Popular Boating Destinations in and Around Jacksonville
Jacksonville—affectionately known as Jax by the locals—is the most populous city in Florida, surrounded by stunning water views, endless shorelines, world-class cuisine, and a lively nightlife. Jax features extensive waterways with marinas and boat ramps, making it easy to get on the water and explore nearby areas like St. Augustine.
Journeying across Jax by water is one of the best ways to experience it! Our blog will highlight the various waterways in and around Jacksonville and nearby St. Augustine. We’ll share our top picks for waterways to explore, boat tours to try, and exciting spots for wildlife viewing and adventure.
St. Johns River
The longest and most popular waterway for recreational and commercial use stretches 310 miles. St. Johns River borders 12 counties in Florida, offering numerous opportunities for fishing, wildlife viewing, cruising along the river’s top boating hot spots, and appreciating scenic views while the wind blows through your hair.
There are numerous spots to explore along the St. Johns River. In the Upper St. Johns River Region, you can visit Lakes Poinsett, Winder, Washington, Hell ‘n’ Blazes, and Sawgrass Lake, all offering stunning views and excellent fishing. North of Palatka and east of Jacksonville, the river widens and transforms into a broad estuary featuring a marshy environment rich in wildlife that’s perfect for a peaceful afternoon.
Jacksonville Boat Tours
Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Jax or a long-time resident, there are still incredible spots to discover from the water! Jacksonville provides numerous boat and water tours for those who prefer not to drive the watercraft themselves. These include popular scenic river cruises and eco-tours showcasing the area’s natural splendor. Below are some types of boat tours in Jacksonville, FL:
- St. Johns River tours. Discover the scenic beauty and wildlife along the river on these guided cruises. You can even witness the sunset over the horizon with the St. Johns River Taxi, which you can book for a private charter.
- Eco-tours. The eco-friendly boat tours focus on wildlife and the diverse ecosystems and natural habitats in which they live. You’ll have chances to see various bird species, manatees, and even dolphins.
- Fishing charters. Whether you’re an experienced angler or a beginner, enjoy a half- or full-day trip on the water with a guided fishing experience from one of the many Jax fishing charters. There are many fishing charters in Jacksonville, so do a little research to find the right one that fits your schedule!
Intracoastal Waterway
The Intracoastal Waterway, or ICW, is another premier boating route known for its calm waters and accessibility for various types of boats. Stretching along the East Coast, the ICW separates southside Jacksonville from the beaches.
This waterway features over 40 miles of canals, marshes, and channels, making it perfect for fishing, boating, and other recreational activities such as paddleboarding, kayaking, and watching marine wildlife.
Amelia Island
Located half an hour from Jacksonville, Amelia Island is just off the northeast coast of Florida, with pristine sandy beaches and excellent opportunities for fishing, boating, river cruises, and charters. Enjoy family-friendly activities such as kayaking through the salt marshes, fishing for redfish, bass, tarpon, and flounder, and admiring the stunning coastline and majestic oak trees adorned with Spanish moss from your watercraft.
Cumberland Island
Just beyond the Florida-Georgia state line in the ocean lies Cumberland Island, a hidden gem for boaters north of Amelia Island. This island boasts 17 miles of pristine white sand beaches and is home to diverse wildlife, including wild horses, armadillos, and sea turtles.
Cumberland Island offers a slice of paradise that you must experience! Visitors can bring their own boats instead of taking the 45-minute ferry, with docking allowed from sunrise to sunset.
St. Augustine
As the oldest city in the United States, at nearly 460 years old, St. Augustine offers much to boaters, from glimpsing historic landmarks and sandy beaches to spotting diverse wildlife at Anastasia State Park.
Explore the beauty of St. Augustine by taking a guided boat tour through the Old Spanish Quarter or fishing for spotted seatrout in the Matanzas Inlet. Don’t miss the chance to admire the legendary 17th-century Spanish stone fortress, the Castillo de San Marcos, from the St. Augustine Inlet as you drift downstream!
St. Augustine Boat Tours
With so much to see in St. Augustine, sometimes it’s a good idea to let someone else drive the boat so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy your surroundings. St. Augustine offers numerous types of boat tours that showcase the city’s rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty, including:
- Eco-tours. Explore St. Augustine’s estuaries and waterways with an eco-tour, where you can spot sea turtles, dolphins, and native bird species.
- Haunted boat tours. Learn about St. Augustine’s haunted past on a Moonlit Mysteries boat tour. From the mysterious waters, hear tales of the city’s eerie history while stargazing above the haunted waters.
- Historical boat tours. Discover the history of St. Augustine’s waterfront, including the Castillo de San Marcos and the Bridge of Lions, while learning about the city’s past on a historic boat tour.
- Sunset cruises. Take in the stunning St. Augustine views on a sunset cruise and unwind as you glide along the water.
Find Reliable Boat Storage in Jacksonville, FL, After Your Boating Adventures
Jacksonville and, further down the waterway, St. Augustine offer incredible views, beautiful beaches, and serene natural beauty, among many other attractions for those who enjoy boating and being on the water. From boat tours to historic sites, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
Are you looking for boat storage in St. Augustine or Jacksonville? Atlantic Self Storage offers nearly 50 storage facilities in these cities. Explore our boat storage options and rent a space today.