East Coast vs. West Coast: Where’s the Best Place to Boat?
Last Updated on September 3, 2025 by Boatsetter Team
The Ultimate Coastal Showdown
It’s a rivalry as old as time — East Coast vs. West Coast. One serves up sandbars and skyline views, the other dishes out sunsets and surf culture. With Boatsetter powering over a million Guest experiences across 700+ locations worldwide, we’ve got the inside scoop on how each coast makes the most of life on the water.
So… where’s the best place to boat? Let’s break it down.
East Coast Energy
When people picture East Coast boating, two words come to mind: Miami sandbars. And the data doesn’t lie — 46% of all Boatsetter bookings happen in Miami and Fort Lauderdale. From Haulover to Monument Island, the East Coast has perfected the art of the floating party.
It’s not just Miami. Up the coast, the Hamptons shine with luxury yacht charters, Charleston keeps things charming with historic harbor tours, and Tampa is seeing explosive growth — holiday bookings surged 36% year-over-year.
Top East Coast picks:
- Miami sandbar tie-ups
- Hamptons yacht escapes
- Charleston harbor cruises
- Tampa/St. Pete family-friendly pontoon days
West Coast Vibes
West Coast boating is all about variety. San Diego balances surf culture with serious fishing trips. Seattle has quietly become a powerhouse boating hub — holiday bookings jumped 47% YoY, with locals flocking to Lake Union and Lake Washington. And Malibu? Nothing beats a golden-hour cruise past the California cliffs.
Unlike the East, West Coast Guests lean into sailboats and cruisers — perfect for slower-paced adventures.
Top West Coast picks:
- San Diego harbor cruises + offshore fishing
- Seattle lake life
- Malibu sunset sails
- San Francisco Bay sightseeing
The Gen Z Factor
Here’s where it gets interesting: Gen Z is booking boats at the fastest clip of any generation, with 32% year-over-year growth. They’re splitting their loyalties between coasts — East Coast for blowout yacht parties, West Coast for chill, surf-adjacent adventures. Oh, and they’re spending more, with higher percentages of bookings over $150/hr.
Budget vs. Luxe
Whether you’re booking on the East or West, Boatsetter makes it flexible:
- Pontoons: Avg. $100 per passenger for big groups
- Motor yachts: 21% of all bookings, ideal for milestone moments
- Luxury charters: White-glove service via Boatsetter Luxe for those “Jessica Alba in Miami” days
So… Who Wins?
It’s a tie. The East Coast has the energy — sandbars, parties, skyline views. The West Coast brings the vibes — laid-back sails, lakes, and iconic sunsets. The real winner? Anyone who books their boat day with Boatsetter.
East or West, we’ve got your perfect boat. Book now and cast your vote in the ultimate boating rivalry.
Boatsetter empowers people to explore with confidence by showing them a world of possibility on the water. Rent a boat, list your boat, or become a Boatsetter captain today.
