By NBOA
May 17, 201
With approximately 2,000 miles of coastline and 11,000 miles of streams and rivers, not to mention the 7,700 miles of named lakes, there is no shortage of waterways when it comes to boating in Florida. Between the Gulf Coast and Atlantic Coastline, set sail with your fishing gear, furry friends, or family as you relax and make some of your favorite memories on the glistening waters.
In 1513, Ponce De Leon discovered Florida, naming it “La Florida” or “land of flowers.” He also saw this land as an opportune location for transporting silver, gold, and precious gems. In turn, this attracted some of the more noteworthy pirates in history, including Black Caesar, Blackbeard, Anne Bonny, Calico Jack, and Jean Lafitte.
Fishermen are sure to have success casting a line in Charlotte Harbor, Jupiter, Tampa Bay, Crystal River, Stuart, St. John’s River, St. Augustine, the Florida Keys/Key West, and of course, Destin. The best sandbars can be found in Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale’s Haulover and Nixon Beach, Sarasota, Stuart, New Smyrna and its Disappearing Island, and Destin, home to the famous Crab Island Sandbar.
While you are breathing in the salty air, feeling the warm sun on your skin, and feeling the Florida wind through your hair, keep an eye out for some of our favorite marine life, like dolphins, sea turtles, and the growing population of our beloved manatees.
If you are looking for a little more adventure while in Florida, we have a few novel suggestions, such as barefoot skiing. Whether you are new to this activity or have yet to perfect the art, you can sign up for lessons in Palm Beach and maybe even learn from eight-time USA Barefoot Water Ski Champion, Zenon Bilas.
Afternoons spent on a boat with the family are some of the best days to look back on and remember. No matter how old or young you are, you can enjoy a number of classic activities on the water, like diving and snorkeling, pulling inflatables such as tubes and other fun towable toys, and sports like wakeboarding and waterskiing. Another way to get closer to marine life is by bringing along inflatable stand-up paddleboards to use around the Gulf.
Deep-sea and offshore fishing are among the best throughout Florida’s waters. There have been over 900 world records achieved by fishing in Florida, which is the most recorded in any state or country.
Now is the best time to find the perfect spot on the water to admire the most magnificent sunset on Florida’s Gulf Coast. You will not want to miss it. If you have yet to eat dinner, we suggest ordering from a favorite local restaurant and enjoying your meal on board as you soak in a beautiful and peaceful end to your sunny day on the water.
Some of the more common rules of boating include making sure everyone is equipped with a proper life jacket for their height and size, not drinking while driving or taking part in watersports, and cruising at the appropriate speed. In addition, make sure to keep your eyes peeled for swimmers, be mindful of other boats and watercraft, look for buoys and other signage, etc.
Hurricane season runs from June through November in Florida, with the majority of storms hitting in August and September. You will also see the most thunder and lightning storms in Florida from June through August, depending on your specific location. When looking to beat the crowds and soak up those 80- and 90-degree sunny days, April, May, and October may be your best bet.
To start, you will want to establish a budget and determine if a used boat or a new boat is the best option for you. Then, have fun and take your time shopping around to ensure all of your boating needs are met with one fantastic watercraft to call your own. Before committing to a shiny new boat, you will want to take a look at all of your boat financing options. The experts here at NBOA are seasoned professionals, and fellow boat lovers, who can help guide you on the best marine financing program for you.
Making sure you are covered while sailing around Florida’s coast and beyond is an important task before setting sail. The navigational guidelines should be stated in your insurance policy, although they can vary. Ensure you have read and understood your policy and the limitations you may have when it comes to cruising out into the sea. As always, we encourage you to contact us here at NBOA so we can answer your questions or clarify any policy guidelines.