I remember hearing the term “Stay-cation” a few years ago when a group of boaters decided to all have a mini vacation on their boats and stay in the marina. It was a brilliant idea and despite the economy and the weather they had a great time! Normally a two or three week trip onboard requires a ton of planning and lots of related costs along the way, so as we all are learning to do more with less the last few years a “Stay-cation” is still a brilliant idea.
In keeping with the spirit of a “Stay-cation”, keeping close to home is step one. A wonderful tool to learn more about great marinas close by that will cater to all the needs we require is: ActiveCaptain.com. The website was incredibly well thought out and is easy and inviting to use. Start out at your geographic area and go either north or south along a real time satellite image and simply click on a marina and read everything they want you to know and then read real live reviews from active boaters who have recently spent time at that marina.
As always, let’s get our spouse and/or kids involved in the decision so that everyone is equally excited about the destination. Heading north our first great choice is the Boca Resort. Dockage will require reservations in advance as with every marina. The resort has most everything you can ask for and the activity in and around the marina makes it an exciting place for all ages. Both day and night the resort provides all types of activities and has an exceptional concierge service and the marina staff is first class.
As we pass further north you will find the Delray Beach Yacht Club which is in the center of the booming Delray Beach night life and all the shops and eateries along Atlantic Avenue. It’s a fun spot with attentive staff and the marina has all the basic amenities for a good weekend stopover.
My first choice headed north for a week/end “Stay-cation” is Palm Harbor Marina in Palm Beach. Whether bringing the whole gang or just your better half this marina has done a great job anticipating every need. First of all, walking a huge full marina gives you handfuls of opportunities to talk with some of the most interesting people on the planet….boaters. The clubhouse is fantastic and has a very nice lounge, fitness area and a game room. Much of Palm Beach is a short walk, so whatever you need is minutes away.
Traveling south from the Lighthouse Point area also provides us with several great choices like Bahia Mar and Pier 66. Both have all the standard amenities and for most boaters are both spots well visited in the past. Just down a few more miles is Turnberry Isle Resort. The
marina is quite large and protected. Reservations are a must and you can work out several packages with the marina office and take advantage of the entire facility. Turnberry offers a great concierge program and a shuttle service to explore the resort with two golf courses to enjoy. This is a great spot for kids!
Back towards Lighthouse Point is the old standard that has served this community for over 50 years with all the grace and style that helped create the term “Old Florida”, where sport coats and ties are never required, children explore freely, and the staff watch out over you like family. Among all the great “stay-cations” you find, have one at home, at the Lighthouse Point Yacht & Racquet Club.