The Top Boating Locations in Florida

The sunshine state is one of the most premier boating locations in the world. The peninsula is surrounded by the miles of coastline with thousands of freshwater lakes and inlets as well. It should be at the top of any boaters list to boat here at least once in your life. But what are some of the best boating locations? Florida has a spot for just about anybody that wants a taste of the open water. Some spots are even perfect for both salt and freshwater fishing respectively. These locations will encompass all throughout Florida so you can get a taste of what boating is really like in the state.

Florida Keys

Starting at the most southern part of the state, the keys are a no brainer. Being made up of thousands of small islands, it’s one of the premier boating locations in the entire world to go island hopping. You aren’t inhibited by the coast or a controlled body of water here, as boating in the keys gives you an incredible amount of agency where you want to go. For the fishing audience, the keys is also perfect for catching all sorts of tropical fish from mahi mahi all the way up to sharks and swordfish. Along with the views, it’s hard to argue against why boating in the Keys isn’t an almost perfect location. Whether it be Key Largo or all the way down to Key West, the Keys are perfect for a day out on the water.

Fort Lauderdale

One of the biggest boat shows in the world doesn’t just happen in Fort Lauderdale for no reason. Fort Lauderdale has several inlets that lead directly to the ocean for an amazing boating experience. The views of the city and its towering buildings are also incredible, especially during sunrise or sunset. While in this area of South Florida, you could also visit Miami for a similar experience. Just be careful crossing many inlets; the waves near the intracoastal waterway can get pretty rough!

Cape Coral/Fort Myers

A very underrated area of Florida is the Fort Myers area. Home to the Caloosahatchee River, it cuts right through the city for scenic view of the city on both sides. It spans over 60 miles so there is plenty of space to choose where you would want to explore. There is also Charlotte Harbor just north of the river for a more open experience on the water. This area of Florida is very much overshadowed by other popular locations so if you are looking to boat in the state, check it out for yourself if you get the opportunity.

Lake Okeechobee

Lake Okeechobee is the largest freshwater lake in Florida, spanning over 700 square miles. While Florida is known for its ocean and beach life, there is nothing wrong with exploring this massive lake. There are even spots on the lake that can make it seem that you are out on the ocean! It is also important to mention fishing at Okeechobee. Freshwater snook and bass are a staple of Florida fishing and are in abundance at Lake Okeechobee. Just make sure you go at a good time of year to get maximum bites.

St. Johns River

The last location I want to focus on is the St. Johns River that runs through Jacksonville. The longest river in Florida runs over 300 miles from Brevard County all the way through Jacksonville. It’s similar to the Caloosahatchee River, with its length making it an optimal place go explore but differs as the St. Johns has much more pure nature at your disposal.

With so many places to boat, it’s no wonder that the Sunshine State is a prime destination to hit the water. With Blackfin even being based right here in Florida, we invite everyone that enjoys the hobby to come down and experience all the state has to offer boaters. Both ocean and saltwater boating have something different to offer, but it is up to you on what you want to experience. When boating in Florida however, you can do both all in the same day. There are several locations I didn’t even get to mention such as Tampa or the Panhandle, but that just goes to show the Florida truly is one of the boating capitals of the world.