GoBoatingFlorida

06/16/2026

Looking for a Father’s Day gift for a dad who loves being on the water? Boating Magazine’s gift guide has plenty of ideas to help make his next boating day even better.

Check out each and every one of these Father’s Day boat gifts, and watch Dad’s face light up when he receives one of these great boating presents on June 21.

06/15/2026

As temperatures rise, hot pavement can become a real danger for dogs, especially at boat ramps and parking areas.

In the Florida sun, asphalt can quickly reach 130° or more, even when the air temperature feels manageable. That’s hot enough to burn sensitive paw pads fast.

Before walking your dog across pavement, use the 7-second test: place the back of your hand on the surface. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for their paws.

Carry your dog when you can, look for grass or shade, use paw protection, or bring a towel or mat for hot surfaces. A little extra care helps keep your dog safe and ready for a great day on the water.

06/12/2026

First light or last light, there’s nothing like seeing Southwest Florida from the water.

06/11/2026

A great day on the water starts with sun protection.

Before you head out, make sunscreen part of your pre-launch routine, along with plenty of water, shade, sunglasses and protective clothing. The June sun in Southwest Florida can be intense, and a little planning goes a long way toward keeping your boating day safer, cooler and more comfortable.

June boating season is here in Southwest Florida, bringing longer days, warmer temperatures and plenty of opportunities to get out on the water. But with summer sunshine comes stronger UV exposure, higher heat and the need to be even more intentional about sun protection. Whether you’re cruising t...

06/10/2026

Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary on the water with Salty Sam’s Patriot Boat Parade!

Join Salty Sam's Marina on Saturday, June 27 at 11 AM for a patriotic boat parade around Estero Island and Fort Myers Beach. Decorate your boat in red, white and blue, cruise with the Southwest Florida boating community, and enjoy a day filled with flags, music and waterfront celebration.

The parade starts and ends at Salty Sam’s Marina, followed by a dockside BBQ and celebration at Parrot Key Caribbean Grill and Marina Cantina.

Spots are limited and pre-registration is required, so sign up today and be part of this unforgettable celebration of freedom on the water.

Be part of the Patriot Boat Parade. Sign your boat up for free here. Celebrate 250 on Fort Myers Beach

06/09/2026

Better by Boat continues with a visit to Beer Can Island.

Tucked away in the Tampa Bay waters near Apollo Beach, Beer Can Island is a social island escape known for its energetic vibe, sandy shoreline, and easygoing boating atmosphere. Accessible only by boat, it’s a place where boaters gather to swim, unwind, and enjoy a day on the water.

Click through to explore the Better by Boat series on our website 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...

06/08/2026

Ever see a boating acronym and wonder, “What does that actually mean?” This West Marine guide is a handy resource for decoding common marine abbreviations, from safety gear and electronics to boat specs and maintenance terms.

A great quick reference for new and experienced boaters alike.
https://www.westmarine.com/west-advisor/Boating-Related-Abbreviations-and-Acronyms-Explained.html

06/07/2026

Meet Four Winds Marina Four Winds Marina, a proud member of the Go Boating Florida Marine Experts Network!

Located at the northern end of Pine Island in Bokeelia, Four Winds Marina gives boaters convenient access to some of Southwest Florida’s favorite cruising and fishing destinations. From boat rentals, dry storage, wet slips, and waterfront dining at Lazy Flamingo, Four Winds Marina offers the kind of full-service support that helps make a day on the water easier from start to finish.

06/04/2026

This circa-1965 photo of Yacht Harbor in Clearwater shows the kind of waterfront operation that helped generations of boaters get out on the water. Rentals, sales, service, and plenty of old Florida character!

06/02/2026

Today’s boat displays do a lot more than show where you are.

Modern multifunction displays can integrate navigation, sonar, radar, engine data, cameras, weather, lighting, and more into a single central command center at the helm. This Boating Magazine article takes a look at some of the latest advancements in MFD technology and what they mean for boaters.

Today’s multifunction displays serve as command centers for marine electronic networks, capable of quick processing speeds and providing a world of information.