Spring break season is right around the corner, and despite many economic indicators that consumers are cutting back on discretionary spending, travel, leisure, and outdoor activities are more popular than ever.

For people heading to coastal or waterfront destinations, boating is a top activity choice during their Spring Break vacations. Early indicators show that many are planning well in advance to secure private boat rentals and yacht charters for their trips.

About this Report

This analysis examines the combined booking and demand data from Getmyboat and Boatsetter, recently merged to become the world's largest boat rental marketplace, to rank the top boating destinations during the Spring Break season.

Cities are ranked based on proprietary booking data, specifically the annual demand and number of completed rentals on the Getmyboat platform.

The report highlights the distinct features that make each city an ideal boating hotspot, including local boating demand and relevant tourism indicators.

To ensure accuracy, the data was cleaned to exclude outlier hourly rates and locations with insignificant sample sizes. Rentals were sorted into significant categories for evaluation.

The Top 10 Cities for Spring Break Boat Trips in 2026

1.Miami, Florida

Miami is one of the top domestic spring break destinations based on national booking data, often ranking among the top 5 for U.S. and airline searches, alongside Fort Lauderdale and Orlando. Short-term rental occupancy in Miami is trending higher than last year, with March 2026 bookings tracking tens of thousands of room nights above March 2025.

Miami’s high travel demand translates to strong market interest in on-water activities — from yacht charters and sandbar tours to luxury cruise departures. It is one of the world’s busiest cruise ports, reflecting how water access drives tourism peaks.

Boaters here enjoy cruising Biscayne Bay, anchoring at Haulover Sandbar, or taking luxury yacht charters past Miami’s skyline and waterfront mansions. Spring temperatures and calm waters make it ideal for half-day or multi-day trips.

2. Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Cabo San Lucas blends desert scenery with dramatic Pacific waters — making it a quintessential spring break hotspot. From scenic boat excursions to El Arco and snorkeling around Lover’s Beach to high-energy boat parties and sunset sails, Cabo delivers both adventure and social fun. Surfing, sport fishing, and cruising to hidden coves are standout activities.

Mexico ranks very high among international spring break destinations, with average airfare to Mexico/Central America around $456 per round trip for spring travelers, which is cheaper compared to other regions.

Cabo San Lucas in particular is exploding in popularity for 2026, with 12 hotels in the city already reporting being sold out for the Spring Break season.

Data from broader industry reports show Mexico is the top international spring break choice, and Mexican beach destinations like Cabo and Puerto Vallarta are key contributors.

3. West Palm Beach, Florida

With strong spring booking growth, West Palm Beach has become a favorite for luxury and active boaters alike. Its location gives easy access to the Intracoastal Waterway, offshore fishing grounds, and coastal cruising routes. Whether it’s a peaceful pontoon day on calm waters or a deep-sea fishing charter, there’s something for all skill levels.

National spring break travel data consistently highlights Florida as a dominant regional draw, capturing several of the top 10 domestic travel spots in 2025. With domestic travel trends showing Spring Break as a peak seasonal window for warm-weather getaways, West Palm Beach benefits from spillover demand beyond Miami and Fort Lauderdale.

4. Austin, Texas

Not your traditional beach break, Austin’s Spring Break appeal comes from Lake Travis and the Colorado River. Boaters flock to sandbars and coves for social floats, wakeboarding, and lakeside parties — all with Austin’s energetic cultural backdrop of live music and nightlife.

While not featured in top national booking lists like Florida cities, Austin sees regional seasonal travel booms, and it stands out as a great destination for boating, thanks to easy access to lakes and affordable rental options.

5. Nassau, Bahamas

As a perennial favorite in traveler demand data (including ranking high in Caribbean destination lists), Nassau combines clear turquoise waters, warm temperatures, and island charm. From boat tours to nearby cays to snorkeling and coastal exploration, it’s perfect for groups seeking both adventure and relaxation.

International data shows Bahamas destinations (like Nassau) accounting for 7.11% of spring break travel interest to warm locales, with average trip costs often between $4,200–$4,300 — above many domestic spring break trips.

Nassau’s clear Caribbean waters are ideal for boating, snorkeling, and island hopping. The fact that this travel market commands higher average expenditure suggests travelers trade up for experiences, including chartered catamarans and island hopping.

6. Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Fort Lauderdale ranks at the top in Getmyboat booking data as a premier boating hub. The city’s intricate canal system and access to the Atlantic create endless possibilities for cruising, sandbar parties, and scenic exploration. Spring Breakers love blending on-water activities with beach days and local seafood.

