BOAT.ME BLOG

Archive for May, 2016

Visit These Three Snorkeling Hotspots when you Rent a Boat in Key West

Posted by Christian Rivas

If you’re looking for a great way to spend the majority of your Florida vacation, then Key West boat rentals are without a doubt your key to adventure and excitement. There are lots of things to do in Key West, as you have probably already figured out, but the greatest excitement can be found beneath the waves, rather than in the cities. There’s an entire world of adventure down there just waiting for you to discover it, and it all starts with renting a boat. Before you can go, however, you need to be aware of the different snorkeling locations in and around Key West – don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

Finding the Best Snorkeling Locations

There’s a lot of water in Key West, to put it mildly. Even if you take advantage of a boat rental in Key West you will need to know where to go, and it is not always self-explanatory. Generally, the consensus is that anywhere in the Florida Keys is a great place for snorkeling if you have a boat, but if you’re not an experienced boater or snorkeler, then you’re going to need some guidance. That being said, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best locations in Key West to drop anchor and explore the sea bottom.

Before we get into that, however, let’s talk a bit about Key West. First of all, it’s the most popular boating destination in the Keys, and one of the greatest benefits is that it is not nearly as popular as the northern areas. That being the case, it’s a bit quieter, and a bit more enjoyable if you’re looking for solitude and a less busy area to boat in.

Be Your Own Captain!

One of the biggest problems with snorkeling in Key West is actually finding a prime location. You can snorkel anywhere, but on the south side of the island you’ll mostly find areas that are rife with seaweed, and while that might be interesting to a raw beginner, those who came looking for the colorful backdrops normally seen in snorkeling videos are going to be sorely disappointed. The following locations will serve to provide great snorkeling opportunities during your boat rental in Key West

Fort Zachary Taylor State Park

This area is so named for the Civil War era fort that like so many others sits on the coast as a haunting reminder of America’s past. Apart from that, however, the southwest tip of Key West provides a series of man -made breakwater areas that do a great job of providing fish filled areas. It’s a great opportunity to see Florida’s marine life at its finest. One important thing to note about this area is that it tends to play host to high currents, so be very careful if you choose to swim outside the breakwater.

Higgs Beach

You won’t have to pay a dime to get in here, other than the gas expenses to move your boat from one place to the next. Visitors who rent a boat in Key West love to frequent this location for the exploration opportunities. Most of the easy life in this area can be seen below the old dock right off the beach, and you’ll find plenty of other great secrets as well. If you get tired of exploring beneath the surface, you can always retire to the beach and enjoy a day in the sun – it features some of the clearest waters in Florida, and a great experience overall.

The Florida Keys present some of the greatest diving and snorkeling opportunities in the country and when you rent a boat in Key West from Boat.me you will be able to not only take advantage of them, but explore locations you never even imagined. Remember, Boat.me has a wide selection of water craft suitable for exploration, snorkeling, or just hanging out on the water.

 

Tips for Fishing in Black Point Marina

Posted by Christian Rivas

There are lots of great fishing spots in Miami Florida, without a doubt, but perhaps none quite as interesting as black Point Marina. For those who haven’t spent a great amount of time in the Miami area, it’s not really a point of interest, but if you happen to live there, then there is a good chance that you not only know the spot, you absolutely revere it. Let’s talk about why Black Point is a prime tourist location, especially for those who want to get in touch with nature. A fishing boat rental in Miami has never seemed like such a good idea.

fishing boat rental in Miami

Black Point Marina – A Prime Location to take a Miami Boat Rental

Black Point Marina is near Biscayne National Park, and visiting both locations in the same day definitely isn’t outside the realm of possibility. Let’s face it, every state has a spot like this, but it’s even more amazing in a state like Florida. Unlike in every other state, the lake is not landlocked – you can see all the way out to the ocean as it stretches to the horizon, and leaves you to wonder might be on the other side. The bay is flanked by immense forests and amazing wildlife, but beneath the waves, there is a ton of great sea life just waiting for you to catch it. Some of the highlights include:

•  Barracuda – A fairly easy fish to catch, the best artificial bait being a tube lure, or if you want to try something a bit organic, live fish are always recommended – the Barracuda is a hunter, after all.

