Summer is the perfect time to explore my Top 20 must-do activities for your summer boating bucket list and create unforgettable memories on the water. Whether you are an experienced cruiser or a weekend boater, here’s your ultimate guide to maximizing fun, relaxation, and adventure.
1. Anchor in a Marine Park
Find a breathtaking marine park near you and spend the day (or night) surrounded by nature. Enjoy snorkelling, swimming, or simply taking in the scenic beauty. These parks offer a fantastic way to immerse yourself in marine life while escaping the daily hustle and bustle. Tribune Bay and Wallace Island are my favourites! Here is a complete list.
2. Watch the Sunset from Your Boat
There’s nothing quite like watching the sun dip below the horizon from the deck of your boat. As the sky changes from blue to orange and pink, take a deep breath and enjoy the peaceful moment. Bring a cozy blanket and a few pillows to the bow, maybe a glass of wine, and let the sky put on a show.
3. Have a Beach Picnic
Pack a gourmet picnic and head to a secluded beach. Fresh seafood, a crisp salad, and a chilled bottle of rosé make the perfect meal. Lay out a blanket, dip your toes in the sand, and enjoy the simplicity of a meal by the water.
Keep your meals fresh and drinks chilled with this lightweight, leak-proof insulated picnic basket, available in multiple colours, featuring a foldable design, sturdy handles, and spacious capacity—perfect for beach picnics and dock parties! 🚤🌞🥂
4. Try Paddleboarding or Kayaking
Explore hidden coves and calm waters by paddleboard or kayak. It’s a great way to get a workout while soaking in the scenery. Paddle to a quiet spot, take a break, and enjoy the sounds of nature around you. I remember floating in my dinghy by the shore, sipping coffee and watching a mama raccoon teach her kits how to turn over rocks to find breakfast.
Start your morning coffee ritual with a peaceful gunkholing adventure in the Challenger K1 Canoe/Kayak combo, built with super-tough vinyl for durability, inflatable backrests for comfort, and a sleek design with skegs for smooth, effortless paddling—perfect for exploring hidden coves at sunrise! 🚣♂️☕🌊
5. Go For A Night Dinghy Ride
Navigate under the stars for a completely different boating experience. The water feels calmer, the air is cooler, and the reflection of the moonlight is mesmerizing. Ensure your navigation lights are functioning properly, and appreciate the peaceful ambiance. Summer in the Pacific Northwest is the perfect time to look for bioluminescent plankton or effervescence in the ocean. Watch the glowing trails created by fish and waves as your boat moves. It’s a magical, once-in-a-lifetime experience that feels like drifting through a field of stardust.
Then you can stop and drift while you look at the sky. I love the Starwalk App for a real-time view of the planets and stars – my favourite is Orion’s Belt!
6. Cook a Fresh Seafood Meal & Visit an Island Farmer’s Market
Catch your dinner and visit a local market for the freshest ingredients—unless you have your own garden onboard! Grilled fish tacos, crab cakes, or seafood paella are all great choices. Cooking on the boat adds to the adventure and makes the meal even more satisfying.
7. Host a Floating Happy Hour
Invite fellow boaters for a casual docktail hour on the water. Serve boat-themed drinks like a “Salty Dog” or a “Seabreeze” alongside easy-to-eat snacks. Play some music, relax, and enjoy the company of good friends while floating on the waves.
8. Take a Boat Yoga Class
Start your morning with gentle stretches or a full-on yoga session on the deck. The gentle rocking of the boat adds a balance challenge to your poses. It’s the ultimate way to relax and stay active on the water. I purchased a travel yoga mat and have downloaded many YouTube classes to my iPad.
Stay fit on the water with this foldable yoga mat—lightweight, packable, and available in seven fun colors, it's perfect for a quick sunrise stretch on deck, a beachside workout, or a little boat-friendly balance training! 🚤🧘♀️🌊
9. Explore a New Waterway
Set a course for somewhere you’ve never been before. Whether it’s a new island, river, or coastal town, discovering new places keeps boating exciting. Research local attractions, restaurants, and anchorages to maximize your trip. Pick up the 2025 Waggoner’s Guide for all the local knowledge.
