Boating | in Florida without a License
When vacationing in Florida, you can’t avoid the water. Dreamy canals and the Gulf of Mexico invite you to go boating. And the best part? You don’t even need a boating license! Florido explains how easy boating in Florida is, which rules you need to know, and what matters to make your day on the water a real highlight.
Highlights of Boating
Fish Species
Marlin, Sailfish, Tarpon, Red Snapper, Grouper, Sheepshead: There are so many fish in Florida’s waters. Here you’ll find tips on how to catch them.
Fishing in Florida
Florida is the mecca for all those who want to experience the perfect catch. Here you’ll find many tips on which fishing licenses you need.
Islamorada
Whether you’re hunting for marlin and sailfish in the open sea or going after snapper and tarpon in calm waters – the fish are biting here!
Florida Lifestyle
Many want to turn their vacation spot into their home, but emigrating to the USA isn’t that simple. There’s a lot to consider: residence permits, working, living, culture, and much more.
8 Tips for Boat Rental
To Avoid Nasty Surprises when Renting a Boat, these Eight Tips from the Pros Will Help You.
Discover Florida from the Water
Boating in Florida is a “must do”, because only from the water can you experience the Sunshine State in its complete splendor. Along the more than 1400 kilometers of coastline, you’ll usually find beautiful white sand beaches or you can catch your dinner at selected fishing spots.
On the water, Flipper is a very common companion that you often encounter. When the American woman on the neighboring boat exclaims in high tones “Oh my god”, you should slow down and look where she’s pointing.
To your Personal Private Beach by Powerboat
With a boat, you can even explore your very own personal private beach. There are days when you drop anchor at a deserted beach, set up a beach chair and umbrella, bring your cooler ashore, and don’t encounter a soul all day long. The only small downside: Time flies by, and suddenly that exciting book you’re reading is finished.
You can rent deck boats, cabin cruisers, pontoon boats, fishing boats – small, large, for two or a whole group. The “captain” doesn’t need a license. They receive a thorough theoretical and practical briefing before setting sail. There’s also a nautical chart that simplifies navigation. When boating, you really only need to pay attention to the speed limits and the red and green markers that describe the route.
But for all its simplicity, caution is advised! The waters of Florida are not only so beautifully turquoise and clear because they want to please tourists, but also because they are often very shallow. Therefore, when you deviate from the prescribed sea route, perhaps to fish or spend time on the beach, you should always keep an eye on the depth gauge.
Unfortunately, it happens often enough that beginners in particular underestimate the danger of shallows and then run the boat aground. Alerting the Coast Guard is then very costly, in addition to possibly having to replace the propeller. However, a skipper’s liability insurance, especially for longer boat rentals, will protect you from nasty surprises.
Adjust your Sails to the Wind
When searching Google for “sailboat rentals” in Florida, you won’t find many offers. You don’t need a license for this either, but you should have some sailing experience. If you don’t have this experience but still want to feel the wind in your face during a sailing trip, you might be better off looking for a guided tour.
Speed for Fun on a Jet Ski
Zip across the water on a jet ski along Miami’s skyline, past empty island beaches, or just for “speed for fun”. You can ride jet skis practically everywhere in Florida. The beaches are wide, and the options are plentiful. There are guided tours, for example, for “dolphin watching”, or you can go on a discovery trip alone. The fun factor is high, the sound is cool – even if it sometimes annoys the beachgoers.
Into the Swamps by Kayak
Swamps, rivers, estuaries, inlets, lagoons, and islands await you in your kayak or canoe. Those who enjoy a leisurely pace and love nature will particularly appreciate traveling by paddle boat during the winter months. By then, the heavy rains are over, the heat gives way to pleasant, summery temperatures around 20 degrees Celsius, and the high humidity of summer takes a winter break.
You can also engage in this sport during summer, though then it’s more about reaching cool beaches or springs. The 330-kilometer-long Suwannee River is exemplary for Florida and offers numerous crystal-clear springs from Georgia to the Gulf of Mexico. Nearly 300 kilometers have been declared a Wilderness Trail, including even a few Class III rapids.