Boats can be a welcoming, good time for hot summer days and nights. Whether you’re out fishing or just having a leisurely cruise on the bay, here are seven ways you can make the most out of your boating experience.

Cool Morning Cruising and Sunset Evening Stargazing

Planning a quiet morning or tranquil evening cruise can help you relax and get in touch with the ocean and it’s beautiful surroundings. For morning outings pack your coffee, fresh fruit platter or pre-made pastries for a breakfast brunch on the boat. Early morning dolphins are often seen, as well as sea turtles! Evening cruises can be just as gorgeous, with sunsets to gaze at you’ll feel your pace slow down with the sun setting. Pack some cozy blankets, pillows and even a telescope & binoculars if you have them for star-gazing. Either time of the day you can find a calm spot on the water, away from the hustle and bustle of city life and lights, and be one with nature. Remember bioluminescent plankton are in Florida from June through October which can add to the excitement and romance of night cruising.

Watersports for the Thrill-Seeker!

Use your boat as a fun platform for all sorts of watersports activities. Equip your boat with wakeboarding, waterskiing or tubing gear for an action-packed day on the water. Invite friends and family to join in on the fun and create lifetime memories on the water. Don’t forget to bring water, snacks and other refreshments to keep the energy up throughout the day. Also, sunscreen and other sun protection such as hats and sunglasses can help as well. If you want to see your adventures in real time, pack a waterproof camera or video-camera to share with friends and family later, or post to social media. For those not part-taking in the action, a fun afternoon of sun-bathing and relaxing in the boat can be just as great!

Fishing Expeditions

A great way to use your boat for fun is fishing! In Florida we have many, many different species of fish in our beautiful waters. Many are great to eat! Transform your boat into a fishing haven and bring home a fresh catch of the day for your loved ones. Gather your fishing rods, tackle box and bait and head out to your favorite fishing spot…or find a new one! Whether it’s freshwater or saltwater fishing, the open water provides ample opportunities to catch a variety of fish with the most popular being Wahoo, Yellowfin Tuna & Hogfish to name a few. Spend the day honing in on your angling skills, bonding with friends or family and enjoying the thrill of the catch. Whether you prefer trolling or deep-sea fishing, your boat can be the gateway to a memorable experience.

Dockside Parties & Boat Regattas

Your boat can become the ultimate venue for dockside parties and social outings. Invite friends, family and fellow boat lovers to your waterfront gathering! Put on some music, have some shareable food ready as well as drinks. Create a trendy atmosphere with decorations, games and entertainment options like karaoke or a floating dance floor. Don’t forget to look up when your local area is having a boat regatta! It’s a great place to meet new people and fellow boat lovers. Whether you choose to have a daytime BBQ or an evening soiree under the setting sun, your boat will create memories for years to come.

Island Hopping & Daytime Picnics

There are many nearby islands and secluded coves accessible by boat, so plan a day trip! Make sure to pack a delicious picnic lunch, grab your snorkeling gear and set off to explore the beautiful shores. When you’re done snorkeling you can lounge on a sandy beach or even just float in the soft shallow waves. If you’re lucky, you can discover hidden gems, walk nature trails and immerse yourself in the tranquility of your newly found remote location. For extra fun, bring a waterproof underwater video camera to showcase your underwater expedition later to friends and family.

Scuba Diving

If you have an open water certification, the water offers numerous different diving locations. Breathtaking corals and colorful, exotic fish can be seen along our reefs. Take a refreshing and memorable dive into the clear water to observe all the vibrant marine life there is to be seen! If diving isn’t your thing, snorkeling can prove to be just as fun and can be enjoyed by adults as well as children. This activity can also be great exercise and can help with balancing your mind-body connection. If you have limitations such as stiff joints, snorkeling and scuba diving might just be for you. It’s also a great cardio workout; by using a lot of body parts to stay in the water and propel yourself, you can burn several hundreds of calories per hour. Diving is a win-win situation!

Photography & Filming

Try your hand at photographing all the beauty around you such as sunrises, sunsets and wildlife. Dolphins playing in the ocean and pelicans diving into the water looking for that next meal are both exciting things to experience. Why not capture it on film or video?! Manatees can also be found in Florida waters throughout the year with November through April being the most prominent. But don’t let that stop you from looking! These gentle giants can be seen anytime and their faces make the cutest photos. Don’t forget the bioluminescent waters mentioned above, great for catching on camera by nightfall from June through October, truly a site worth seeing and capturing on film.

Article & Content written by Jill Lengyel, Thunder Marine 5/23/2023.