GoBoatingFlorida

09/02/2026

Some of Southwest Florida’s best destinations are even better when you arrive by boat—and many can only be fully experienced from the water!

Our Better by Boat campaign explores the waterways, islands, waterfront restaurants, sandbars, and coastal communities that make boating here so special.

Read the blog, explore our Better by Boat page, and discover inspiration for your next day on the water!

Southwest Florida is beautiful from the shore, but some places are simply better when you arrive by boat. That is the idea behind Go Boating Florida’s Better by Boat campaign, a growing destination series created to inspire boaters to explore more of the incredible waterways, islands, sandbars, re...

08/31/2026

Helping shape the future of boating in Florida.

The Marine Industries Association of Southwest Florida, the organization behind Go Boating Florida, recently joined marine leaders from across the state at the 2026 Marine Industries Association of Florida Conference.

Held at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club, the two-day conference focused on issues that directly affect Florida boaters and our waterways, including fisheries management, anchoring, water access, marina development, permitting and the preservation of working waterfronts.

By participating in these important statewide conversations, MIASWF helps protect access to the water, support responsible growth and preserve the boating lifestyle we all enjoy.

Thank you to the Marine Industries Association of Florida, the speakers, attendees, and fellow sponsors for bringing Florida’s marine community together.

08/28/2026

Navigation lights help boaters understand where other vessels are, which direction they’re traveling, and who has the right of way, making their proper use essential at night and during periods of reduced visibility.

This video from Discover Boating covers navigation-light rules, the purpose of different lights, routine maintenance, and tips for learning your boat’s specific setup. Take a few minutes to watch before your next evening on the water.

Dive into "Know Your Navigation Lights: Essential Tips for Safe Nig...

08/27/2026

A Look Back at the Tri-City Suncoast Fiesta

Cary Bobo, Miss Clearwater, and fellow festival participant Dee Brown pose aboard a motorboat during the 1961 Tri-City Suncoast Fiesta in Clearwater.

First launched in July 1960, the month-long celebration brought together 16 communities across Florida’s west coast. Led by Tampa, Clearwater, and St. Petersburg, the Fiesta featured a boat-a-cade from Clearwater to Fort Myers, fishing tournaments, a walk-a-thon, Tampa’s Latin Quarter Festival, and many other activities showcasing the region’s coastal lifestyle.
Original photo: State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory (C35488). Digitally restored and colorized.

08/25/2026

Late-Summer boating safety reminder.

As summer begins to wind down, Florida’s waterways remain busy. Stay alert and aware of changing weather, nearby boat traffic, and hazards both above and below the waterline. A little extra attention can help keep every late-summer outing safe, smooth, and enjoyable.

08/24/2026

Meet Rocket Marine Inc., a proud member of the Go Boating Florida Marine Experts Network!

Serving boaters in Fort Myers and throughout Southwest Florida, Rocket Marine has nearly four decades of experience building dependable, American-made boat trailers. From standard and custom aluminum trailers to galvanized steel trailers, boat cradles, rentals, parts, and service for most makes and models, their knowledgeable team helps boaters transport and protect their watercraft with confidence. Whether you need a new trailer, repairs, replacement parts, or a custom solution, Rocket Marine is a trusted local resource for keeping you ready for the road and the water.

Best-in-class aluminum and galvanized watercraft and boat trailers. Made in the USA. Two-year warranty.

08/21/2026

Our latest Go Boating Florida newsletter is here! Discover boating news, helpful tips, upcoming events, and inspiration for your next day on the water.

And if you enjoy it, subscribe to our newsletter so you never miss the latest from Go Boating Florida!

Some of the best days on the water are the ones shared with someone new to boating. Inviting non-boating friends along is a great way to introduce them to everything we love about Southwest Florida’s waterways, from the scenery and wildlife to waterfront stops and the simple freedom of cruising. A...

08/20/2026

Better by Boat continues with a visit to Egmont Key!

Located at the mouth of Tampa Bay and accessible only by boat, Egmont Key offers a memorable combination of natural beauty and Florida history. Visitors can explore the historic lighthouse and remains of Fort Dade, relax along quiet beaches, watch for wildlife, or simply enjoy the island’s scenic shoreline.

Click through to explore the Better by Boat series and use it to help plan your visit. And if you make the trip, tag Go Boating Florida; we’d love to see your photos from the water!

Welcome to a collection of places and experiences that are simply better when you arrive by water. From quiet back bays and hidden islands to waterfront restaurants and social sandbars, this is your starting point for exploring Southwest Florida by boat. Each destination is paired with video inspira...

08/18/2026

Tides can make a big difference in your day on the water, from launching and docking to cruising, fishing, and visiting your favorite sandbar.

This helpful guide from Discover Boating breaks down the different types of tides, tidal currents, and how changing water levels can affect your boat.

Learn more here: https://www.discoverboating.com/resources/tides-boating

08/17/2026

Safe boating is something we all play a part in.

The 2026 Boating Participation Survey is your chance to share your experiences on the water and help support efforts to make boating safer for everyone.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2026-Boating-Participation-Survey

Take a few minutes to complete the survey, and you’ll also be entered for a chance to win some boating swag!

Safe Boating Campaign