There's something truly magical about inshore boating—gliding over the flats, anchoring at a picturesque csandbar, or docking at a waterfront restaurant for a leisurely lunch. Whether you're a seasoned boater or just dipping your toes into the water, the inshore waters offer endless opportunities for fun and relaxation. At Gulfstream Boat Club, we make it easy for you to enjoy these experiences with our top-notch fleet and convenient locations.
Imagine starting your day launching from our Tampa Bay Club, one of the greatest inshore boating locations in the country, renowned for its calm waters and abundant marine life. With Gulfstream Boat Club, you have access to the best boats and prime spots for your inshore adventures!
Here's the fleet that is perfect for inshore activities and some of the best local spots to visit!
The 20' Sportsman Flats Boat is perfect for inshore boating, offering exceptional stability and shallow draft capabilities. Designed for navigating flats and shallow waters, it's ideal for fishing and exploring the intracoastal. With its spacious layout and top-of-the-line tech, you’ll have everything you need for a great day on the water.
MAX PASSENGERS: 6
WHERE TO RESERVE: TAMPA
TECH & AMENITIES: Bluetooth stereo, Depth finder, Push pole, Rod holders, Live well, Fish finder, Fold-away couch in stern
The 20’ Center Console is a run-about with a large bow casting deck, plenty of dry storage and a Bimini top for when you need some shade. Comfortable for up to 6 passengers looking for a day of fishing on calmer seas or anchoring at a sandbar. This boat is ideal for fishing in shallow waters thanks to the quiet hull and broad deck.
MAX CAPACITY: 6 IDEAL FOR: Inshore fishing, cruising
AVAILABILITY: Tampa
BOATS BY: Sportsman
A pontoon with wrap-around seating and an open floor-plan comfortable for up to 10 passengers. Perfect for casual inshore cruising and entertaining, the pontoon creates a conversation space between passengers with plenty of room to move about the boat.
MAX CAPACITY: 10-12 IDEAL FOR: Cruising AVAILABILITY: Hypoluxo | Tampa | Tierra Verde
BOATS BY: Sylvester | Bennington | Sun Chaser | Harris
The 21-22’ dual console is a bow-rider with an adjustable Bimini top. Cruise in style with your party of 4-8, top down and tunes up! This vessel is intimate, comfortable for small groups and ideal for cruising to local sandbars or lunching at a dockside restaurant.
MAX CAPACITY: 8 IDEAL FOR: Cruising AVAILABILITY: Palm Beach Gardens | Delray Beach
BOATS BY: Key West | Cobia
This bow rider with either a hard top or an adjustable Bimini top is perfect for cruising on the intracoastal. Trimmed with plenty of comfortable seating, storage and enough cooler space for a whole day of snacks and drinks, a 24-25’ dual console is a great choice for larger groups and families with children.
MAX CAPACITY: 10-11 IDEAL FOR: Fishing, cruising AVAILABILITY: Palm Beach Gardens | Delray Beach | Hypoluxo | Tampa | Tierra Verde
BOATS BY: Key West | Boston Whaler| Century
Activities for Inshore Fun Near Your Gulfstream Boat Club
Dockside Dining
Pulling up your boat to a lovely waterside restaurant after a day of boating or fishing: that is truly living the South Florida dream. And if you haven’t experienced a post-boating stop along the Intracoastal Waterway for a piña colada or smoked fish dip, Gulfstream Boat Club is happy to be your guide! GBC can suggest restaurants from Boca Raton to Jupiter that will make your boat rental that much better! GBC has the very best boats for inshore no matter where you cruise!
Snorkeling at an Inshore Sandbar
A celebrated aspect of the Gulfstream boating life is having the luxury to anchor at some of the top sandbars in Florida. It feels like a right of passage when you post up in tropical waters and doze off to the sound of the sea lapping against the boat. Our Members have a host of sandbars in Florida to choose from as they’re exploring around their local clubs!
Here are some of our favorite snorkeling locations:
Wildlife Spotting Cruise Down the Waterway
If you are a Gulfstream Boat Club Member, you already know that taking in all that Mother Nature has to offer is one of the best aspects of boating! While the serenity and beauty of the water make for a great day, you’ll be sure to meet plenty of wildlife to keep you company as well. While we can’t list all the wildlife in Florida, this article will give you a good idea about what wildlife you can expect to encounter on the waterways. Keep your eyes out and you’ll discover a whole new world! No matter which animals you encounter, it’s important to be respectful of their habitat and try to avoid disturbing them.
Tips for Inshore Boating
Inshore boating offers a unique blend of excitement and tranquility, with plenty of opportunities to explore diverse environments and enjoy a variety of activities. To make the most of your inshore adventures, here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. Know the Waters Familiarize yourself with the busy local waterways, including the tidal patterns, sandbars, and any potential hazards. Using on board tech, keep an eye on nautical charts and apps like Navionics can help you navigate safely and confidently.
2. Mind the Tides Tides play a significant role in inshore boating. Low tides can expose sandbars and oyster beds, making navigation tricky. Always check the tide schedules before heading out and plan your trip accordingly.
3. Stay Aware of Weather Conditions Inshore waters can change quickly with the weather. Keep an eye on the sky and stay updated with real-time weather apps. If you notice a storm approaching, it's best to head back to shore or find a safe anchorage.
4. Respect the Environment Inshore boating often takes you close to sensitive ecosystems. Be mindful of your wake, avoid disturbing wildlife, and follow local regulations to protect these beautiful areas.
6. Anchor Wisely When anchoring, choose spots with good holding ground and avoid areas with heavy boat traffic. Use a proper anchor suited for inshore conditions and ensure it's set securely. Check out the full guide here.
