The Complete Honeymoon Travel & Boating Guide

After you’ve tackled all the big decisions that come with planning a wedding, planning your honeymoon can be a relaxing change of pace. There are so many different approaches to honeymoons, and it depends on your personal preferences, travel style, and goals for the types of experiences you want to have on your vacation. Not sure where to start? We're here to help make it easy!

Steps & Advice for Planning a Honeymoon Trip

Determine a budget. It’s always a good idea to set a budget early in the trip-planning process, to avoid potential disappointments once you start researching and adding up the cost of everything you want to experience. A budget will help guide your planning decisions - taking some of the stress out of planning.

Discuss preferences with your partner. A honeymoon should always be planned together - even if one person loves travel and trip planning and the other is laid back and open to anything - it’s a trip you’ll be sharing and providing input from all sides is crucial. Sharing the planning process also alleviates some of the decision fatigue that can come with exploring so many options.

Be realistic about your itinerary and goals. While it can be easy to get swept up in the excitement of seeing so many places to explore, things to do, and restaurants to try out, don’t jam-pack your honeymoon vacation with endless items to tick off your itinerary. You will definitely want to schedule some downtime to relax and bond with your partner, so plan a few quiet days in addition to activities and adventures.

Be prepared to compromise. No two people travel exactly the same, and everyone has different goals for their vacations. Make sure you are willing to compromise while also making sure you get to enjoy the “top of your list” items on your honeymoon.

Do your research from a variety of sources. Don’t just read online reviews, but ask questions to friends and family if they’ve been to the destination you’re headed to. Check out Instagram, TikTok, and other social platforms for ideas as well as travel tricks and tips. Watch a travel show about your destination to get really amped up and get an overview of what you could expect.

Book early. It’s always been a good idea to book well in advance for any trip, but especially with all the changes to travel that the world has endured since the pandemic, booking early is going to be your best bet to make sure your entire honeymoon trip goes smoothly. You’ll want to ensure you get to experience everything you’ve dreamed of, so don’t wait and miss your chance.

Boating Experiences for Different Types of Honeymoon Vacations

Now that you have an idea of the type of vacation you’re looking for read on for more ideas on what you could experience on your adventures with your new spouse! You don’t need to charter a yacht for the entire week of your honeymoon - but booking some time on the water will make your vacation truly unforgettable. We hope to inspire you to book a boating experience, no matter where you’re going. Getmyboat has over 140,000 boat rentals and water experiences across 9,300 destinations - the possibilities are endless!

Travel Oriented Honeymoon Vacations

If you and your partner are people who love learning about new cultures, seeing historic landmarks and immersing yourself in a place very different from your home city, consider a travel-oriented vacation for your honeymoon. European cities, destinations in Asia, as well as South America, are going to be your best bet for an unforgettable trip.

Things you can enjoy on the water while traveling for your honeymoon. Consider a sightseeing boat tour or dinner onboard a boat. Nothing is more romantic than cruising past the Eiffel Tower in Paris on a Seine river cruise, or island hopping to private beaches around Thailand.

Some boating options you could enjoy on your honeymoon travels:

Historical City Tours

If you love watching travel shows and the History Channel, a historical city tour by boat is a must-do on your honeymoon. A professional boat captain and tour guide will take you on a journey, usually on a river or canals

On a historical boat tour, you will immerse yourself in a culture and learn so much about the place you’re exploring in a relaxing atmosphere. It’s a fabulous way to explore a city without having to walk long distances and stand awkwardly with a tour group on busy city streets. There is often also a bar on board too - so grab a drink, sit back, relax, and learn all about the city you’re venturing to for your honeymoon.

Dinner Cruises

Take a break from regular restaurants on land and room service in your hotel. Opt to dine on a river cruise, seeing the magical city lights pass by as you indulge in local cuisines. You can often choose a dinner cruise based on a specific cuisine and boat route, to combine the foods you want to eat and the sights you want to see.

