Florida hotels that guarantee one thing this summer: You're on a boat
Heading into Memorial Day and the hot days of summer, there's no place better to be in Florida than on a boat. No boat? No problem! Florida hotels are leaning into the boating lifestyle, offering exclusive ultra-luxe amenities such as boat or yacht excursions — some are even complimentary for guests — and boat shuttles/taxis to the beach or other sun-soaked destinations. Here's where to check in and embrace the boat life this summer in Florida.
The Brazilian Court, Palm Beach
Want to explore the glitzy yachting lifestyle of Palm Beach? Guests of The Brazilian Court in Palm Beach can schedule a complimentary ride on the hotel's yacht beauty, BC One. Board the 44-foot Brunello Acampora-designed Italian Solaris Power Yacht to cruise around the Intracoastal Waterway, past Peanut Island and the area's most fabulous mansions. The free two-hour cruises are offered three times a day at 9 a.m., noon and 3 p.m. and must be scheduled in advance. Guests can add on food from on-property restaurant Café Boulud (of Chef Daniel Boulud fame), and even schedule private excursions for a fee. When you're done, lounge by the hotel's tucked-away, palm-fringed pool with a signature cocktail in hand.
The Elser Hotel & Residences, Downtown Miami
Miami on a boat with friends is always trending. Those vacationers living the high life in downtown Miami at The Elser Hotel & Residences can seize the chance for a sea day with the hotel's 'Seas The Day' yacht experience. Choose between a 6-hour or 3-hour cruise with a private captain and crew, and there is the option to accentuate the trip with different food and drink experiences, including a sunset dinner cruise with a six-course omakase and full bar. A minimum of eight passengers is required to book the yacht experience, and the guest lists top off at 15 total. The cruise route is flexible (but dependent on water conditions), and expect perks like a welcome cocktail, high-quality sound system, and a floating mat for on-the-water fun.
Hotel Continental, Miami Beach
At the newly renovated Hotel Continental, a boutique 1940s property, you'll feel all the retro-chic vibes. When you're not sunbathing around the 1950s MiMo-inspired pool, book a cruise on their private 34-foot Chris-Craft Launch powerboat. The sleek cruiser fits up to eight guests and has everything needed for a relaxing — or active — day on the water, including a spacious sun pad and a swim platform with a retractable ladder. Opt for a sunset tour with refreshments prepared by the hotel's executive chef or book a private celebratory cruise for bachelor and bachelorette parties, proposals, vow renewals and more. Available upon request on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 3:30 or 5:30 p.m. The cost is $150 per person.
The Perry Hotel, Naples
Newcomer The Perry Hotel, Naples takes advantage of its prime, serene perch along the Cocohatchee River in North Naples, offering hotel guests a free boat shuttle to the beach. Sign up in advance to hop aboard the shuttle for a 15-minute ride to Barefoot Beach, one of Naples' most beautiful beaches that's known for incredible shelling and a peaceful atmosphere. During the boat ride, the captain and crew will scout for marine life like dolphins, turtles or manatees. The boat anchors directly on the shoreline, where guests will disembark on the sand for a glorious beach day. The resort will even lend guests beach chairs for the day. There are also paddle boards, kayaks and GoBoats for guests' use at the resort.
Three Waters Resort & Marina, Islamorada
The newly opened Three Waters Resort & Marina in Islamorada also offers a free water taxi for hotel guests at its on-property marina. The Rum Runner Water Taxi shuttles guests to all three of the hotel's sister properties, including Amara Cay and La Siesta. You can stop for a meal at one of the resorts, use the shared amenities like the pool, or simply enjoy the breezy ride, which surveys the clear blue waters.
The Boca Raton, Boca Raton
Can't go to Italy this summer? We've got the next best thing. Guests staying at The Boca Raton resort's newly renovated Beach Club can take a complimentary 15-minute cruise around Lake Boca on the peachy dream called 'Sorbetto.' The one-of-a-kind Miami Edition Fiat boat fits up to three people (with a captain), and you're sure to be the stars of Boca's water parade while cruising around. Club members and other resort guests can rent the Fiat boat for 30- or 60-minute cruises along the Intracoastal. Definitely spring for the bubbly option for make-your-friends-peach-with-envy photos.
Isla Bella Beach Resort, Marathon
This free Florida Keys boat ride comes with a catch — but it's one that'll make you feel good. The high-end Isla Bella Beach Resort in Marathon is now partnering with the Conch Republic Marine Army, offering hotel guests the chance to clean up the surrounding waterways. In exchange for helping to remove debris from the all-important mangroves (and keeping the Keys' waterways a beautiful treasure), guests are treated to a scenic boat ride. The cleanup excursions take place every Wednesday and Saturday and are free to resort guests. Reservations are required.
Little Palm Island Resort & Spa, Little Torch Key
The adults-only paradise Little Palm Island Resort & Spa provides everything you'd want on a luxe private island in the Florida Keys, including complimentary access to Boston Whaler boats. The small boats are offered to guests on a first-come, first-served basis, but there's usually no problem getting a boat to yourself. The staff will load you up with a cooler and hand you a map on where to go. We suggest boating to nearby Picnic Island, where you can take social media-worthy photos on a swing, gather at a submerged table in the water, and check out all the kitschy things nailed to the trees. You can also head to a sandbar or bring your own gear to snorkel the crystal-clear water.
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