Planning your 2026 boating vacations? This year's trending travel destinations for boaters span from remote fishing villages to Caribbean hotspots with crystal clear waters. If you're chasing trophy fish, perfect sailing conditions, or want to explore new waters, these top 2026 travel destinations deliver.
We've rounded up the best spots across the U.S., Caribbean, and Canada for every type of boater. Time to update that bucket list and set sail in 2026!
What are the Top Destinations for Boating in 2026?
1. San Juan Islands, Washington: Best West Coast Sailing
The San Juan Islands sit between Washington State and British Columbia, where natural beauty meets incredible wildlife. Humpback whales and orcas cruise through these waters from spring through fall, while protected channels keep conditions calm for sailing.
- Charming island towns with art galleries and local seafood
- Easy island-hopping between Lopez, Orcas, and the San Juan Islands
- Wildlife watching rivals anywhere in North America
Best For: Sailing, wildlife watching, kayaking
When to Go: May through September
Read Next: Washington Boating Guide
2. Florida Keys: Year-Round Fishing Paradise
The Florida Keys stretch 120 miles into turquoise waters with endless fishing and diving opportunities. Plus, year-round boating conditions mean you're never stuck waiting for the season to start!
- World-class fishing for tarpon, bonefish, and marlin
- Barrier reefs are perfect for snorkeling and diving
- Island-hopping from Key Largo to Key West
Best For: Fishing, diving, cruising
When to Go: November through April
Read Next: Florida Keys Boating Guide
3. Georgian Bay, Ontario: Canada's Hidden Gem
Georgian Bay is Canada's answer to Caribbean cruising, minus the tropical temps. This massive freshwater bay on Lake Huron features 30,000 islands and offers crystal-clear waters rivaling any ocean destination.
- Thousands of anchorages and secluded coves
- Rugged coastline with pink granite shores
- Part of the Great Lakes system
- Way less crowded than most U.S. destinations
Best For: Cruising, swimming, exploring
When to Go: June through September
Read Next: Sailing Destinations in the U.S. and Canada
4. Charleston, South Carolina: Southern Charm Meets Great Fishing
Charleston has become a bucket-list destination for East Coast boaters. The historic port city delivers southern charm on land and diverse boating on the water.
- Protected intracoastal waterway for easy cruising
- Excellent inshore fishing for redfish and spook
- Short run to offshore fishing grounds
- Access to barrier islands and quiet beaches
Best For: Fishing, cruising, exploring
When to Go: April through June and September through November
Read Next: South Carolina Boating Guide
5. British Virgin Islands: The Gold Standard for Caribbean Sailing
The BVI remains unmatched for Caribbean sailing experiences. These islands deliver consistent trade winds, short passages between anchorages, and that blue water you see in photos.
- Perfect sailing conditions year-round
- Dozens of anchorages within easy reach
- Calm waters protected by surrounding islands
- World-famous beach bars and snorkeling spots
Best For: Sailing, snorkeling, island-hopping
When to Go: December through May
Read Next: How to Plan a Stress-Free Boating Vacation
6. Apostle Islands, Wisconsin: Lake Superior's National Park
Lake Superior's Apostle Islands National Lakeshore surprises first-timers! It includes twenty-one islands with sea caves, lighthouses, and wilderness camping.
- Dramatic sandstone cliffs and caves accessible only by boat
- Clear, cold water is perfect for kayaking
- Historic lighthouses on remote islands
Best For: Exploring, kayaking, photography
When to Go: July and August
Read Next: Wisconsin Boating Guide
7. Exumas, Bahamas: Shallow Water Paradise
The Exumas chain stretches 130 miles through the Bahamas, making it one of the most stunning travel destinations for sailing you can visit!
- Crystal clear waters averaging 10-15 feet deep
- Hundreds of hidden gems to explore
- World-class bonefishing flats
- Easy access from Florida (50 miles from Miami)
Best For: Sailing, fishing, snorkeling
When to Go: November through May
Read Next: Top Winter Boating Destinations
8. Glacier Bay, Alaska: Raw Adventure in a National Park
Glacier Bay National Park delivers adventure boating at its finest. This isn't your typical tropical destination; it's raw Alaska with glaciers, wildlife, and scenery that'll make your jaw drop.
- Tidewater glaciers calving into the sea
- Humpback whales, sea otters, and brown bears
- Remote anchorages with zero other boats
Best For: Exploring, wildlife watching, photography
When to Go: June through August only
Read Next: Alaska Boating Guide
9. Lake Powell, Utah/Arizona: Desert Houseboating
Lake Powell sits in the desert Southwest with 2,000 miles of shoreline carved into red rock canyons. It's a houseboat paradise and one of the most unique travel destinations for boating in North America.