•  Red Drum – The tastes of this fish tend to vary as they get older. When they are young they prefer small craps and shrimp, though you can actually get away with using marine worms. When they grow older they take much of the same, though in larger varieties. Additionally, they eat the Atlantic Croaker, which is definitely something to consider baiting your hook with.

•  Common Snook – Once again we have a fish that absolutely loves live bait, though lure casters tend to use mirror plugs along with plastic jigs, spoons, and plugs.

•  Tarpon – These fish are often caught using live sardines, but if you don’t feel like being that proactive, you can always use dead. In fact you can get them for cheap right from your grocery store.

•  Spotted Seatrout – Finally, guy can be caught with live shrimp, which is a commonly used tactic at Black Point Marina. Even more common are slip floats that allow you to fish using a float in deeper water (probably not something you normally use if you’re not fishing for bluegill). Trout often suspend in the water at varying depths, making it difficult to get their attention if you don’t have your line suspended at the right depth.

A Word of Caution

When you take your fishing boat rental Miami to Black Point, it is strongly recommended that you remain in the boat and refrain from swimming due to the saltwater alligators that occasionally frequent the area. They are typically not a threat to the two legged species that come here for recreation, but you certainly don’t want to kick one while you’re swimming!

Don’t Forget these Important Items

fishing boat rental in MiamiJust as with any fishing expedition, there are certain items that you’ll want to make sure you’re packing:

•  Sunscreen – Always wear something with an SPF of 30 or higher to ensure you don’t bake too much in the Florida sun. Most importantly, wear waterproof sunscreen!

•  Fish Finder – We mentioned earlier that the trout like to suspend themselves in the water, and without a fish finder you’ll be stuck guessing just how far to drop your line. We’re all for sport, but something has to give.

•  Snacks – You’re going to be on the water for a long time, so make sure you bring something to eat. If possible, bring something quiet that won’t make a lot of noise to scare the fish. You might think you’re safe and sound in your boat, but sound carries through water better than you might think.

•  Coolers – You need a cooler to not only keep your snacks, but also to store your catch of the day, make sure it’s big enough!

A Bite to Eat

While you’re at Black Point, we strongly suggest that at some point you step off of your fishing boat rental Miami to enjoy the Black Point Ocean Grill which sits right on the water and boasts a menu full of fresh seafood, and of course the famous blackened chicken sandwich. Don’t forget to try the calamari.

Your fishing boat rental Miami will take you to some amazing places, but none quite as interesting as Black Point – a hidden treasure in the Miami area.

 

Tie the Knot at Sea with a Wedding Yacht Rental in Miami 

Posted by Christian Rivas

Weddings are a special occasion, and you want to make it memorable. Many people will be more than happy to tie the knot at a traditional venue – a church or even a courthouse. Some will even have a seaside wedding, which is a great photo opportunity, but why not take it a step further? Why not consider a Miami boat rental that will take your wedding to the next level. We’re talking about a yacht rental, of course, and there are many different options when you rent from Boat.me.
Wedding Yacht Rental in Miami 

A Once in a Lifetime Opportunity

Not only is your wedding a once in a lifetime opportunity, your trip onto the water might be as well. Many of the yachts available from Boat.me would cost you millions to purchase, and being able to rent them for a day or two is a feeling like no other.

Imagine it: the sun on your face, the nice, warm breeze combined with the salt air that only the Atlantic Ocean can provide; can you really ask for a better setting? The great thing about yachts is that they can often feature all of the same amenities as a hotel, from a large deck to host the wedding, all the way to private rooms, and even a bar to satisfy all of your extracurricular needs.

A wedding at sea can be a very private experience, even off the coast of Miami. Imagine leaving behind the hustle and bustle of the city, the noise of cars, and the knowledge that just outside the doors of the church, life goes on. When you’re floating on the sea with nothing but the sound of the waves, the smell of the salt air, and the company of your closest friends and family, you’re at peace, and nothing can interrupt your big moment. It’s definitely an experience you’re going to remember for the rest of your life, and it’s an experience that you can get when you rent a boat in Miami.

After the Wedding

boat rentals in MiamiYou know what the great thing is about boat rentals in Miami? You can use them for much more than the main event. Sure, you can get married and you can have an outstanding ceremony surrounded by the clear blue ocean, but what about after the ceremony? What do you do then? You have a reception of course!

