boating Archives - Floradise

06/19/2018

Add Boating to Your Summer Plans

** This post is sponsored by Discover Boating but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

I have shared quite frequently that I love being on or near water. Turns out I am not alone in that: 142 million Americans go boating each year, according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association. And summer is the best time to spend on a boat! There’s just something so relaxing about being on the water. It feels like you’re on vacation, even when you’re not. You get to experience a familiar or new place in another fun way! That’s why Graham and I try to make boating a part of our travels wherever we go.

Examples of how to incorporate boating in your travels:

In Hawaii, you can charter a boat and hire a guide to spend the day whale watching and swimming with dolphins. There’s so much to do on a boat in the state!

In San Francisco you can take in a different view of the city, especially the Golden Gate bridge, while on a sailboat. You don’t need to stay on land to explore a new place.

In Chicago you can take your boat (or boat rental) down the river or spend a day in the “play pen,” where you can interact with other Chicagoans on the water. Or you can cruise in a yacht and soak in the sunset and skyline views. That is one of our favorite things to do in the summer.

You can find ways to spend time on a boat, whether at home in your city or many miles away, by checking out Discover Boating’s Go Boating Today tool that generates local options for boat rentals, classes, charters and more, by simply entering a city or ZIP code. I searched for boating opportunities in Chicago and found many options. Examples in Chicago include renting an island party boat on Lake Michigan! How fun does that sound?!

You don’t need to own a boat to experience what it’s like to have a vacation on the water, but if you’re ready to explore buying your own, Discover Boating’s Boat Selector tool lets you find what type of boat fits your lifestyle and budget. Discover Boating also has information on youth boating programs, classes and lots more!

Do you have any plans to go boating? Let me know in the comments!

5 Boating Activities in Chicago

Chicago Summer Goal: Get On The Water

Connect with Discover Boating:

Discover Boating Website

06/04/2018

7 Favorite Things to Do in Chicago

Favorite Things to Do in Chicago During the Summer

Every summer that I’ve lived in Chicago I create a summer bucket list of things I want to do during the season. This year I am simplifying the process by sticking to just my favorite things to do in the city instead of trying to do everything. Completing my check list will be a bit more challenging with two kids, but I’m up for the task!

My favorite things to do in Chicago:

Standup paddleboarding: I have really enjoyed trying SUP as a way to get a workout and see the city from a different viewpoint. It’s also a nice way to get away if you think about it: everyone’s on the beach and you get some of the lake to yourself while on the water.
Kayaking on Chicago River: Graham and I had a memorable date night on a sunset river kayaking tour and I hope to find the time to try this again.
Baseball game at Wrigley Field: No summer is complete without baseball! (You can sub a White Sox game if that’s your jam, I guess.)
Architecture tour: The evening architecture tour on the Chicago River doesn’t get old. I like to do this whenever we have visitors.
Sunset cruise: Graham and I have done this cruise on Lake Michigan every summer. We love the views.
Running on the lakefront path: I want to train for the Chicago Half in the fall, and I miss the trail! I plan to sign up for group training again.
Brunch (bonus points for a rooftop!): Sure, you can have brunch any time of year, but it’s the best and most fun during the summer when you can sit on the patio with your mimosa(s) in hand.

What would you add to this list? Have you visited Chicago during the summer? What was your favorite thing to do?

Chicago summer bucket list and on-the-go photo tips

Chicago spring bucket list

04/23/2018

Our Stay at the Hilton Waikoloa Village Resort in Hawaii

Hilton Waikoloa Resort, Big Island, Hawaii

We’re typically low-key travelers who prefer affordable places to stay that are easy to get to and conveniently located near the activities we enjoy. However, the booking of our Hawaii trip was a bit last minute because we had to cancel our Puerto Rico plans. That meant that almost all the Big Island hotels in the Kailua-Kona area were near capacity and we had to book whatever was left. We decided to venture a bit farther north to the Waikoloa area because we had skipped that part of the island on our honeymoon trip in 2014. We had heard there were some beautiful beaches nearby that we wanted to check out. With the help of Ebates and Priceline I was able to find a deal on a stay at the Hilton Waikola Village Resort, so we went for it despite the slightly higher price tag than we are used to paying. (Use my referral link to get started on Ebates; you’ll get $10.) Today I want to share the pros and cons of staying at the Hilton Waikola Village Resort.

