Bucket List Boat Trips for Your Next Great American Getaway
Last Updated on May 28, 2025 by Boatsetter Team
From reef dives off remote islands to national parks only accessible by sea, these bucket list boat trips take you beyond the usual route.
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Escape to Dry Tortugas National Park
One of the most remote and unique national parks in the U.S., Dry Tortugas is a cluster of seven islands only reachable by boat or seaplane. This off-grid paradise features coral reefs, marine wildlife, and Fort Jefferson, a Civil War-era structure. It’s a top Florida park for adventurers looking to make the most of National Parks Month. Head to the east side of Garden Key for snorkeling in the shallow coral gardens or lock-in a boat rental with water toys to kayak around Garden Key for a panoramic view of the fort. This is a great jump-off point for a deeper scuba adventure at Tortugas Reef.
Scuba diving excursion to Tortuga Reef
40 pounds of dynamite were detonated onboard a 165-foot vessel for the climax of the 1986 film ”Fair Game.” Today, the former Hollywood prop sits 110 feet underwater and is considered a major dive site only accessible by boat. Grab your scuba gear, lock-in a Miami boat rental, and head to Tortugas Reef.
Whibey Island road trip with epic on-the-water detours
Whidbey Island is a dream for road trippers craving coastal charm, winding scenic byways, and spontaneous on-the-water detours. Cruise into Coupeville for waterfront eats and colonial architecture, then head south to Langley—“The Village by the Sea”—where summer whale sightings are a regular thrill. Get a Captain to boat to show you the hidden coves, or detour to Fort Casey for kayaking beneath the bluffs of a historic lighthouse.
Discover “the Galapagos of North America”
Explore the Channel Islands, known as the “Galapagos of North America,” with a Captain that can show you all its hidden gems. Get scenic views of Inspiration Point when exploring Anacapa Island by boat, meet thousands of seals that like to hang at San Miguel Island’s Point Bennett for breeding and pupping season from May through October. Don’t forget to head to see the painted sea caves of Santa Cruz Island, one of the world’s largest sea caves.
Sail the Waikiki coast & learn about Polynesian seafaring techniques
Go sailing the Waikiki coast with a local guide that can teach you about ancient Polynesian seafaring techniques that led to Hawaii’s discovery, or grab your longboard and set course for Queen’s surf break, a famous surf break in Waikiki known for its consistent waves and a place to practice surfing.
Explore the world’s whale capital
With year-round whale activity, Dana Point is one of the most reliable whale watching locations on the West Coast. Come during January through March to see gray whales pass through their 12,000-mile migration between Alaska and Mexico – the longest of any mammal on Earth, or in the summer when blue whales feed. Don’t be spooked by the fin or minke whales that swim up to the boat. “Mugging” is just the way these gentle giants say hi.
sail
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