This essential cruising guide helps boaters with insider tips on fuel stops, marinas, and provisioning while highlighting the best anchorages for a safe and scenic stay. Packed with expert local knowledge, it ensures stress-free navigation and smarter planning for every adventure on the water.
10. Go Fishing at Sunrise
Rise early and cast a line in the calm morning waters. The quiet serenity and the possibility of catching dinner make it an experience worth waking up for. Whether you’re an expert angler or just having fun, the peacefulness of the early hours is unbeatable. Coffee even tastes better.
11. Try Tubing or Water Skiing
Get the adrenaline pumping with some watersports! Summer is the perfect time to try tubing if you’ve never done it before. Invite friends to join in for a fun-filled day of excitement and laughs.
Hold on tight and prepare for laugh-until-you-splash thrills with this D-shaped towable tube—designed with high backs, comfy grips, and just enough chaos to keep you riding (or flying) in style! 🚤💨😂 #HoldOnForDearLife
12. Dock & Dine at a Waterfront Restaurant
Pull up to a waterside eatery and enjoy a meal with a view. Many coastal towns have incredible dockside restaurants offering fresh seafood and delicious cocktails. There’s something special about arriving by boat, tying up at the dock, and indulging in a great meal.
13. Go Snorkelling or Diving
Anchor in a clear, calm bay and explore the underwater world. Even if you float with a mask and snorkel, you’ll be amazed at what’s below the surface. Vibrant marine life, starfish, and hidden treasures await those who dive in.
Dive in like a pro (or at least look like one) with this snorkel set—a leak-proof mask, comfy fins, and a dry-top snorkel so you can breathe easy and avoid an unexpected saltwater chug! 🌊😂🐠 #SnorkelLikeAChamp
14. Throw a Themed Boat Party
Host a “Tropical Luau,” “Nautical Chic,” or “Pirate Adventure” party with decorations, music, and themed drinks. Encourage guests to dress the part and serve themed snacks and cocktails. A fun playlist and a few games will turn an ordinary boating day (is there such a thing??) into an unforgettable celebration.
15. Visit a Historic Lighthouse
Cruise to a lighthouse, learn about its history, and snap some incredible photos. Many lighthouses are accessible by boat, offering unique exploration opportunities. Some even allow visitors to climb to the top for a fantastic panoramic view.
16. Take a Dip in the Open Ocean
Jumping into deep blue water with land in the far distance is exhilarating and refreshing. The freedom of swimming in the vast ocean is a thrilling experience. Ensure you have a floating line or ladder to get back on board quickly and safely. It’s a great time to test life jackets and reboarding ladders.
17. Host a Movie Night on Deck
Set up a projector and a white sheet for a floating cinema experience. Classic nautical movies, such as Captain Ron or Mamma Mia!, make for a perfect night. Popcorn, drinks, and a film under the stars.
Turn your dock or back deck into the ultimate outdoor movie night spot—grab a cozy blanket, pop some popcorn, and enjoy your favorite films under the stars with the sound of the water as your background soundtrack! 🎬🌊✨
Turn your boat deck or dock into a floating cinema with this wrinkle-free inflatable movie screen, featuring a silent blower for quick setup, a wide viewing angle for everyone onboard, and a portable design for movie nights under the stars! 🎬⛵✨
18. Raft Up with Friends
Gather a group of boaters and tie up together for a floating party. Share meals, swap stories, and enjoy the camaraderie of other boat lovers. It’s a fantastic way to build community while enjoying the water.
19. Spend a Full Day Unplugged
Turn off the devices, set the phone to airplane mode, and soak in the moment. Read, swim, nap—just be present and enjoy the peace of the water. Disconnecting for a day can be incredibly refreshing and helps you fully appreciate the boating lifestyle.
20. Chase a Sandbar
Find a shallow sandbar, drop anchor, and spend the day lounging in ankle-deep water with friends. Walk around, toss a frisbee, or relax in the warm water. Bring a floating cooler and make it a party!
Keep your drinks cold and close while you float with this unsinkable, party-perfect beverage cooler—because even your cocktails deserve a life jacket.
Conclusion
Summer is short, so make every boating trip count! Whether relaxing, entertaining, or exploring – this bucket list will help you create unforgettable memories on the water.
What’s on your boating bucket list this summer?
