Discover 2 amazing destinations, from hidden anchorages to lively sandbars.
Vibrant subtropical boating environment along the Intracoastal Waterway and Atlantic coast. Mild, sunny winters and steady trade breezes make it prime for sandbars, offshore cruising, and waterfront dining. Boaters generally favor the October to May window for the most stable cruising conditions.
seasonal · Month 3
Florida's sea turtle nesting season. Beaches along the Atlantic coast become nesting grounds for loggerhead, green, and leatherback turtles.
Last Sunday of April
A massive, unsanctioned, and hugely popular seasonal raft-up party in Lake Boca Raton. Thousands of boaters gather at Lake Wyman and the Lake Boca sandbar to party with live music blasting from floating stages. Roughly 6,000–10,000 revelers on boats and floaties with no tickets, you just show up. Expect a heavy law-enforcement presence.
annual · Month 7
The two-day sport lobster season, held the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday in July. One of the busiest boating days of the year in the Keys and SE Florida. July 29–30, 2026.
annual · Month 7
A guided group crossing to Bimini, just a short hop from South Florida. A lead boat charts the course for a flotilla of up to 30 vessels, making the crossing smooth and confidence-building for first-timers. Legendary fishing, crystal-clear turquoise waters, welcoming marinas, and iconic waterfront hangouts. Two departure dates: July 23 and July 30, 2026.
annual · Month 7
Join a spirited group of South Florida boaters for a summertime voyage en masse to The Exumas. A lead boat charts the course for a flotilla of up to 30 vessels, ensuring a smooth, confidence-building crossing for first-timers and fresh adventure for seasoned captains. Miles of crystal-clear shallow turquoise waters, countless cays, secluded anchorages, and pristine marine scenery. July 8, 2026.
annual · Month 7
The biggest boating day of the year. Every sandbar, anchorage, and waterfront spot is packed. Fireworks displays visible from the water across Florida.
seasonal · Month 8
The full commercial and recreational lobster season in Florida. August 6 through March 31. Less intense than mini-season but still a draw for diving boaters in the Keys.
annual · Month 9
The last big boating weekend of summer. A favorite for multi-day Keys trips and sandbar sendoffs before the fall.
seasonal · Month 10
Florida stone crab season, the best time for dock-and-dine restaurants serving fresh claws. Peak season is October through January.
annual · Month 10
The biggest, wildest open-water boat party of the year in Southeast Florida. While the historic Columbus Day Regatta races take place on Biscayne Bay, thousands of powerboats anchor and tie up together at nearby Elliott Key for a massive, high-energy floating party. October 10–12, 2026. Known for its adult-oriented atmosphere, not recommended for anyone under 21.
annual · Month 12
A long-running family-friendly holiday boat parade held in the evening in December, usually the weekend after Winterfest. A more intimate alternative to the big Fort Lauderdale parade.
annual · Month 12
Known as the "Best Show on H2O," Fort Lauderdale's Winterfest Boat Parade is the traditional kickoff to the South Florida holiday season, drawing over a million viewers along a 12-mile route from downtown Fort Lauderdale along the New River and up the Intracoastal to Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach. December 12, 2026.
Saturdays & Sundays
A popular weekend gathering spot in Biscayne Bay. Not as intense as Haulover but still draws a lively crowd of local boaters, especially on holiday weekends.
Every Sunday, year-round
The biggest weekly sandbar party in South Florida. Hundreds of boats anchor at Haulover Sandbar every Sunday for music, food vendors on boats, and an all-day party atmosphere. Especially packed on holiday weekends (Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day).
Cruise from vibrant city harbors down through Biscayne National Park. Tie up at lively sandbars, snorkel offshore reefs, and dock-and-dine along the waterfront.
Public boat ramp managed by Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Access type: Government Owned for General Public Use.
Owned by City of Dania Beach and operated by Harbor Towne.