Top

Floradise

A lifestyle blog by Marette Flora

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!

Related posts:

5 Boating Activities in Chicago
Chicago Summer Goal: Get On The Water

Connect with Discover Boating:

Discover Boating Website

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.

South Point, Hawaii

The drop from Ka Lae (South Point) in Hawaii is 40 feet, or so I’ve read. We were driving around the Big Island on our honeymoon when we made a stop at South Point.

I daydreamed about cliff-jumping in Hawaii for months, but I didn’t take the leap. It all sounded swell until I remembered the time I cliff-jumped in Sedona and injured myself. It felt as though I had broken my sternum and I was sore for almost a week.

Maybe someday I’ll summon the courage, but on the day Graham and I visited I was content to just stare off toward Antarctica. (South Point is in fact the southernmost point in the United States.) I watched waves crash onto the rock walls in the distance as Graham contemplated a jump. A day earlier, our kayak tour guide had offered these sage words: “If the local boys aren’t jumping, don’t do it.” We didn’t see anyone swimming or jumping that day, so of course we heeded the warning. Although, the wind seemed almost strong enough to push me over the edge.

 

South Point, Hawaii | Big Island
Several fisherman were set up around the cliffs.

 

South Point, Hawaii | Big Island

 

To get there, take South Point Road for 12 miles off Mamalohoa Highway. It’s a narrow road that takes you past windmills and ranch lands. In the same trip you can drive, get a ride or hike to Papakōlea Green Sand Beach.

 

 

 

Our kayak tour guide also mentioned the blow hole he had jumped into. I can’t imagine anyone doing this!

 

Have you been to South Point? Would you jump off?!

 

Aug. 25: National Park Service’s Birthday

Update: The National Park Service is turning 100! The fee-free day continues this year. See more on the website!


The National Park Service is turning 97.  Admission and day-use fees at national parks are waived on Sunday, Aug. 25, so it might be a good time to plan a day trip. I visited Grand Canyon National Park on a fee-free day in September and saved $25.

Looking for a national park in Arizona? 


Note: The Hohokam Pima National Monument is not open to the public.

Of course, there are also national parks and monuments that never charge an entrance fee.
Other fee-free days are planned in 2013. They are:
  • Sept. 28 for National Public Lands Day, which I took advantage of in 2012.
  • Nov. 9-11 for Veterans Day weekend.
There is a disclaimer on the website that not all fees may be waived. It’s best to call the park ahead of time to ask.

It says:

*Fee waiver includes: entrance fees, commercial tour fees, and transportation entrance fees. Other fees such as reservation, camping, tours, concession and fees collected by third parties are not included unless stated otherwise.

If you visit national parks often, consider purchasing an annual pass ($80), which gets to in to more than 2,000 national recreation areas. There are also senior, military, volunteer and access passes.

2013 free-admission days at national parks

The first entrance-fee-free day at national parks this year is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which is Jan. 21. Admission and day-use fees are waived that day. I visited Grand Canyon National Park on a fee-free day in September and saved $25.

Looking for a national park in Arizona? Any of these would make a good weekend trip.

Note: The Hohokam Pima National Monument is not open to the public.

Of course, there are also national parks and monuments that never charge an entrance fee.

Other fee-free days are planned in 2013. They are:
  • April 22-26 for National Park Week, which celebrates “84 million acres of the world’s most spectacular scenery, historic landmarks and cultural treasures.”
  • Aug. 25 for the National Park Service’s birthday.
  • Sept. 28 for National Public Lands Day, which I took advantage of in 2012.
  • Nov. 9-11 for Veterans Day weekend.
There is a disclaimer on the website that not all fees may be waived. It’s best to call the park ahead of time to ask.
It says:
*Fee waiver includes: entrance fees, commercial tour fees, and transportation entrance fees. Other fees such as reservation, camping, tours, concession and fees collected by third parties are not included unless stated otherwise.
If you visit national parks often, consider purchasing an annual pass ($80), which gets to in to more than 2,000 national recreation areas. There are also senior, military, volunteer and access passes.
); ga('require', 'displayfeatures'); ga('require', 'linkid', 'linkid.js'); ga('set', 'anonymizeIp', true); ga('send', 'pageview');