Sarasota is a boater's paradise, providing access to the subtropical waters of the Gulf of Mexico, packed with pristine local beaches. Boating offers a new experience and a sense of living an illustrious Florida lifestyle.
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With several locations to explore the beautiful ocean waters, Sarasota is one of the top boating spots in Florida. Let’s take a look at some of the best places to go boating in Sarasota, Florida.
Where to Go Boating in Sarasota
Sarasota Bay
This is the most scenic spot to visit by boat, featuring a picturesque bay for sailing, abundant wildlife, amazing white sand beaches, and enthralling deep blue waters.
Longboat Key
Nestled between the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota Bay, Longboat Key provides the best of both worlds. It features some scenic beaches and breathtaking architecture in Sarasota that you can enjoy from the comfort of your boat.
Siesta Key
The pristine beaches of Siesta Key attract thousands of tourists from across the globe traveling to Sarasota. It is a perfect spot for a weekend getaway, especially for a boater looking to access the key by water.
Osprey Pier
Osprey Pier is a magnificent spot for boating without drifting away from the shoreline. You can explore the pier and enjoy its beautiful waters and unique sandbars. You can also enjoy the nearby grasses and the pier beach, which is ideal for bird and wildlife watching, net fishing, and capturing photos.
Lido Key Beach
Despite being less popular than Siesta Key, Lido Key Beach is a boat-friendly and attractive boating destination in Sarasota. In addition, it is home to some of Florida's most pristine beaches, known for its ecotourism and sunset cruises. You can enjoy deep sea fishing, sailing, dolphin watching, and unbeatable sunsets at Lido Key Beach.
Fun Things to Do in Sarasota
Here are some additional and fun water activities to explore while in Sarasota.
Fishing by Boat
Sarasota is a favorite fishing destination, with constant hot weather creating a thriving environment for sea life. Whether in the bay waters or around local shipwrecks, you can fish for barracuda, grouper, cobia, amberjack, and tarpon. You can also enjoy deep-sea fishing or exotic catch like sharks.
Diving and Snorkeling
Whether a beginner or pro diver, Sarasota offers incredible diving spots and ultimate locations for snorkeling. Point of Rocks is one of the best snorkeling areas near Siesta Key's Crescent Beach. Longboat Key is another clear water destination for snorkeling and shell searching, and an excellent dolphin hangout.
Water Sports
Skiers' Island is the only designated area for Sarasota watersports, allowing speedboats to reach their maximum speeds. Again, it is the only destination for extreme watersports such as wakeboarding, riding inflatables, jet skiing, and waterskiing. You can access this beautiful island by heading south of the North Bridge towards Siesta Key.
Wildlife Watching
Wildlife photography, bird watching, and sea life watching define Sarasota. Boating around this area allows great sights of diverse bird species like kingfishers, blue herons, and ospreys. You can also spot dolphins in their natural habitat, especially near the southern bridge to Siesta.
Paddle Trails
Sarasota offers scenic paddle trails through the mangrove thickets and waterways for an unforgettable adventure. You can rent a kayak or canoe for a free roam in the channels or hire a professional guide and explore the twelve designated paddle trails, discovering the beauty of Sarasota's nature.
If you are ready to begin enjoying the boating lifestyle of Sarasota and beyond, the team at Duncan Seawall is here to help. Contact us today to learn how we can help you with your marine construction needs.
