Island Getaways on a Boat and a Budget

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Pull your boat up to St. Joseph Peninsula State Park in Port St. Joe

Photo Credit: Gulf County Tourism

Float your boat on up to Florida's shores and sandbars for a taste of rustic wilderness, peaceful seclusion, fun and sunshine.

Florida has its share of first-class marinas and resorts, but you don’t need to spend a lot of money to have a great boating vacation. You can pull up on any number of barrier islands and sandbars to explore on foot or settle down for a picnic lunch.

In northwest Florida, St. Joseph Peninsula State Park has one of the best beaches in the country. If you go, stop by the westernmost tip and have a picnic lunch.

Along the central Atlantic coast, you can explore the wild islands in the Indian River Lagoon or travel down along the beaches and anchor up off Canaveral National Seashore, where you can take a stroll along the longest undeveloped beach on the east coast of Florida.

On the central Gulf coast, Caladesi Island State Park, located about 20 miles north of the mouth of Tampa Bay, has docking facilities and a snack bar. But don’t let the taste of civilization fool you: One can escape to the wilderness on the miles of wooded nature trails.

If you find yourself in southeast Florida, Key Biscayne National Park is a veritable boaters’ playground. Swim, snorkel, cruise or pull over and spend the night at one of two park-run, rustic marinas.

Southwest Florida’s Cayo Costa State Park, near the mouth of Charlotte Harbor, also has great camping as well as miles of deserted beach to explore.

The Florida Keys, known for its myriad sandbars, is a place where you can pull up just about anywhere and unwind in a relaxing tropical paradise. Hot spots include Islamorada and the south side of Key Largo.