Summer Boating Activities: 7 Things for Your To-Do List
Republished from DiscoverBoating.com
Summer is in full swing, and by now you’ve probably been out on your boat at least a few times. But, have you tried something different—like, really different—while out cruising? Tow sports, fishing, and swimming are all fun, but it's time to mix things up!
Here are seven summer boating activities you absolutely need to try—we guarantee they'll be boatloads of fun, for all ages.
1. Boat Camping
While regular camping involves pitching a tent, boat camping simply means sleeping on your boat. Sleeping under the stars is an incredible experience. Plus, when you’re away from shore, you and your kids can identify plenty of constellations.
2. Going to a Concert By Boat
Cities around the country have music venues sitting ocean-, lake-, and riverside, plus plan concerts on barges. Additionally, some marinas arrange bands all summer long to entertain slip holders. See what’s going on in your area. This is the one time that rocking the boat won’t be a bad thing.
3. Boatgating at a Ballgame
Root, root, root for the home team from your own decks, rather than the upper deck of a baseball stadium. Or, arrive in style at a marina near a ballpark and enjoy some onboard tailgating before heading over to the game. Either way, it beats sitting in traffic.
4. Golfing—Off a Boat!
Speaking of sports, did you know there are biodegradable golf balls, made especially for boaters? In fact, the balls turn into fish food. Grab your golf clubs and tee up.
Turn it into a game for your kids, too. Deploy a blow-up inner tube, and whoever scores a hole in one gets to pick your next boating destination. For other fun ideas to keep the kiddos entertained onboard, check out 6 Boredom Busters for Kids: Boating Edition.
5. Sightseeing by Sea
While traditional tourists are jamming up sidewalks and streets, you’ll have plenty of elbowroom exploring your favorite cities by boat. In fact, you’ll enjoy views of skylines that are impossible to take in unless on the water.
6. Dock-and-Dine
Everything is better on a boat—and of course, that includes food. While grilling and cooking out onboard is an awesome way to spend an afternoon onboard, there's something about tying up at your favorite dockside restaurant that will get your mouth watering.
You can tie up to the dock and grab a table next to the water, or order ahead for grab and go.
7. Sunrise & Sunset Cruises
Due to the uninterrupted horizon, the sunrise and sunset directly over the water simply can’t be beat. Mother Nature never disappoints morning or night.
If you’re not too keen on getting up extra early, no problem. The famous green flash—a second or two of green coloring in the sky, due to refracting sunlight—tends to happen more often at sunset than sunrise.