Few things rival the feeling of the wind in your sails, the famous Daytona Beach sun on your shoulders and the cooling mist of salt water.
Sailing is the perfect addition to your Daytona Beach area water activities, from paddleboarding, parasailing and surfing to scuba diving and snorkeling. And the great thing about your sailing options in Daytona Beach is you can be as involved as you want — from piloting a boat under the eye of an experienced captain to kicking back with a cool beverage and just enjoying the sights.
There is something for everyone in the Daytona Beach sailing world, be it a family afternoon of snorkeling and dolphin watching, a romantic sunset cruise, a bird/manatee-watching cruise down the Halifax River or a serene evening beneath the full moon. However you want to create your sailing excursion, now’s the time to plan it for your next trip to Daytona Beach.
Daytona Charters
Join Captain Holly on The Destiny, a 38-foot Morgan sailboat that accommodates up to six guests, including kids. Create your own party — from an intimate sunset-cruise wedding to birthdays or anniversaries. You can select from ocean cruising out of Ponce Inlet or a trip down the Intracoastal Waterway, where the ecotourist will delight in the endless bird-watching on palm-lined shores. You may also find yourself in the company of a dolphin or two! While on board The Destiny, you can take the wheel or just sit back and enjoy the salty breeze and scenery. And if you want to take your skills up a notch, Captain Holly offers lessons for aspiring sailors.
LOCATION: Ponce Inlet
(386) 212-5534
Fun Cat Sailing
Take a mini-getaway on Fun Cat Sailing’s three-hour sunset cruise, which has made the The Arabella catamaran well-known in the Daytona Beach area. You’ll love the natural beauty of Ponce Inlet, where you’ll likely see magnificent seabirds and dolphins. Sit back and enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres and beverages, or help trim The Arabella’s sails! Or, you may want to take a two-hour island swim and sail or a full-moon adventure. So you know, there’s a bit of a celebrity vibe on the 10-ton sailboat, which was built for James Taylor’s brother. The Arabella has been everywhere from Martha’s Vineyard to the Bahamas, carrying Jimmy Buffett and James himself, among other luminaries. This sturdy vessel holds good-sized gatherings, so if you have a family reunion on the docket, this may well be your boat!
LOCATION: Ponce Inlet
(386) 871-7778.
Eagle Yachts
If you’re looking for some real, hands-on fun during your sailing adventure, check out Eagle Yachts and the expertise of Captain Eric West. While onboard The Eagle, a 36-foot, performance-oriented sloop, you and your family will learn some basics of sailing while taking in the ocean air and perhaps a visit from pelicans and playful dolphins! Trips are available on the Atlantic Ocean or the Intracoastal Waterway. The sailboat can take six passengers — perfect for a small wedding or even a proposal. (Eagle Yachts says they’ve had a 100 percent success rate.) And if you’ve never watched a meteor shower from a sailboat, please inquire!
LOCATION: Port Orange
(386) 295-2578.
Indeed, the water awaits. Ponder your sailing options and build them into your perfect vacation in Daytona Beach. We’ll see you soon! Start planning your trip today!
