Boatsetter Unveils the Top 10 Boating Destinations for 2024

Written by Boatsetter Team

January 31, 2024

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Miami, FL – January 31, 2024 – Boatsetter, the leading mobile app for boat rentals, charters, and on-water experiences, today released its list of Top 10 Boating Destinations for 2024 based on bookings and recommendations from Boatsetter’s customer experience team.

“People are looking for fun and creative ways to spend time outdoors with friends and family,” said Michael Farb, CEO of Boatsetter. “So as travelers plan trips this year, Boatsetter can help facilitate unbelievable on-water experiences, and transform regular activities into something unique. Whatever your itinerary involves— date night, outdoor movie night, birthday parties, cookouts for the big game, bachelor or bachelorette parties—why not do it on a boat?”

With more than 50,000 boats in over 700 global locations, Boatsetter makes getting on the water as easy as calling a rideshare. With no sign-up fees or membership dues, the company’s easy-to-use app and booking process allows anyone–with or without prior boating experience–to browse, book, and go

Below is the full list of Boatsetter’s can’t-miss destinations, including their team’s top recommended pick from local boats in the area.

Florida Keys
Florida Panhandle
Fort Myers – Naples
Jacksonville – St. Augustine
Los Angeles, CA
Miami – Fort Lauderdale
Orlando – Daytona Beach
San Diego, CA
Tampa – St. Pete
Charleston, SC

Explore all destinations available on Boatsetter

Florida Keys

Surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise waters and famous for vibrant coral reefs, the Florida Keys are made up of 800 keys, with the most notable being Key West, Islamorada, and Key Largo. Experiencing what’s arguably the best tropical paradise you can find within the continental United States, the real magic of the Keys can be found once leaving shore. For a truly remarkable adventure, book a full-day trip out of Key West to explore Fort Jefferson in the Dry Tortugas.

Recommended Boat: Luxury Adventure Boat (Key West)

Florida Panhandle

Renowned for its pristine beaches and emerald waters, the Florida Panhandle has emerged as a must-visit region for boating and fishing enthusiasts. In fact, this area has experienced 175% growth in bookings in the last year. Boaters especially love taking out a pontoon boat to the picturesque 7-mile island, exploring Shell Island in Panama City Beach, FL, or dropping anchor at Crab Island near Destin.

Recommended Boat: Crab Island Pontoon Paradise (Fort Walton Beach)

Fort Myers – Naples

Southwest Florida offers a fantastic boating experience in and around the waters surrounding Fort Myers, Sanibel Island, Bonita Springs, and Naples. For extra convenience, travelers should explore Boatsetter’s Multi-Day booking option, as many local vacation rentals are offered in conjunction with a boat rental. Marco Island is a must-see while in the area, and local owners recommend taking out a bowrider or pontoon to explore the abundance of white sand beaches and enjoy the Gulf of Mexico for fishing and water sports.

Recommended Boat: Beautiful Day Boat for All-Day Comfort (Naples)

Jacksonville – St. Augustine

Located on the northeastern coast of Florida, Jacksonville and St. Augustine provide a diverse array of boating opportunities along the Intracoastal Waterway and the St. Johns River (special note for interested anglers: this area happens to be known as the bass fishing capital of the world). With almost an 80% jump in bookings, this destination will satisfy the interests of all water lovers—from fishing fanatics to sailors and those looking for leisurely cruise to the sandbar.

Recommended Boat: Ultimate Deck Boat Experience (Jacksonville)

Los Angeles, CA

From Newport Beach to Marina del Rey and Long Beach, LA offers a vibrant boating and sailing scene in Southern California. Visitors and locals favor larger boats and motor yachts, think 40 feet or bigger, and enjoy sailing in Newport Harbor, exploring the iconic Balboa Island, and cruising through the charming Long Beach waterfront. For a super unique experience, renters can opt for an electric boat (LA is the third largest city that manufactures electric boats within the United States).

Miami – Fort Lauderdale

Known for its glamorous boating experiences and home to the yachting capital of the world, these buzzing South Florida cities are packed full with a mix of luxury yachts and lively waterways. This region has plenty of canals and sandbars to visit by day, and a vibrant nightlife to experience after dark. Top activities include cruising through Biscayne Bay, dropping anchor at Haulover or Nixon sandbars, or exploring a long list of dock-and-dine establishments that line the Intracoastal Waterway.

Orlando-Daytona Beach

The Orlando-Daytona area has as much happening on the water as on land. Escape theme-park crowds to find serenity and peace out on the water with your crew. Visitors can explore inland lakes around Orlando for an adrenaline-inducing day of watersports, or head to Daytona Beach for access to the Atlantic Ocean for cruising and sandbar sessions. The most popular boat types rented are pontoons, followed by wake boats, which are perfect for waterskiing, wakeboarding, and wake surfing.

San Diego, CA

This city’s coastline provides a taste of everything you could ever dream of from a San Diego boating experience—from sailing in Mission Bay to exploring nearby Catalina Island to enjoying the stunning Pacific coastline. One of the most active bays in the country, boaters may see everything from seals swimming in the wake to submarines and Navy Seals conducting training drills near Coronado. If fishing is your forte, look for deep sea fishing charters to cast a line for bluefin and yellowfin tuna, mahi-mahi, marlin, white sea bass, and more.

Tampa – St. Pete

The heart of Florida’s Gulf Coast has miles and miles of beautiful coastline and unique waterways. Boat renters enjoy all kinds of boats from pontoons to yachts, and activities from leisurely dolphin watching to sportfishing. Local captains recommend booking a trip with one of the following itineraries: fishing in the Gulf, cruising south to beautiful Anna Maria Island, or island hopping around Tampa Bay to explore Beer Can Island (Pine Key), Egmont Key, or Davis Island Dog Park.

Charleston, SC

Charleston’s southern charm extends to its waterways, with scenic harbors, picturesque landscapes, and the uninhabited islands of Lowcountry. Visitors can explore the Ashley and Cooper Rivers and take in the sights of the historic architecture along the Charleston Harbor. Local owners and captains can provide expert advice on the best waterfront restaurants to dock-and-dine, or directions out to the most popular local sandbars, like Drum Island, Parrot Point, or Kiawah Island.

About Boatsetter:
With more than 50,000 boat listings available in over 700 locations worldwide, Boatsetter is the leading marketplace for on-water experiences and boat rentals. Boatsetter makes it easy to discover and enjoy a wide array of on-water experiences by connecting qualified renters directly to boat owners and licensed captains. Featuring the largest database of USCG-certified captains, Boatsetter makes it possible for even those with no prior boating experience to tap into an incredible array of on the water activities. Credited with pioneering the first-ever peer-to-peer boat rental insurance policy, Boatsetter has empowered boat owners with the tools and support to become entrepreneurs on the water. Launched commercially in 2014, over one million boaters and boat owners alike have turned to Boatsetter to discover the endless possibilities the water provides.

Contact:
Gabriel Muñoz
Double Forte
BoatsetterPR@double-forte.com

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.