Hilton Waikoloa Village Resort in Hawaii

Waikoloa Village was like a small village. (Actually someone we met in town called it their Disney World.) We had to take a tram to our hotel room tower and walking to the lobby from the room could take up to 20 minutes (if you’re preggo like me). Overall, though, we enjoyed our stay at the resort. This was where we waited in the basement during the false ballistic missile alert in Hawaii, too.

Hilton Waikoloa Resort, Hawaii

Hilton Waikoloa Resort, Big Island, Hawaii

Pros

Activities are plentiful.
Nice views from the rooms.
The lagoon was convenient and perfect for V to swim in. There are plenty of lounge chairs to use and you can rent kayaks, paddleboards and other equipment. You can also snorkel and see fish and turtles!
Just about everything you need is available.
Close to Hapuna Beach.
Spacious, comfortable rooms.
The walkway to lobby was also a museum with incredible artwork.
You can take a tram or boat to your tower.
The resort is gorgeous.
Nice shops.

Hilton Waikoloa Resort, Big Island, Hawaii

Cons

Not convenient to leave the resort.
Parking was $20-something per day for self-parking. Also, parking is far from your room.
Dining prices were higher as to be expected.
Resort fee was $20-something per day.
Construction near our tower was an eyesore.
Waikoloa is a bit of a drive (30 minutes or so) from Kailua-Kona and seems a bit isolated. We didn’t like having to drive so far for more food and activity options.

What kind of accommodations do you prefer when you travel?

Watch our videos:

EXPLORING HILO, HAWAII

PU’UHONUA O HONAUNAU NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK IN HAWAII

Unforgettable Beach Day: False Ballistic Missile Alert

01/24/2018

Whale Watching Plus Snorkeling With Dolphins and Manta Rays in Hawaii

Whale Watching Plus Snorkeling With Dolphins and Manta Rays in Hawaii Somehow we tend to luck out when booking tours on vacation. We have at several times arrived to discover we are the only people with reservations, meaning we essential get a private outing! This is what happened with our whale watching tour through Kona Ocean Adventures. I was expecting a small group of six, including us, but we were pleasantly surprised!

In addition to seeing lava, I really wanted to spot some whales during our Hawaii trip. They migrate to the Hawaiian islands from November to about April, so we’ve never seen them during our trips; all of my visits to Hawaii have been in September.

I had no idea what to expect from our whale watching tour. I was told that if we happen to not see any whales we could go back out with them another day, so that made me nervous that the tour wouldn’t be worth the $130 per person price tag.

But we got so much more than we were expecting, though I wasn’t able to capture much of it on my camera. (More on that later.)

The first part of the tour involved heading away from shore for a while. I will say I was not expecting how bumpy it would be, so keep that in mind if you’re planning to ride on a boat while pregnant. You can always ask them to go a bit slower, though.

We quickly spotted a whale and her calf.

Whale Watching Plus Snorkeling With Dolphins and Manta Rays in Hawaii

Then we heard a call over the radio that there was a manta ray feeding frenzy nearby. Our captain asked if we were interested in seeing it and we quickly said yes. When we arrived, she asked if G wanted to swim with them, too. He quickly grabbed his snorkeling gear and jumped in the water. The captain gives tips on how to swim with them. The mantas are used to people, from what we were told. I, too, quickly got into the water to peek underneath the surface and see them swim from afar. It’s an incredible sight!