- Dramatic canyon walls rising from blue water
- Warm water and sunshine 300+ days a year
- Hidden slot canyons accessible by kayak or dinghy
Best For: Houseboating, wakeboarding, exploring
When to Go: May through September
Read Next: Top Lakes to Visit by Boat
10. Outer Banks, North Carolina: Where Sound Meets Ocean
The Outer Banks string of barrier islands gives you diverse boating from sound-side flats to offshore canyons. This stretch of the East Coast combines fishing, history, and natural beauty.
- World-class offshore fishing (Gulf Stream runs close)
- Protected sound waters for families and beginners
- Historic lighthouses and shipwrecks
- Less crowded than Florida or South Carolina
Best For: Fishing, watersports, cruising
When to Go: May through October
Read Next: North Carolina Boating Guide
11. Desolation Sound, British Columbia: Warmest Pacific Water in Canada
Desolation Sound on Canada's West Coast is a cruiser's dream. This marine park north of Vancouver features the warmest seawater north of Mexico and incredible scenery.
- Abundant marine life, including seals and dolphins
- Dozens of protected anchorages
- Snow-capped mountains meeting the ocean
Best For: Cruising, kayaking, relaxing
When to Go: July and August
12. Turks and Caicos: Under-the-Radar Caribbean
These islands fly under the radar compared to other Caribbean destinations, but boaters who know, know! Turks and Caicos deliver pristine coral reefs, deserted beaches, and some of the clearest water anywhere.
- Visibility often exceeds 100 feet
- The third-largest barrier reef system in the world
- Excellent bonefishing and bottom fishing
Best For: Diving, fishing, sailing
When to Go: November through May
Read Next: Fishing Boat Rental Tips
Travel Destinations for Fishing vs. Travel Destinations for Sailing
Deciding between travel destinations for fishing and for sailing depends on what you want from your trip.
Top Travel Destinations for Fishing:
- Florida Keys for variety and year-round action
- Exumas for bonefishing in stunning settings
- Outer Banks for offshore Gulf Stream fishing
- Turks and Caicos for reef and flats fishing
Top Travel Destinations for Sailing:
- British Virgin Islands for consistent conditions
- San Juan Islands for scenery and wildlife
- Desolation Sound for protected cruising
- Exumas for shallow-water exploring
Some destinations, like the Exumas and the Florida Keys, excel at both. Pick based on your priorities!
What Makes These 2026 Travel Destinations Stand Out?
These top 2026 travel destinations aren't necessarily new spots - they're places gaining momentum for good reasons. Infrastructure improvements, increased charter availability, and better access all play a role!
Climate factors matter too. Boaters are exploring new areas as conditions shift. The Great Lakes destinations are seeing longer seasons. And Caribbean spots with hurricane-resistant infrastructure are attracting more visitors.
Planning Your Next Boating Trip
Start planning early for popular 2026 travel destinations! Charter bookings for places like the BVI and the Exumas fill up months in advance, especially for prime-season dates.
Consider shoulder seasons for better deals and fewer crowds. Late spring and early fall often deliver great conditions without peak pricing.
Top 2026 Travel Destinations Q&A
Q: What are the top 2026 travel destinations for boaters?
A: The top 2026 travel destinations for boaters include the San Juan Islands in Washington, the Florida Keys, the British Virgin Islands, the Bahamas, and Georgian Bay in Ontario. Each destination offers unique experiences, from whale watching and sailing to fishing and exploring pristine waters!
Q: What are the best travel destinations for fishing?
A: The best travel destinations for fishing include the following spots:
- The Florida Keys offer year-round fishing for tarpon, bonefish, and offshore species.
- The Exumas provide world-class bonefishing in crystal clear waters.
- Outer Banks delivers excellent Gulf Stream fishing for tuna and marlin.
- The Turks and Caicos combine reef and flat fishing.
- Charleston gives you both inshore redfish action and offshore opportunities.
Q: What are the best travel destinations for boating and sailing?
A: The best destinations for boating and sailing include the following:
- The British Virgin Islands tops most sailors' lists with consistent trade winds and protected anchorages.
- The San Juan Islands provide unique Pacific Northwest sailing with wildlife encounters.
- Desolation Sound has warm water and stunning mountain scenery.
- The Exumas deliver shallow-water cruising through hundreds of cays.
These travel destinations for boating offer different experiences, from bluewater passages to protected island-hopping!
