Every June, National Great Outdoors Month invites Americans to step outside, explore public lands and waterways, and give back to the natural spaces we love. For boaters, it's the perfect time to do all three. Whether you're a seasoned captain or just getting your sea legs, here are 6 ways to celebrate on the water.
1. Explore a New Waterway
One of the best things about boating is discovering locales you can only reach by water. But you’re not going to stumble upon hidden coves if you’re always boating in the same places.
The U.S. boasts countless lakes and rivers, as well as thousands of miles of coastline to explore. Use National Great Outdoors Month as an excuse to chart a new course and travel to a lake, river, bay or stretch of coastline you’ve never explored before.
2. Practice Eco-Friendly Boating
As boaters, it’s important to be good stewards of the waterways we use and enjoy.
Following eco-friendly boating practices, such as disposing of waste properly, recycling, and adhering to no-wake zones, is one way to help preserve and protect the marine environment.
Another way is to look for local opportunities to participate in the Great Outdoors Day of Service on June 12, 2026. This is a day coordinated by The Corps Network that is dedicated to service projects at parks and waterways.
3. Celebrate National Fishing and Boating Week
Boaters get to double dip on celebrating the outdoors in June with National Fishing and Boating Week running June 6–14. It’s an invitation to get out and enjoy two of America’s favorite pastimes—boating and fishing. During this week, many states also offer free fishing days allowing you to fish without a license.
4. Share Your Love of Boating with a Friend
It’s no secret that boating is a social activity. Sharing time on the water and making memories is one of the true pleasures of boating—being part of the boating community is one of the most rewarding benefits of boating.
When you invite a friend aboard your boat, you do more than gain an extra hand on deck for the day, you introduce them to the fun, freedom and adventure that can only be found on a boat.
From catching that first fish to the thrills of tubing to relaxing on deck at sunset, introducing someone to boating creates bonds that last long after the day ends.
5. Try a New On-Water Activity
Boating it isn’t just one thing, it’s many things. It’s a sunset cruise. A raft-up with friends on a sunny afternoon. It’s tubing with the kids or fishing at the crack of dawn. Why not use this month to mix things up?
Take a kayak or paddleboard out for a spin. Try wakeboarding for the first time. Go fishing or snorkeling. Combine boating and camping.
Whether you’re looking for a thrill or a chill, there is always something new to try that will expand your ways to have fun on the water.
6. Take a Boater Safety Course
How can you make your time on the water even better? By improving your boating know-how. Taking a boating safety course or on-water training is a great way to enhance your skills and build your confidence so you’re comfortable pursuing new adventures on the water.
Boating safety courses are readily available online and in-person. If you’re interested in hands-on, practical experience on-water training is a good option.
Q&A Section
Q: When is National Great Outdoors Month?
A: National Great Outdoors Month takes place every June and celebrates outdoor recreation, conservation, and public lands across the United States.
Q: Why was National Great Outdoors Month created?
A: National Great Outdoors Month began in 1998 as Great Outdoors Week, to encourage Americans to explore the country's natural beauty, participate in outdoor recreation, and support conservation efforts. The U.S. Senate officially designated June as Great Outdoors Month in 2019.
Q: How can boaters celebrate Great Outdoors Month?
A: Anything that gets you outdoors counts—if you’re not sitting indoors you’re doing it right. Naturally as a boater, you’ll want to do it on the water.
Boaters can celebrate Great Outdoors Month by exploring new waterways, inviting friends aboard, participating in cleanup events, or trying new on-water activities throughout June.