Some of the best dinner cruise locations are on rivers in Europe, as well as around beautiful harbors and coasts of Caribbean islands.

Wine Tasting & Cocktail Cruises

Have you always wanted to enjoy a wine tasting on the water? Of course! Who wouldn’t? Sip on a fine Cabernet or cocktail and nibble on a cheese board while taking in the sights. It can be a great pairing for a sunset cruise before dinner, an afternoon activity, or something to enjoy at any time during your honeymoon. You don’t have to be traveling in a wine region to access wine tasting cruises either - many are offered in top destinations for honeymoon travel all around the world. Nothing beats relaxing on a boat with your partner, enjoying a drink while a captain and crew takes you to picturesque places around the coast.

Read our guide to wine tasting cruises around the world for more ideas and information!

Adventurous & Active Honeymoon Vacations

Want to kick it up a notch from sightseeing and dining on the water? For adventurous, thrill-seeking couples, there’s no shortage of adrenaline-inducing activities you can book with Getmyboat. There’s something special about challenging and exciting adventures with your spouse, and sharing these crazy experiences will provide you with memories you’ll want to reminisce about for years to come.

From flying over the waves on a parasailing excursion to seeing wild animals in their natural habitat on a kayak safari, you can combine your love for travel with your love for adventure, all on the water. Go swimming with sharks and whales or learn how to scuba dive and spend hours underwater, exploring the world that lives under the sea.

Parasailing

Have you always dreamed of flying? Well, Parasailing can get you almost there. Enjoy sailing over the waves and getting incredible aerial views of the beaches and surroundings on a tandem parasailing excursion. It’s a super fun way to spend a bit of your afternoon on a honeymoon.

Kayak Safari

For active couples who love incorporating a workout in with their travel activities, a kayak safari is a must. Combine sightseeing, wildlife viewing, and an upper body workout as you explore with a local guide by kayak through mangroves, hidden coves, secluded islands and beaches, and other points of interest around your destination. You can enjoy a kayak safari on a river, lake, or ocean, and it’s an incredible way to spend time together on your honeymoon while enjoying some exercise and fresh air.

Swimming with whales or sharks

Not for the faint of heart - swimming with these massive creatures is certainly an adrenaline rush! Swim with the whale sharks in Mexico or try shark cage diving to see great whites up close and personal for a moment you’ll absolutely never forget.

Scuba Diving Excursions

Earn your Open Water certification as a couple while on vacation, or if you’re already certified, book a scuba diving trip during your honeymoon. A dive is a very fun way to share unique experiences with your partner - you’ll see fish, coral reefs, possibly sea turtles, and a lot more. If your spouse is your #1 dive buddy, book a scuba excursion during your honeymoon vacation.

Wildlife Tours

If you want all the excitement and adventure of seeing wildlife while on your honeymoon but want to sit back and relax while doing so - book a wildlife boat tour. Enjoy a leisurely cruise as a local guide takes you to the best spots to see whatever native animals are roaming free. From checking out iguanas, manatees, and gators in Florida to seeing all sorts of species of wild birds - some of the best wildlife tours are experienced on the water.

Relaxing & Rejuvenating Honeymoon Vacations

Photo: Pearl Island Beach Escape in the Bahamas

If you’re wanting to kick back, relax, and not do much during your honeymoon vacation - we get you! After all the excitement and energy from your wedding, it’s more than understandable to want to fully unplug with your partner during your honeymoon. There are many boating experiences that are fully relaxing and perfect to incorporate into your trip.

Catamaran Cruises & Overnights

Want to spend a night (or several) on the water? A private boat trip on a catamaran could be the perfect option for you. With a captain and crew to sort out all the details of your itinerary, you can enjoy a few nights at sea in a luxurious setting. Catamarans offer stability when cruising, ample space to relax onboard, and you can see more of a unique destination when you explore it by water. Sunbathe on your own private boat deck instead of at a crowded beach or pool.