Following the wedding, a reception always in order, and when you’re on a boat, it’s even better. A yacht affords so many different opportunities for those who have just said their vows on the water. An open bar is definitely going to be in order, and a yacht can be stocked full of the best brews and vintages if you arrange it. In addition to that, there is plenty of room to dance, and while you’re on the water, why not take advantage of it? There are plenty of listings available on Boat.me for this occasion, many offering additional services including:

•  Decoration
•  Catering
•  Music

You aren’t just chartering a boat; you’re chartering an event.

The Right Party Boat for You

Rending a boat is easy! All you need to do is head over to the Boat.me website and decide whether you want to rent one by the day or by the hour. There are a ton of great boats, all available for rent by their respective owners. The rental options are totally up to you. You could get a Miami boat rental completely bareboat if you prefer to pilot the craft yourself, or you could arrange for a captain, which will give you the freedom to enjoy your wedding without the added burden of piloting the boat.

As you can see, there are plenty of great reasons to rent a party boat for a wedding, and Miami is the perfect backdrop for this beautiful, once in a lifetime event. Take a look at the available boat rentals and make sure you’re ready to hit the waves when the time comes to tie the knot.

Three Snorkeling Locations in Miami you Have to Try 

Posted by Christian Rivas

If you’re going on vacation in Miami anytime soon, you’re probably interested in the numerous snorkeling opportunities. It’s not only a great part of a Miami boat rental, it is a clear chance to explore some of the most incredible underwater locations in the Miami area. You might be surprised at what is hiding just a few feet below the surface whether you’re absorbing the colorful array of marine life, or simply exploring the coral reef that has sat stationary on the ocean floor for thousands of years. Miami has plenty of locations, including the famous Florida Straights Reef which stretches for 220 miles. Let’s take a quick look at three highly popular snorkeling locations in the Miami area. Remember, a world of fun and discovery sits right below the surface.

Snorkeling in Biscayne Park

There are a lot of great places to visit when you take advantage of boat rentals in Miami but we are firm in the belief that Biscayne National Park is a must-see, especially for anyone that hasn’t visited the area before. It sits on the coastline and offers some of the best opportunities for offshore snorkeling, including a visit to the Half Moon and Emerald Reef. This is not a free opportunity, however, as you will need to pay roughly $40 per person, though it is our opinion that it is entirely worth it. You can trust us when we say you’re going to see some amazing things when you pay a visit to Biscayne Park. If you want even more reason to visit, consider that there is a rich history to be explored – would you believe that this was an old pirate stomping ground at one point in history? Well, actually most of the water on Earth was, but this is a spot you can easily explore, and that makes it ten times better!

Pompano Beach Dropoff

There’s a lot to see here, and it’s right next to the Pompano Beach Club Recreation Center. You can easily take a boat here, and you’ll find it’s an amazing spot with lots of flat rocks beneath the surface. You’re going to find plenty of corals, seawhips, sponges, and tons of other wildlife just below the surface. At a varying depth between 6 and 22 feet, you’re going to find that time has created an incredible environment beneath the waves, completely with various caves now inhabited by the resident wildlife. If you’re looking into boat rentals in Miami, then you absolutely cannot forget to visit this location.

Vista Park Reef

Once again, it’s an area awash with coral reef exploration opportunities, but this time there’s a twist: lobsters! The ocean floor here is covered with a ton of rocks and other objects that serve as great hiding spots for lobsters, and you’re going to see a ton of other marine life as well. Some you might see include:

  • * Damselfish
  • * Grunts
  • * Snapper
  • * Spadefish
  • * Black Margate

 

These are just a few great examples, and there are 100 yards of reef for you to explore. It might not sound like much, but in the underwater kingdom, that’s quite a bit! There’s a lot to see and your Miami boat rental could very well be your key to a wide world of exploration. Don’t forget to check it out!

Snorkeling is definitely one of the more fun events and activities that a boat renter can partake in, so make sure you investigate it as a potential activity for your vacation. As always, make sure you seek training or help if you have never tried it before! It’s pretty simple, but there are plenty of things you need to know, not to mention tips and tricks that will help you to have a much better time. It’s time to rent a boat from Boat.me and explore the ocean floor on your terms!