Summer is an exciting time for boaters. It’s warm and sunny, your kids are out of school, and it’s the perfect time to bond with your family and friends while enjoying being out on the water.
Yet, even your favorite summer boating activities can get repetitive over time. If you’re looking for fun things to do on a boat this summer, we’ve compiled a list of eleven most epic activities to enjoy with your loved ones. Let the fun begin!
1. Go to a Concert on Your Boat
There’s something special about enjoying good music and entertainment on the open water.
In the summer, many cities have venues that overlook the ocean, lakes, or rivers. Many of these venues regularly feature singers or other types of music artists, and going to a concert on your boat is an unforgettable summer experience you don’t want to miss out on.
If your area doesn’t have concerts, consider attending other types of events. Maybe you’ll find a boating festival or a boat racing event nearby. The point is to go to an event you wouldn’t typically attend.
2. Camp…on Your Boat!
Few things are as amazing as waking up on your boat and watching the sunrise on the water. Except maybe watching the sunset…and if you stay overnight on your boat, you can do both!
Instead of regular camping with a tent somewhere in the woods, make this summer the summer of boat camping. Grab comfortable clothing & other essentials and sleep on your boat under the stars.
It’s an activity both adults and kids will love.
3. Fish, Fish, Fish
Few things are more thrilling than being out on the water going after a fresh catch. Fishing is one of the best summer boating activities, and you can enjoy it with your entire family or friend group.
There are different types of fishing you can do. You can dock your boat and fish from the shore, chase after tuna or mahi mahi in the deep ocean waters offshore, or even try yourself out at spearfishing. The latter requires good physical strength and quick reflexes, so it can be a fun challenge!
If you’re an avid fisherman but are getting bored of your usual fishing spots, it can be a fun activity to explore new ones or go on a fishing trip.
Looking for new fishing spots? Here are some of our favorite ones:
→ The Ultimate Guide to Fishing in New England
→ Your Complete Guide to Fishing in Rhode Island
→ Top 5 Fishing Spots in Florida
4. Try New Water Sports
Ready to get an adrenaline rush this summer? One of the best summer boating activities is trying out new water sports. Whether you’re cruising with friends or boating with kids, everyone will have fun.
Watersports you can try include water skiing, wakeboarding, SUP (standup paddle boarding), and more. Just don’t forget to bring a life jacket!
5. Jetski
Another great boating experience everyone will enjoy is jet skiing. It’s fun, adventurous, and exciting — definitely something to remember for your entire crew!
You don’t have to buy brand new jet skis to try them out this summer. You can easily rent them to enjoy for a day or two.
6. Go on an Adventure
One of the best things about boating is that you can go places and explore the unexplored. Going places by boat is significantly more fun than driving, and it can help you see your local scenery from a new perspective.
To travel somewhere on your boat this summer, you need to pick a destination and start planning your route. Figuring out all the details can be a fun & engaging challenge, and, once you get to your destination, you’ll feel a huge sense of accomplishment.
If you’ve never traveled anywhere by boat before, set a realistic goal and see how it goes.
While planning your boating trip, don’t forget to create an itinerary for what you’re going to do once you actually get to your destination. Try out new restaurants? Visit local museums? Depending on how you plan it, this can be a fantastic family boat activity that everyone, young & old, will remember for years to come.
7. Dock-and-Dine
Eating is fun anywhere, but it’s probably the most fun on a boat during the summer.
Eat a delicious breakfast on your boat while watching the sunrise, do a family lunch, invite your friends over for some happy hour cocktails & appetizers, or surprise your partner with a romantic dinner under the stars — the world is your oyster.
8. Explore Secluded Spots
Having a boat allows you to go places that are not always accessible from the shore, so take advantage of it this summer.
You can explore new bodies of water, relax in a secluded spot in nature, and soak up beautiful scenery that few people have seen before.
9. Go Snorkeling or Diving
Summer is the perfect time to explore life under the water.
Finding a diverse snorkeling spot can be a fun thing to do on a boat with kids or, if you’re in the mood to learn a new skill, you can take a diving course.
It’s a great way to learn more about the creatures who live in the ocean and will be an unforgettable experience for the entire family to enjoy.
10. Throw a Barbeque
Now, this activity requires you to get an additional piece of equipment for your boat, but we promise that you won’t regret it!
Installing a grill mount on your boat can be a complete game-changer for your summer boating experience. You can bring pre-marinated meat, fish, and vegetables with you ready to grill or you can wrap up a successful day of fishing with a barbeque party on the open deck.
A grill mount is not a must-have for every boat, but it’s certainly a nice-have — especially during the summer. When looking for a grill mount for your boat, make sure to choose a durable material like stainless steel.
11. Watch the Fireworks on the Water
Do you have Fourth of July plans yet? Watching the fireworks from your boat is one of the best summer boating activities for the entire family to enjoy together.
It’s fun and easy to organize, and the memories of seeing the fireworks light up the dark sky from your deck will stay with you forever.
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