Whale Watching Plus Snorkeling With Dolphins and Manta Rays in Hawaii

After a while, we moved on. We next heard a radio call about spinner dolphins and instantly said yes to seeing them, too. Only one other boat had discovered the dolphins, so it was not crowded with people at all. It was amazing! I have never in my life seen so many dolphins at once, and they were quite active!

I had to take the opportunity to swim with them as well. As soon as you pop your head underwater you can hear them. You might even hear whales nearby as well. We spent quite a bit of time snorkeling here, though I only lasted a few minutes. In my current pregnant state I don’t have the energy to swim for as long as before, though using a noodle helps.

After our dolphin snorkel we went back to whale watching. We traveled pretty far north of the coast and even made it to where we could see Maui! This is where we spotted a breaching whale from afar. I was unable to capture photos because it happens to quickly and unexpectedly.

We also saw a shark fin!

As you can see, our whale watching was much more than just whales. It went from a two-hour tour to one that lasted more than three hours! However, had we not also been able to snorkel I would not have thought this was worth the money. But the unexpected adventures made this adventure worth it! It’s one of our favorite memories of the trip!

Have you been on a whale watching tour?

Note: If you’re pregnant you should check with your doctor about what is safe for you to do. Every pregnancy and person is different.

Watch a video of our whale watching and snorkeling tour:

08/18/2017

Niagara Falls: Day and Night Cruises

Hands down the most fun we had on our Canada trip was on the Hornblower cruises to Niagara Falls. Our 3-year-old hasn’t stopped talking about it and I know she will not soon forget the memories we made.

I purchased the day and night cruise package, which includes a 40-minute fireworks cruise that started at 9:30 p.m. and a 20-minute Voyage to the Falls day cruise. When I bought the tickets it wasn’t clear how I would purchase the package, but all you have to do is pick the date you want for the night cruise and then you can go to any day cruise as well. (They leave about every 15-20 minutes throughout the day.) We decided to go around 9 a.m. to space out the cruises and hopefully avoid huge crowds around the falls. In case you’re wondering, Hornblower leaves from the Canada side, while Maid of the Mist is on the U.S. side.

The line moved quickly when we arrived. If you already purchased tickets online, head straight to the walkway and elevators. After you take your photos, you keep walking until you get to the snack bar tent area, where your tickets are scanned. (I just pulled up the barcodes on my phone to avoid printing them out.) Then you continue walking down the ramps and receive your rain ponchos.

FYI: Adult tickets for both the day and night cruises were $55.90 (Canadian; about $43 U.S.). Victoria didn’t have to pay because she is under 5 years old, so that’s nice! If you just want to do the 20-minute Voyage to the Falls it will cost $25.95 (Canadian; about $20 U.S.).

The closer you move toward the falls, the more drenched you become. It’s actually a ton of fun. You can stand anywhere on the boat, and we chose the front. The upper deck area seemed to be a popular spot for most people.

The ponchos don’t really do much, to be honest. You will still be soaked but it’s fine! You could always bring your own. Also, be sure your phone and camera are secure from water damage.

After our cruise, we headed back to our hotel and explored Clifton Hill before returning around 9 p.m. We figured parking would be difficult to find on this Friday night, and it’s expensive near the falls, so we opted for a short taxi ride instead. (Earlier that morning we paid $15 to park for about an hour and a half. Yikes.) Crowds line up early for the evening fireworks, so plan accordingly.

I liked the morning cruise more than the evening cruise, but we did both because V would get a kick out of the fireworks. (Although, the evening cruise had a bar, so decide which is better for you.) You get more wet during the daytime cruises because the boats go closer to the mist. Also, I find the illumination of the falls to be quite gimmicky, but kinda cool, I guess. The entire town is a tourist trap, so just know what you’re getting into and have fun!

Check out our videos of the Niagara Falls cruises below and subscribe to my YouTube channel!

Have you done a Niagara Falls cruise? What did you think?

