Boating In National Parks: Top Destinations

The National Parks are a showcase of some of the finest natural landscapes on the planet and American cultural heritage. This culture thrives in the reverence that people hold for these parks, and for good reason. All the way from the rocky Mount Rainer in Washington State to the ancient Great Smoky Mountains of the Appalachia, there is something distinct about every location.

If you are looking for a place to boat, however, there are several parks throughout the country where you can experience these legendary views while on the water. With a wide range of parks with an ocean to great freshwater lakes, there is a unique experience in store for every type of boater.

Everglades National Park

Located in South Florida, Everglades National Park is home to one of the world’s largest wetlands. Spanning over one million acres, it is one of the prime locations in the world for freshwater boating. Due to the immense sawgrass that surrounds the park, airboats with huge propellers that cut through any grass in their way are the most common mode of transportation.

Many locations for open water boating for other types of boats also exist. You can find sawgrass in the swampier areas for a more authentic experience. Its ecosystem is also incredibly diverse, being home to one of the icons of Florida, the American alligator.

Biscayne National Park/Dry Tortugas

Located just East of the Everglades is the largest marine sanctuary in the U.S. National Parks. This park is 95% water, making it one of the objective best National Parks to boat in. There is also no limit to the way you want to boat. You could kayak down historic mangrove waterways or hit the open water, as the park is set right on the Atlantic Ocean. You can even visit islands that you can only access by boat, making the trip especially unique for anyone with a vessel. There are also plenty of places to anchor down and either snorkel or dive to see some amazing reef formations.

Down in the Keys is a similar park in Dry Tortuga. Also located right on the ocean, visitors know it for its famous Fort Jefferson, which they can explore. The abundance of marine life and snorkel areas makes both Biscayne and Dry Tortuga must-see spots.

Channel Islands National Park

Moving over to the West Coast, we have Channel Islands National Park. Being made up of five primary islands right off the coast of Santa Barbara, it’s a perfect location to tour your boat around. Not to mention, the rocky cliffs of California are also a great sight to behold. Each island offers something unique, as one features a lighthouse, another is perfect for hiking, providing enough activities to fill an entire day.

Isle Royal National Park

This park is an island located on Lake Superior, with the only way to access it being by seaplane or boat, making it perfect for this list. This island is on the northwest side of the Great Lake and is home to fantastic greenery only found near the central Canada-US border. With many hiking trails and boat access around the island, it’s another National Park for a scenic cruise, with the changing of seasons being very evident here. There are also shipwrecks on and located near the island for anyone seeking some adventure and historic sights.

The beauty of the natural parks is something everyone should experience. Even if you aren’t boating, there are so many different kinds of nature and wildlife found across the country, so landlocked parks shouldn’t be overlooked either. Being on a boat to experience these parks, though, can make these views even more special. There is a wide variety of ways to experience these parks, too, whether that be on the ocean or a freshwater body. There are also different activities you can do in these parks on your boat. You could kayak, snorkel, dive, or cruise the rocky coast; there are countless opportunities. The most important thing, however, is to respect nature and everything it offers. These parks are a privilege to visit and can really take your breath away. Wherever you decide to visit on your next boating trip, these natural parks certainly will leave a lasting impression.