A lush island, surrounded by sparkling tropical water and endless cruising potential, sounds like the dream escape for most boaters—but who says you can’t enjoy a slice of island living close to home? With your Grady-White in tow, you’re equipped to explore some of South Florida’s most enchanting on-the-water opportunities.
Just read for a few fun ideas to achieve breezy island living on board.
What’s in a name?
If you’re passionate about recreating the island experience on board—and infusing every outing with that sense of serene, sun-soaked adventure—then why not start with a boat name to reflect your island attitude? Some of our favorites include “Calypso,” “Vitamin Sea,” “Aloha” or a classic “Island Time,” to name just a few.
Curate your perfect “island time” playlist
The ambient sounds of crashing waves and gentle breezes are, of course, soundtrack enough for many boaters keen to enjoy the island lifestyle—but if you’d like to take things a step further, and truly immerse yourself into the island mindset, you can’t go wrong with a personal playlist! You can opt for calypso music inspired by the culture of your favorite island getaway, or songs about savoring the island lifestyle wherever you are: For this, old favorites like Jimmy Buffet’s “Cheeseburger in Paradise” come to mind, as do “Margaritaville,” or Zac Brown Band’s “Toes.”
Fish for tropical catches
Fishing is a fun pastime for boaters—and a way of life on all of your favorite islands. Get a literal taste of your dream island escape by angling for catches like mahi-mahi, yellowfin tuna, snapper and more, each as vibrant as the landscape of the tropical islands themselves. You can even grill them up at home for a flavorful treat, made especially easy with a Grady-White built-in fishing box.
Explore a local sandbar…
All along South Florida’s beautiful beaches, you will discover landscapes that remind you of the remote islands you dream about. One such landscape is the sandbar! These stretches of shallow water, easily accessible yet somewhat removed from the hustle and bustle of life back on the “mainland,” are the perfect place to bring your boat for some quality downtime after a day of fast-paced cruising. Popular spots include the Haulover Sandbar off Miami Beach, or the Loxahatchee River Sandbar, a must-see destination for anglers exploring Jupiter Inlet.
… or lush, leafy escape
Another choice landscape to explore is the lush, miniature islands scattered across South Florida’s shores where mangroves meet one-of-a-kind wildlife in a unique natural setting. You can find formations like these everywhere from Biscayne National Park near Miami, to the upper Florida Keys (a convenient day trip away for many South Florida boaters).
From the spacious comfort of your family cruiser, island adventures are never far away. Rediscover your on-the-water environs with the help of your own boat from Mariner Marine! Our selection of Grady-White center consoles, dual consoles and more has something to offer every kind of boater and angler.