Sailing Charters

Sailing is a magical experience no matter if you’re on a lake, river, or the open ocean. It’s a special experience to feel the wind take you through the water, and sailing is a unique experience that not everyone gets to have during their life.

Many boat captains love introducing their passion for sailing to customers onboard their boats - so ask if you want to learn some techniques while you’re sailing away. A mini sailing lesson can be a fun and special experience to share with your partner.

Explore a Private Island

While this isn’t an option in every Honeymoon destination, there are thousands of spots around the world where local boat captains can bring you to secluded islands and beaches for a romantic experience. Enjoy sunbathing and exploring with just your partner on a private island you reach by boat.

Sunset Cruise

Want to experience being on a boat just for a brief time? A two-hour sunset cruise can be the perfect way to get on the water. There’s something extra special about watching the sky change color, illuminating the water and shoreline in an orange glow as you relax on board and watch it go down. It can be the perfect activity on the final night of your honeymoon vacation, symbolizing the end of an unforgettable trip.

Trending Honeymoon Destinations for 2022

Now that you have an idea of what you want to do - where do you want to go? There are thousands of destinations around the world that are great for a honeymoon vacation, but here are some of the top trending options for this year:

St. Lucia Honeymoon Vacations

With sparkling Caribbean waters, lush forests, incredible landscapes, and vibrant communities, it’s no wonder why St. Lucia is one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in the world. Whether you’re looking for relaxing beach days, outdoor adventures, or lively nightlight, St. Lucia has it all.

The natural beauty, warm weather, and gorgeous beaches make St. Lucia a destination that must be experienced from the water. With Getmyboat, you can explore volcanic sand beaches, go deep-sea fishing, scuba dive with vibrant marine life, or enjoy a sunset sail with breathtaking backdrops. Our top picks in St. Lucia is a catamaran charter with the island’s most breathtaking views or a relaxing sunset cruise to close out the day.

Jamaica Honeymoon Vacations

Looking to experience luxury on your honeymoon without breaking the bank? Then Jamaica is an excellent honeymoon destination for you. Newlyweds can enjoy Jamaica's rich nature, calm, clear waters, white-sand beaches, and all-inclusive resorts. Some of the most popular places to visit in Jamaica are Montego Bay, Kingston, Ocho Rios, and Negril. Our top picks in Jamaica are an all-inclusive yacht experience and a parasailing and snorkel excursion in Montego Bay for the adventure seekers.

Hawaii Honeymoon Vacations

The Aloha State is considered one of the most desirable honeymoon destinations on the planet, and for a good reason. Honeymooners can expect endless sunsets, powder-soft beaches, romantic seaside restaurants, and a ton of nature adventure options. Hawaii consists of 6 major islands, all unique and different from the next. No trip to Hawaii is complete without a boat rental or water experience, and with Getmyboat we can easily make any of your boat day dreams come true.

Oahu is the perfect mixture of a bustling city and laid-back beach life. Newlyweds will be able to choose from a wide range of world-class resorts, locally-inspired cuisine, beautiful beaches, and exciting water experiences. Our top picks in Oahu are a sunset cruise to the iconic Diamond Head and an unforgettable snorkeling adventure in Waikiki.

Maui is the perfect combination of luxury, relaxation, and romance. Explore the jungle valleys, scenic coastal valleys, and endless waterfalls. We recommend embarking on a sail and snorkel adventure or paddling along the coastline of Kahului.

Honeymoon Trips to the Bahamas

Thousands of newlyweds head to the Bahamas every year for their honeymoon for the postcard-worthy beaches, pristine weather, and ideal weather all year round. The aquatic adventures in the Bahamas are endless! With Getmyboat, you can visit pig island and splash around the water with wild pigs, swim with nurse sharks, snorkel with turtles, or dive down to a shipwreck and admire the coral reef formations.

