Don’t get us wrong - fishing is a great activity to do on a boat! But if you want to mix it up a bit, (or if fishing just isn’t for you), here are six ideas for other things to do onboard.

1. Picnic al fresco

Pack up lunch and anchor in a beautiful spot for a refreshing mid-afternoon experience. Or make it a breakfast picnic – grab some muffins and fruit, pour some coffee into a thermos and start your day with breathtaking views. And the best part: no ants!

2. Go sightseeing

Cruising by boat to see the sights is a great way to experience a location from a totally new viewpoint. If you want to take it a step further, do a little research before your sightseeing trip and plot your course, focusing on a different theme each time (such as architecture, historic spots, or wildlife).

3. Read a book

There’s nothing quite like reading a book while listening to the water and feeling the boat gently rocking. Fun idea: bring along a book that takes place on the water and you’ll feel fully immersed in the story. 

4. Dock and dine

If you’re not in the mood to pack your own meal, make a plan to visit local waterfront restaurants that offer dockage. Depending on how much time you have, you could even make a day of it: hit up one restaurant for breakfast, another for lunch, and finish the day at a spot for ice cream.

5. Have fun with water toys

Whether it’s wacky inflatables, snorkeling equipment, floating games, or underwater scooters, there are tons of opportunities for hours of fun once you’re anchored.

6. Meditate

Meditation apps usually have an option to listen to the sound of waves or rushing water while you meditate – why not enjoy the real thing? Escaping to the open water and spending some time in meditation is an excellent way to rejuvenate your mind and spirit.