Boatsetter Reveals Biggest Reason for Booking: Family Time

Last Updated on August 1, 2025 by Boatsetter Team

Key takeaways 

• A recent Boatsetter survey revealed family time as the top reason for booking, highlighting boating and on-the-water activities as the preferred activity.
• Families are reimagining what quality looks like by prioritizing flexibility, experiences, and more time outdoors.
• From beach escapes to private guided boat tours, families are choosing on-the-water experiences for connection and adventure.

More families are reimagining what quality time away looks like by prioritizing flexibility, shared experiences, and spending more time outdoors. The rise of family-focused travel influencers, from Travel Mom Squad to The Bucket List Family, speaks an interested in flexibility whether that means practical parental or choosing experiences that offer more value and room to connect. Their content highlights a growing desire among families for spending more time outdoors, seeking wildlife encounters, and prioritizing experiences that feel both adventurous and grounding.

This growing shift toward meaningful, flexible experiences is showing up in Boatsetter’s own data. In a recent checkout survey shows family time as the number one reason for booking, highlighting on-the-water experiences as an a go-to choice for families.

To inspire your next memory-making trip, we’ve rounded up 10 destinations where boating brings the whole family together:

1. Washington, D.C.
2. Cocoa Beach, FL
3. San Diego, CA
4. Destin, FL
5. Cape Cod, MA
6. Lake Tahoe (CA/NV)
7. Outer Banks, NC
8. Honolulu, HI
9. Gulf Shores, AL
10. Sarasota, FL

Find boat rentals & on-the-water experiences in family-friendly destinations 

Why boating works so well for families

Boating offers a rare combination of comfort, flexibility, and shared adventure, making it especially appealing for families.

• Family-friendly boat amenities: Many Boatsetter boats are come with family-specific amenities, ranging from child-sized life jackets to onboard bathrooms.

• Perfect for groups: From spacious pontoons to cabin cruisers, several boat types offer the room and comfort needed for big groups, like multigenerational families, to spend the day together on the water.

• Boatsetter Promise: Every booking through Boatsetter includes built-in trip protection which covers weather-related interruptions and more, giving families peace of mind when planning on-the-water adventures.

How to find the right boat for your family trip 

1. Check the reviews. Look for mentions like “family day” or “great for kids” to get insights from past Guests with similar needs. Click the heart icon in the top right corner to to add to your Favorites.

2. Find family-friendly filters in Amenities. Narrow your search by applying filters with helpful features like onboard bathrooms, children lifejackets, and cooler. Check the description for fun extras Owners typically offer like water toys.

3. Go with a Captain. Book a boat with a licensed Captain adds local knowledge and peace of mind, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area and don’t want have to Google “how to dock a boat.”

4. Look for the Top Owner badge. Top Owners are known for exceptional hospitality and consistent 5-star ratings, a great signal for families seeking a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Boatsetter Team

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.