CN Tower | Toronto

09/08/2016

Summer Send-off: Lake Michigan Sunset Cruise

I’m not really sure why people are so eager to wish summer away. I’m in no hurry to get into cold temperatures. Labor Day may be the unofficial end of summer, but it very much still feels like summer in Chicago. Nonetheless, we said goodbye to the season with a sunset cruise on Lake Michigan after a day of exploring Garfield Park Conservatory.

I bought our tickets to the cruise on the Anita Dee II on Groupon for less than $24 after I used a promo code. If you’re wondering what a lake cruise on one of these yachts is like, it’s basically a nightclub on a boat. Before we boarded we were offered a drink special of 3 for $20 if you paid with cash while waiting in line. Graham and I, of course, never have cash, so we paid $8 per drink on board. I chose a rum punch (that tasted like summer) to drink while we cruised away from DuSable Harbor.

View as you pull away from the harbor, which is just south of Navy Pier.

If you take one of the 90-minute cruises next summer, I recommend getting in line early so you can find a good spot on the yacht. The seats and tables will fill up quickly, especially on the upper deck. Also, a line immediately forms at the bar, which takes cash and credit cards. One complaint: No food is served on the boat. Who doesn’t get hungry when they drink? Graham and I spent the first part of the cruise on the top deck before heading down to the bottom for a different view. We found a quiet spot on the back of the yacht where we could relax and take photos. The weather was absolutely gorgeous and the view of sunset silhouetting the Chicago skyline can’t be beat. I didn’t want the night to end.

We spent the last portion of the cruise indoors people watching. By the end of the cruise people have the liquid courage to dance. It was entertaining and fun to watch adults of all ages dance to the same inappropriate, unedited lyrics. Graham kept trying to get me to dance but I was too embarrassed, or something. I definitely didn’t want to go to the dance floor. I was happy hanging out on the sidelines. (Introvert quirks!) Plus, some 50-year-olds were really showing me up!

Have you been on a cruise on Lake Michigan? What did you think? Check out my video below and subscribe to my channel to see more of our adventures.

* Note about parking: We found a spot near the harbor on SpotHero. Use my referral link to get a discount on your first spot.

06/30/2016

5 Boating Activities I Want to Do in Chicago

How is it already July? It feels like the summer is slipping out of my fingertips and I haven’t made a significant dent in my bucket list. When I think about perfect ways to spend a summer weekend day in Chicago, being on Lake Michigan is at the top of the list.

Here’s my bucket list of boating activities I want to do in Chicago:

Watch fireworks from a boat. The Navy Pier fireworks are held every Wednesday and Saturday night. You can either watch from your own boat, rent a boat or join a cruise.

Go on a sunset cruise on Lake Michigan (again!). Again, you can do this on your own or on a tour. I did this last summer and it was a highlight of the season. Check out the views!

Rent a tiki boat for a celebration. I see people do this during holidays and it looks so fun! The boats have a fun slide, sound system and island decor.

Rent a boat and cruise down the Chicago River. I got this idea during the Chicago River dyeing before St. Patrick’s Day. After the dye was dropped into the river, people cruised down in their own boats. What better viewing around is there than the water?

Sail on Lake Michigan. I’ve never actually been on a sailboat, but it would be a fun experience. I see them on Lake Michigan often. Sailing charters can be booked during the fireworks and evenings as well!

To help with my boating bucket list items, I am consulting DiscoverBoating.com. All of these activities in Chicago can be arranged through the website, which I wrote about recently as a resource to find boat rentals, charters and sales in my area. Parents can also find youth boating programs for the little ones and classes are also listed.

For those who are ready to do activities such as these regularly, DiscoverBoating.com has a boat selector tool that helps you find a boat that is right for you, your family and your budget. I hope to someday be able to have a boat as well. Don’t we all? Both my grandfather and father were fishermen, and my family owned a couple of boats in the past, so my family has strong ties to the water, as I’ve written about before. Being on a boat is one of my favorite things to do. There’s just something about being on the lake or cruising down the Chicago River and admiring the Chicago skyline.

