way. Along this section travelers need to decide if they want to go through the Keys and around the tip of Florida or cut across using the Okeechobee Waterway. This waterway is accessible through Fort Myers on the Gulf Coast and will take you to Stuart on the Atlantic Coast and include 5 locks.
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, United States, taken by Kelly.
After this you sailors travel up the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway which is full of marshes, inlets, islands, and cities. Some of the must visit places on this portion of the journey is Charleston, South Carolina which has been described as a highlight of the entire Great Loop. Some other places worth checking out are the Chesapeake Bay full of historical sites, Cape May New Jersey for Victorian style homes and beaches, the New York City Harbor, and so much more.
The Hudson River and Erie Canal have roughly 36 locks until you get to Buffalo, New York. Which makes it one of the trickier parts of the journey. After leaving New York City you can expect to come across West Point and the Hudson Highlands which are famous for their greenery, hills and natural lookouts or Sylvan Beach New York a small, picturesque beach town with a lot of charm.
The Great Lakes portion of The Great Loop has two routes. The north route which goes along the northern coast of the great lakes and through Canada and Lake Simcoe, but since this is about the best boating trips in America we will focus on the South route. This portion, like many others on the loop, has a lot of very unique sections with each lake having its own characteristics and features. Lake Erie which is the walleye fishing capital of the world is also home to Cedar Point, a top rated amusement park globally for thrill seekers and an island chain filled with local restaurants and a very lively bar scene, the most notable being Put-in-Bay on South Bass island. Lake Huron offers many attractions as well, the most unique being the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary which has dozens of well-preserved wrecks that divers can explore. Along the coast of Lake Michigan you will find the Indiana Dunes National Park with a truly one of a kind geography. It is no wonder it is a must visit when exploring the shores of Lake Michigan.
General Info & Commonly Asked Questions About The Great Loop
Taken by Robert So.
With such a long trip it is hard to find any one source of information that can best help. America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association is a great place to start. They have forums, newsletters, and updates on expected lock closures or other inconveniences. Many boaters who are looking into the great loop for the first time do not realize that the journey typically takes around 1 year and can cost anywhere between $20,000 to $50,000 in gas, groceries, fares and other things. Many chose to go on this journey in either cruisers or sailboats that are typically between 34–45 feet. The best months to go are dependent on where you start but it is recommended to be in the Great Lake Region in peak summer (from June to August) and in the Gulf and Florida coast during the winter months. Lastly, no specific permits or licenses are required to complete The Great Loop beyond basic boating certifications like a state boater’s safety card and understanding navigation rules and locks.
A 6,000 mile, 12 month journey doesn't sound appealing to many, and there are several challenges that come from navigating The Great Loop, but with anything that is worth doing, it usually isn’t easy. A boater takes hundreds of trips in their lifetime, some just to the local beach or fishing hole, but the loop is on the top of many captains' bucket lists. Touching some of America’s most iconic landmarks, from the Florida Keys to the New York Harbor, The Great Loop is a life changing experience and a boater's dream.
