Dive in to see Florida's best boating cities and the maritime culture, amenities, and unique experiences each one offers

Table of Contents


Florida boasts the most registered boats of any state in the United States, comprising over 8% of all registered boats in the country, and is the leading state in terms of boat sales, amounting to over $4.3 billion in 2020.

Suffice it to say: boating enthusiasts are drawn to the allure of Florida's coastal cities, each offering a unique blend of nautical charm, picturesque landscapes, and vibrant maritime activities. But which cities in Florida are the most popular for boating?


About This Report

This report delves into booking data from Getmyboat, the world’s largest boat rental marketplace, examining the top 10 boating cities in the Sunshine State.

It contains proprietary boating data for each location, discusses the distinct features that make each of these cities a haven for boaters and explores the maritime culture, boating amenities, attractions, and the overall boating experience they offer.


About Getmyboat

Getmyboat offers charters and rentals, worldwide.

Launched in 2013 with the vision of making the joy of boating accessible to everyone, the company has since grown into the largest boat rental and charter marketplace globally, with over 150,000 listings in 184 countries covering 9,300 destinations.

By giving a platform to both individual boat owners and professional charter businesses, Getmyboat makes the experience of getting out on the water more accessible to everyone — from a weekend jet ski rental in the local lake to a vacation yacht charter to a bachelor party pontoon , and everything in between.


Our Methodology

To develop this report, Getmyboat analyzed recent boat rental data in Florida on the Getmyboat platform. Cities are determined by the city that the boat owner registers the boat in within their profile on the platform. Data was curated to exclude outlier hourly and total trip rates while rental types were categorized into the significant categories to be evaluated in this report.


Top 25

#1: Miami

Average hourly rental price

$202/hr

Average total trip price

$788

Motor Yacht

Miami, a global hub of culture and entertainment, claims the top spot on Getmyboat’s list, not only for Florida but in the entire United States. Boaters in Miami can explore Biscayne Bay, the Intracoastal Waterway, and even venture out to the nearby Florida Keys.

The city's marinas, such as the iconic Miami Beach Marina, provide excellent amenities for boaters. Motor yachts are the most popular style of boat booked here, and the vast majority of all bookings in Miami are with USCG-licensed professional captains.


#2: Miami Beach

Average hourly rental price

$209/hr

Average total trip price

$831

Motor Yacht

Adjacent to Miami, Miami Beach ranks second, offering its own unique maritime charm. With pristine beaches and a lively boating scene, Miami Beach caters to both luxury yacht owners and recreational boaters. The city's marinas, including Sunset Harbour Yacht Club and Fontainebleau Marina, are popular hubs for boating enthusiasts. Here you’ll also find a lot of captained charters on motor yachts.


#3: Fort Lauderdale

Average hourly rental price

$172/hr

Average total trip price

$748

Powerboats

Known as the "Yachting Capital of the World," Fort Lauderdale secures the third position on the list. With more than 50,000 registered boats in the city and an extensive network of canals and waterways, the city is a paradise for boaters. The annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) is the world’s largest in-water boat show, and it attracts maritime enthusiasts from around the globe.


#4: Destin

Average hourly rental price

$142/hr

Average total trip price

$651

Pontoons

Nestled on Florida's Emerald Coast, Destin is a picturesque boating destination with crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches.

Boaters can explore Choctawhatchee Bay, Crab Island, and the Gulf of Mexico. Destin Harbor Boardwalk adds a vibrant touch to the city's boating atmosphere. Pontoons are king here, beloved for their easy of maneuvering and ability to beach on popular sandbars like Crab Island.


#5: Fort Walton Beach

Average hourly rental price

$110/hr

Average total trip price

$530

Pontoons

Just west of Destin, Fort Walton Beach offers a tranquil boating experience with its scenic surroundings and emerald-green waters. The city's marinas, like the Fort Walton Yacht Basin, provide convenient access to the Intracoastal Waterway and the Gulf of Mexico. Pontoons are also a top choice here, along with smaller powerboats for cruising and water sports like tubing and wakeboarding.


#6: Clearwater

Average hourly rental price

$99/hr

Average total trip price

$467

Pontoons

Known for its stunning Gulf Coast beaches and clear waters, Clearwater is a boating paradise. Clearwater Beach Marina and the nearby Clearwater Municipal Marina serve as popular starting points for boating adventures to Caladesi Island and the Intracoastal Waterway. Cruising out from Clearwater, you’re close to other great Florida cities like St. Petersburg and Tampa.


#7: Holmes Beach

Average hourly rental price

$60/hr

Average total trip price

$358

Pontoons

Situated on Anna Maria Island, Holmes Beach offers a relaxed and charming boating experience. With easy access to the Gulf of Mexico, boaters can enjoy the serenity of the island's waters. The city's small-town atmosphere and pristine beaches make it an ideal destination for boaters seeking tranquility. Live the island live on a budget here — no need for an expensive flight to the Caribbean!


#8: Cape Coral

Average hourly rental price

$79/hr

Average total trip price

$418

Pontoons

Cape Coral, known for its extensive canal system, ranks eighth on the list. Boaters can explore the Caloosahatchee River and access the Gulf of Mexico through the city's numerous canals.

Cape Coral Yacht Club and Tarpon Point Marina are popular boating hubs. Pontoons are popular here, and you can cruise to nearby Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel Island.


#9: Saint Petersburg

Average hourly rental price

$112/hr

Average total trip price

$517

Pontoons

With its vibrant waterfront and numerous marinas, Saint Petersburg provides a dynamic boating experience. The city's proximity to Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico makes it an ideal base for both sailing and cruising enthusiasts. The annual St. Petersburg Power and Sailboat Show further highlight the city's dedication to maritime activities.


#10: Sarasota

Average hourly rental price

$84/hr

Average total trip price

$536

Pontoons

Closing the top 10 list, Sarasota offers a sophisticated boating experience along Florida's Gulf Coast. With over 23,000 registered vessels in Sarasota County, the city's marinas, such as Marina Jack, cater to both casual boaters and luxury yacht owners. Sarasota's scenic waterways and cultural attractions make it a well-rounded destination for maritime enthusiasts.


In Summary

Florida's top 10 boating cities offer a diverse range of experiences for boaters of all kinds. From the glitz and glamour of Miami to the laid-back charm of Sarasota, each city has its own unique maritime identity. Boating enthusiasts are sure to find their perfect nautical paradise among these top-ranking cities, where a combination of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and world-class marinas creates an unforgettable boating experience.


Citing This Report

Media professionals are welcome to utilize this data for journalistic reporting purposes, with a citation and link to Getmyboat. For any questions, or for any other data not found in the below report, reach out to pr@getmyboat.com. Our data and press team can provide further analysis, press quotes, and any other information needed for press stories.