Need some inspiration for your next boating adventure? Check out these fun videos on the possibilities!

What’s your favorite boating memory? Tell me in the comments and share your Stories of Discovery on social media with the hashtag #discoverboating!

** This post contains affiliate links.

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05/26/2016

Chicago Summer Goal: Get on the Water

I have always felt a connection to the water and boating. My grandfather was a fishing boat captain in Mexico for many years. I remember visiting him on the boat during summer vacations and loving every minute of it.

Now, boat is still accessible to me via Discover Boating’s Get on the Water tool, which shows boat classes, charters and rentals in my area, as well as around the country.

While I don’t get to go on fishing boats often anymore, last summer I was lucky enough to experience a Chicago sunset from a boat on Lake Michigan. It was one of my favorite summer memories in our first year in Chicago. This summer I am determined to recreate that experience as often as possible. My mission: Get on the water.

While researching boat rentals, I came across this touching video titled “Good Run: A Boating Story.” It reminded me of my grandpa and of all the reasons I love being on the water. I love feeling the cool breeze, looking at the amazing city views and spending time with friends and my husband in such a fun setting.

I found various ways to experience Chicago in new ways on DiscoverBoating.com, which makes boating accessible by providing everything you need to know to get on the water. I found 20 locations for boat rentals in the Chicago area to make my summer dreams come true.

Ideas for boating activities in Chicago found on Discover Boating:

Renting an island theme party boat with friends.
Chicago river boat rentals and cruises to marvel at the city’s impressive architecture.
Night boat rentals to see the Navy Pier fireworks held during the summer.
Sunset boat rentals to see the gorgeous lighting surrounding the Chicago skyline.
Swimming and sunbathing sailboat charters.
Youth Boating Programs such as sailing classes and racing teams for children.

Want to go boating this summer? Discover Boating has tools to help you get out on the water, even if you don’t own a boat! Those looking to buy a boat can find a Boat Selector tool on Discover Boating’s website. It’s a must-see resource for new and experienced boaters.

*“This post contains affiliate links.

03/10/2016

Getting Around Costa Rica Without Renting a Car

When I planned our Costa Rica trip, I had no idea how expensive car rental in the country would be. I was quoted $400 or more for the smallest cars available for my dates in January. Our costs would have been a lot more because we wanted a vehicle with four-wheel drive, just in case. By contrast, car rental on our last trip to Hawaii was about $200 and we were upgraded to a Cadillac SUV. On top of the cost of accommodations, airfare, activities and food, the quotes were too much for me on top of our nervousness of not knowing where we were going. We decided instead to use alternative modes of transportation during our trip. Here’s how we were able to go nine days without a car:

We took taxis and airport shuttles to and from the hotel in San Jose. It’s a great idea to find a hotel with a free airport shuttle.
We took a $90 flight to Tortuguero for two nights. The only way to get to the small village of Tortuguero, which is known for the sea turtles who nest on the beaches, is via boat or flight. To drive here we would have had to drive 4-5 hours to a village, pay for parking and then take a boat to the lodge. A flight was actually a lot faster and not much more expensive. In fact, it might have even been the same cost when you factor in gas, parking and the boat ride. There are tours that offer two-day trips to Tortuguero but we prefer being on our own.
We paid $150 for boat transportation/tour from Tortuguero to Puerto Viejo, our next destination. This was part wildlife tour and part transportation because we stopped to look at animals often. It is about an hour and a half or two hours down rivers and canals to Moin, followed by an hour in a shuttle. Because our boat left without us, we received a private boat ride and private car transportation to our bed and breakfast.
For the four days in Puerto Viejo area, we walked and rode bikes from town to town. They are close enough that this is possible and bikes are a popular mode of transportation here. We also took a $4 taxi one night.
We rode a local bus for less than $10 each to Cahuita roadtrip to explore the national park. It was a nice little day trip.
Our raft tour picked us up in Puerto Viejo and dropped us off at our next destination, La Fortuna, as part of the cost of the tour. It’s such a good deal! The rafting tour costs the same whether you are dropped off at the same place or whether you go to another town!
We booked private shuttle service from Arenal to San Jose for about $75 on our last day.