Our top picks in the Bahamas are a yacht charter to swim with the pigs and a private day charter where you can customize your itinerary for the perfect day on the water.

French Polynesia: Bora Bora, Maldives, Tahiti

Photo: Private Boat Rental in Bora Bora

French Polynesia is arguably one of the most dreamy honeymoon destinations you can find. Home to crystal clear lagoons, palm-tree-filled beaches, and some of the most luxurious resorts in the world, this tropical getaway will definitely live up to your expectations. French Polynesia is comprised of 116 islands, so there’s no shortage of island towns to choose from. Some of the more well-known destinations are Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora. Enjoy the perfect weather all year round and discover the best of the South Pacific with a boat rental or water experience. With Getmyboat you can book a boat tour and sightsee from the water while you admire the dramatic landscapes, overwater bungalows, and sparkling water. Our top picks in French Polynesia are a private boat rental that includes island tours and snorkeling with stingrays and a guided jet ski tour.

Costa Rica Honeymoon

Costa Rica is the perfect honeymoon vacation for eco-conscious adventure travelers. The country has a national commitment to sustainability, and there are so many incredible eco-tours available across Costa Rica. Enjoy the lush terrain and rainforests inland, where you can explore on a whitewater rafting trip. Visit the coast of Costa Rica, like Playa del Coco or Manuel Antonio where you’ll enjoy sandy beaches and surfing. See diverse wildlife like sloths, howler monkeys, gorgeous birds, and so much more on a jungle trekking adventure. Take a volcanic tour of El Arenal in La Fortuna. There’s something for every type of traveler and adventurer in Costa Rica, and you can feel good about visiting a place that is committed to green tourism and eco-friendly living. Our top picks in Costa Rica are a guided turtle nesting night tour and kayaking on Lake Arenal.

Bali Honeymoon Vacations

Bali is the epitome of a romantic island getaway - making it the ideal honeymoon destination. The exotic nature, affordability, and great food are just some of the many reasons why newlyweds gravitate to this tropical paradise. Bali is a choose-your-own-adventure type of trip - meaning your honeymoon can be as active or relaxing as you like. Sip delicious cocktails beachside, snorkel with majestic wildlife, take a surfing lesson, go island-hopping, or book a sunset sail.

Our favorite picks in Bali are a diving trip to explore vibrant coral reefs, which attract diverse marine life and a catamaran charter cruise that includes light snacks & drinks, snorkel equipment, paddleboards, kayaks, and fishing equipment.

Reviews from Couples on Their Honeymoon

Hear what newlyweds had to say about their experiences using Getmyboat!

“We had such a wonderful time! My husband and I did this as part of our honeymoon trip. The communication was prompt and thorough, which gave us a lot of confidence in booking. We were able to move at our pace and snorkel for the amount of time we wanted. The crew even brought along bread so we could attract plenty of fish while snorkeling. A good family friend will be visiting Punta Cana in June, and after she heard what a wonderful time we had, she is booking this excursion as well! Don't waste your money on the big boat booze cruises with the obnoxiously loud music - this private boat trip was our favorite part of our entire vacation!”

“Captain Bill was AWESOME! The description and photos don’t do him and his catamaran enough justice! 10/10! He even knew it was our honeymoon and got us roses. Couldn’t recommend Captain Bill enough!! :)”

“We had a wonderful experience during our tour! The staff were extremely helpful, informative, and went above and beyond to give us an amazing tour for our honeymoon!”

Start Planning Your Honeymoon Today

Photo: Luxury Yacht Charter in Fort Myers, Florida

Now that the stressful wedding planning is over, it’s time for the fun part! With Getmyboat, we can help seamlessly plan the honeymoon of your dreams. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a mixture of both we have you covered. We hope these ideas inspired you to plan an unforgettable vacation to celebrate your love and get out on the water. Ready to start planning your honeymoon? Search GetMyBoat now!