Travel Tuesday 2025: Top Boating Destinations, Trends, and Tips
Last Updated on November 12, 2025 by Boatsetter Team
As the holiday travel season kicks into gear, Travel Tuesday 2025 is shaping up to be one of the biggest booking moments of the year. Travelers are skipping the usual hotel deals and seeking experiences instead — especially ones that take them off land and onto the water.
At Boatsetter, we’re seeing guests plan their vacations around destinations that offer both adventure and relaxation — where boating is part of the itinerary, not just an afterthought. Whether you’re dreaming of island hopping, wake surfing, fishing, or sailing into the sunset, Travel Tuesday is the perfect time to book your next on-water experience.
Key takeaways
- As travel spending in the U.S. continues to rise, up 6 percent in the last 12 months, Travel Tuesday has emerged as one of the most popular seasonal promotions (1).
- Among the top 15 Travel Tuesday destinations, 10 are coastal or waterfront destinations (2).
- A boat rental can provide a unique perspective to exploring destinations, from boat tours of the city to discovering secluded beaches, islands, and cays.
Explore boat rentals & on the water experiences in destinations
Why Travel Tuesday Still Matters
Travel Tuesday has evolved from a niche event into one of the most important travel deal days of the year. In 2025, travel spending continues to climb, with early data showing a 6–8 percent increase in pre-booked experiences year over year.
And while many travelers focus on flights and hotels, the real winners are the ones booking on-water adventures early — where availability is limited and demand surges as summer nears.
Boatsetter’s internal data shows:
- Over a million guests have now booked through Boatsetter
- Coastal and lakefront markets are leading Travel Tuesday interest
- Guests are planning farther in advance for 2025, especially for high-demand destinations like Miami, Tampa, Austin, and San Diego
Top Boating Destinations for Travel Tuesday 2025
Whether you’re looking looking to escape the cold or to get ahead on 2025 travel goals, find top destinations and expert-backed advice all here.
Miami, FL
Escape the winter and paddle board through mangrove trails at Biscayne National Park, a year-round tropical paradise. If you’re ringing in the New Year in South Beach, consider a yacht charter and anchor in Biscayne Bay for unobstructed views of one of the South’s most iconic New Year’s fireworks displays.
Los Angeles, CA
With hundreds of artificial reefs just off the coast of LA, book a boat with fishing gear in January and try your hand for seabass and lobster.
Nassau, Bahamas
Nassau, Bahamas was the top international destination booked by U.S. travelers during Travel Tuesday last year. Book a yacht charter to anchor at a secluded cay and have paradise all to yourself.
Austin, TX
After a fun day of e-foiling in Paradise Cove, wake surfing in the designated zones, and cruising, end the day with a natural cold plunge in Lake Austin.
Honolulu, Hawaii
Lock-in a Captained catamaran to set sail with a local who can tell you all about ancient Polynesian seafaring traditions and techniques.
San Diego, CA
Book a boat tour in San Diego for a private viewing of twenty thousand gray whales journeying from Alaska to Baja California. January and February are peak months for sightings.
Explore boat rentals & on the water experiences in destinations
What’s New in 2025
- Experience-first travel: Guests are prioritizing unique, bookable moments — boating, fishing, sailing, and watersports are leading the charge.
- Inland growth: Demand in lake and river markets like Austin, Chicago, and Seattle continues to rise, showing boating is not just coastal anymore.
- Adventure verticals: Fishing and watersports bookings are increasing, especially for groups and families seeking something beyond a typical day cruise.
- Early planning: Guests booking now for spring and summer are securing better boats, captains, and time slots — saving up to 20 percent by planning ahead.
How to Make the Most of Travel Tuesday
- Book early for best availability. Top-rated boats and captains book out weeks in advance, especially in Florida and California.
- Think beyond the coast. Lake destinations like Austin and Seattle are growing fast and offer affordable options.
- Choose your experience type.
- Sailing for couples and adventurers.
- Fishing for families and groups.
- Watersports for thrill seekers.
- Go with a captain. Over 70 percent of Boatsetter trips include a licensed captain, making your experience effortless and unforgettable.
Browse for experiences before you buy
Research unique on the water experiences in top destinations before making your Travel Tuesday purchases(3). Whether you’re seeking January sea bass fishing among LA’s artificial reefs or a yacht’s-eye view of South Beach’s New Year’s fireworks from Biscayne Bay, the experiences that inspire you the most should guide your choice.
Book with Captain
Over half the trips on Boatsetter are Captained reflecting travelers growing interest in local-led experiences (4). With a Captained boat or local-led on-water experience, travelers can gain insider knowledge of the destination, from exploring hidden gems to learning about local traditions.
Pre-book on-water experiences & boats
Secure your on the water experiences early, especially if you’re booking during peak travel periods. By pre-booking, you’ll have access to a wide variety of boat rentals—including boats with fun amenities like grills, children’s life jackets, and water toys—ensuring your boat accommodates for your group and activities.
Why Boating Belongs in Your 2025 Travel Plans
From Miami’s luxury yachts to Austin’s lake parties, boating has become one of the most desired ways to explore — and Travel Tuesday is your chance to plan ahead. Every boat day is more than a trip; it’s a story waiting to be told.
Book your next adventure early, make it memorable, and discover why boating is the new way to travel in 2025.
About us
Boatsetter is the leading online marketplace for boat rentals and on-water experiences. Download the Boatsetter app (App Store | Google Play) and follow us on Instagram.
- https://www.marca.com/en/lifestyle/us-news/2024/12/03/674e75c6ca474180418b458a.html
- https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/travel-logistics-and-infrastructure/our-insights/travel-tuesday-is-real-and-growing
- https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Travel/navigate-travel-tuesday-deals-airfare-hotels-expert-tips/story?id=116205154
- This statistic is based on bookings made in 2024.
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.