Advice from Lonely Planet:

The local bus is a cheap and reliable way to get around. According to Lonely Planet, you can travel domestically for less than $20 for the longest route, but note that it would take hours of travel time.
Expect to pay $15-$25 a day in insurance to rent a car. “Full insurance through the rental agency can be up to $50 a day,” Lonely Planet says.
There are no addresses in Costa Rica, so you might want to rent a GPS if you do rent a car.
Outside of San Jose, negotiate the taxi fare before getting in. (Even in San Jose I asked for an estimate of how much it would be and watched the meter.)

Our transportation costs were less expensive (or perhaps the same as renting a small car), but we didn’t need to worry about getting lost. Also, some of these costs doubled as entertainment/tours. Now that we have been to Costa Rica, we would consider driving on a future trip, but it was worth it to have a mostly carefree first vacation there.

More on Costa Rica:

*Affiliate link included. I am compensated for purchases through affiliate programs.

02/22/2016

A Louisiana Swamp Tour

When I visit a new place, I think, “I have to do as much as I can. Who knows when I’ll be back?” After all, tomorrow isn’t promised. That’s why I fit in as much as I could on my short trip to New Orleans. I booked a swamp tour ($29 a person without transportation; $59 with pickup) at Honey Island Swamp, about 45 minutes outside New Orleans, through Cajun Encounters. I pictured an airboat speeding through the swamp, but that’s actually a different tour. We rode on a larger boat that fits about 20 people. While it wasn’t an airboat, it does get pretty breezy — and chilly.

Cajun Encounters, Honey Island Swamp, New Orleans, Louisiana

To be honest, I had low expectations about the tour given that I had just been on the most amazing wildlife tours in Costa Rica. I doubted I would see many animals. I was just there to see new scenery and enjoy the ride. I would take what I could get, I told the captain. Some people said they’d like to see crocodiles or alligators, but he quickly corrected their mistaken notion that crocodiles live in the area. Only alligators live in the swamp. The hour and a half tour starts on the river and then goes into the swamp. The captains bring with them a bag of marshmallows and some dog food to feed any animals they see. I wondered the ethics of that, but what do I know? The tour was in a protected area. We spotted an otter swimming in the water before we came across a raccoon standing in the water. He seemed to know the captain and showed off his cuteness to earn himself some treats. I nervously squirmed in my seat as the raccoon came within two feet of the boat. “Please don’t jump on,” I thought. We continued on our ride and soon saw another raccoon that also wanted marshmallows. In the trees we spotted several woodpeckers, and white snow egrets also roamed the swamp. Minutes later, we came across 15-20 wild pigs. They barreled through the water toward the boat. The captain called them his wife and kids, because he’s fed them for years. We watched the spectacle for a while before it was time to head back. The captain told stories of pigs being devoured by alligators during tours, including one with a bunch of terrified third-graders. I couldn’t imagine the carnage.

Cajun Encounters, Honey Island Swamp, New Orleans, Louisiana, egret

Once we exited the swamp we went down the river again to see camps on stilts. The captain told us that during Katrina the water rose up to 25 feet above the level it’s at now. I imagined how frightening and dangerous that must have been. After a 15 or so minute ride we arrived in an area about 2 miles from the Gulf of Mexico, where he said a couple of alligators were known to hang out. We spotted those two small gators, stopped for photos and then headed back. While we didn’t see that many alligators — it was just the start of the season — the tour was worth the cost to see the landscape and views.

Have you been on a Louisiana swamp tour? What did you think?