GoBoatingFlorida

05/29/2026

Some places in Southwest Florida are beautiful from the shore, but even better when you arrive by boat. Our Better by Boat campaign highlights the destinations, waterways, islands, restaurants, sandbars, and coastal communities that make boating here so special.

Read the blog and start planning your next trip!

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...

05/28/2026

Meet Flitz Polishing & Buffing Products, a proud member of the Go Boating Florida Marine Experts Network!

Known for their polishing, cleaning, and protection products, Flitz helps boaters keep their vessels looking their best in tough marine environments. From metal polish and fiberglass care to ceramic sealants and detailing products, their marine lineup is made to help clean, restore, shine, and protect the surfaces boaters rely on every day.

Detail your boat like a pro with Flitz Polish, Waxes, Sealants & Buffing accessories! Restore your boat to like-new condition!

05/26/2026

Looking for boating tips, local insights, fishing reports, and helpful ways to make the most of your time on the water?

Our Life on the Water blog is filled with articles for Southwest Florida boaters, from safety reminders and boating know-how to local destinations, seasonal tips, and more.

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we pause to remember and honor the brave U.S. military personnel who gave their lives in service to our country. The freedoms we enjoy every day, including the freedom to gather with family and enjoy time on the water, were protected by their courage and sacrifice.

From all of us at Go Boating Florida, we remember, we honor, and we are grateful.

05/22/2026

Did you know? Cape Coral is credited with having more navigable waterways than any other city in the world!

With more than 400 miles of canals, it’s no wonder boating is such a big part of life here.

05/21/2026

Anchoring for a quick fishing stop and anchoring overnight aren't quite the same thing. From how much scope you use to how carefully you plan for wind, current, and swing room, the details matter.

This article from Boating Magazine breaks down the key differences.

Interested in anchoring for fishing or overnighting? The methods and ground tackle employed for each vary. Learn how to do both safely.

05/19/2026

Better by Boat continues with a visit to Shell Key.

Just off St. Pete Beach, Shell Key Preserve is a quiet barrier island known for clear water, soft sand, great shelling, and that tucked-away feeling you only get when you arrive by boat.

Click through to explore the Better by Boat series on our website, and tag Go Boating Florida if you make the trip; 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...

05/18/2026

It’s National Safe Boating Week and a great reminder to make safety part of every trip on the water.

Before you head out, take a few simple steps: wear your life jacket, check your gear, watch the weather, and make sure your engine cut-off switch is attached and ready to use. An ECOS is a small step that can make a big difference if the operator is unexpectedly thrown from the helm.

05/15/2026

Meet Fish Tale Boats Fort Myers & Naples, a proud member of the Go Boating Florida Marine Experts Network!

For decades, Fish Tale Boats has been helping Southwest Florida families get out on the water with confidence. With locations in Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, and Naples, their team knows what local boaters are looking for, whether it’s finding the right boat, keeping it serviced, or making sure everything is ready for the next day on the water.

From the first conversation to every trip after, Fish Tale is focused on making boating easier, more enjoyable, and more accessible for Southwest Florida boaters.

Fish Tale Boats is a boat dealership with locations in Fort Myers and Naples. Dealer for new Grady White, Robalo, Chaparral, and Premier Pontoons.

05/14/2026

A look back at Crayton Cove Municipal Yacht Basin in Naples, circa 1955 — when the waterfront had a quieter, old-Florida charm and boating was already part of the area’s everyday rhythm.

05/12/2026

Your boat’s engine works hard every time you hit the water, and keeping it properly cooled is key to preventing bigger problems down the line.

This helpful article from Discover Boating explains the basics of marine engine cooling systems, why they matter, and what boaters should know to keep things running smoothly.

Most newer marine engines use an enclosed cooling system. There is a small tank on the top of the engine that combines of fresh water and coolant.