AAA booking data consistently places Fort Lauderdale within the top domestic spring break destinations — often above Miami in national rankings — reflecting extremely high travel volume. Fort Lauderdale’s nickname as “Venice of America” relates to its extensive waterways and high volume of on-water traffic, making it perfect for chartered boats, canal cruising, and sandbar events.

7. St. Petersburg, Florida

With steady seasonal growth in bookings, St. Pete offers a more relaxed alternative to Miami while still delivering excellent boating. Its calm waters are ideal for pontoon outings, fishing trips, and family-friendly excursions — all just steps from sandy Gulf Coast beaches. It’s a top spring break boating destination for families, being more tame than some of the destinations that cater more to groups of college students and young adults.

Coastal markets like St. Pete are experiencing significant occupancy growth in spring bookings, with indicators showing strong demand in Florida west coast locales. Its Gulf access and calm bay waters make St. Pete excellent for family-friendly boating trips, fishing excursions, and sunset sails.

8. Lake Havasu City, Arizona

Lake Havasu transforms in spring with warm weather and a lively boating scene. It’s a standout inland spring-break destination, with rafting through the Bridgewater Channel, houseboat rentals, and water sports galore. Its unique desert-meets-water vibe sets it apart from coastal destinations.

While not in major national airline booking datasets, travel community insights highlight Lake Havasu City as a popular spring break choice, especially for groups prioritizing lake days and boater-centric events.

Lake Havasu’s boating scene thrives on houseboats, party boats, and social anchoring spots — giving it a distinct inland boating niche within spring break travel.

9. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Calm Pacific waters and a scenic coastline make Puerto Vallarta ideal for boaters seeking a mix of relaxation and activity. Popular activities include whale watching (in late winter/early spring), snorkeling, and coastal tours to secluded beaches or islands. Its charming town and beachfront culture make it great for groups and couples alike.

As part of the broader Mexico spring break picture, Puerto Vallarta benefits from the same upward trend in interest for sunny Mexico travel, with airfare trends to Mexico averaging around $456 for spring departure periods.

The region’s calm Pacific waters allow easy day sails, whale watching (season permitting), and coastal cruising — appealing to families and couples beyond typical beach lounging.

10. Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston offers a slightly more relaxed, culturally rich spring break experience with great boating opportunities. From marsh boat tours to dolphin-spotting cruises and exploring nearby barrier islands, its combination of history, scenery, and water access makes it ideal for families and couples.

Charleston doesn’t consistently show up in national top 10 domestic lists, but it does attract substantial coastal tourism during spring — especially among visitors seeking history, beach time, and outdoor activities. National travel patterns show broad interest in beach destinations during this period.

For boating enthusiasts, Charleston provides a more relaxed but scenic experience — from harbor tours to dolphin excursions and scenic sailing trips.

Key Trends from Getmyboat & Market Data

  • Florida dominates spring boating trips, especially in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and St. Petersburg — driven by warm climate and extensive waterways.
  • International destinations like Cabo and Puerto Vallarta attract travelers for their combination of ocean access and cultural experiences.
  • Inland boating hotspots like Lake Havasu City stand out for social float culture and lakeside festivities.

In Summary

This year’s Spring Break travel data underscores strong interest in warm, water-oriented destinations, with Florida cities consistently ranking among the top booked. International markets like Mexico and the Bahamas also show substantial travel demand and higher per-trip spend — perfect complements to boating and water-activity demand. Overall, spring break travel is higher and more costly than in recent years, but that’s paired with a greater willingness to spend on experiences such as yacht charters, fishing excursions, and coastal cruising.

Broader Spring Break Travel Trends (Context for Boating Growth)

Travel Volume & Spending Trends

  • The average Spring Break trip cost is rising — Allianz Partners data shows travelers spending roughly $5,325 per vacation, up ~14% year-over-year — indicating higher willingness to invest in experiences (e.g., charter boats, day sails).
  • Spring Break is a key travel period spanning March through mid-April with air travel and accommodations surging in demand — useful context for alongside boating demand planning.

Travel Cost Trends

  • Domestic airfare for spring break trips is up modestly (~4% compared to last year), while international routes remain relatively stable — indicating a balanced cost environment for both U.S. coastal and international boating trips.

About Boatsetter & Getmyboat

Getmyboat and Boatsetter officially merged in December 2025, becoming the largest boat rental and yacht charter marketplace in the world. Offering tens of thousands of boat rentals, yacht charters, and other on-water experiences like fishing charters, jet skis, sailing trips, and water sports, the combined entities bring the joys of being on the water to millions of people worldwide annually.

Citing This Report

Media professionals are welcome to use this data for reporting, with citations and a link to Getmyboat. For additional questions or additional proprietary data, please contact pr@getmyboat.com.