Six Spots to See in in 2019

Six Spots to See in in 2019

Have you started planning your 2019 cruising itinerary? So many places, so little time. Here are six geographically diverse hotspots to get you excited for cruising in the new year.

Sanibel, FL

Sanibel and her sister Captiva offer easy access to the Gulf of Mexico for serious offshore fishing adventures and open-throttle cruises. At the same time, this is where Florida’s Gulf Coast Intercoastal Waterway (ICW) begins, allowing boaters to tuck inside Pine Island Sound where waters are generally mellow but some routes run shallow.

As for dining out, it’s hard to go wrong here. Among dozens of fine eateries, The Lazy Flamingo has restaurants on both Sanibel and Captiva. Catch your own fish and they’ll cook ’em three different ways.

The Berry Islands, The Bahamas

While this isn’t technically a city, the Berry Islands hold great historic intrigue owing to their past as a drug transshipment Mecca and a playground for the rich and famous to live out their fantasies. Nevertheless, it’s the championship sport fishing and island tranquility (with their many secluded beaches) that attract leisure boaters.

Thinking about chartering in the Berrys? From Nassau, daily flights are morning and afternoon on Le Air’s 19-seater. From Fort Lauderdale, Tropic Ocean Airways offers direct flights every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday.

River Dunes, North Carolina

Located just of the Pamlico Sound, River Dunes aims to enhance the cruiser’s lifestyle, and it shows through with lush landscaping, architectural design features, gourmet meals, fully outfitted facilities, and a friendly staff. Cruisers on the property agree that it’s more of an experience than a marina.

For transient cruisers, the best part is that they’re welcome to use all club members’ amenities at no additional cost. In fact, one cruiser discovered the benefits of River Dunes quite unexpectedly.

Nantucket, Massachusetts

Nantucket, an island located 30 miles off the coast of Cape Cod, stands apart from other cities. An ideal one, where the beaches are always perfectly windswept, the lighthouses are straight out of a postcard, and life moves a little slower. Could it be “the best island in the world”? National Geographic thinks so.

In spite of Nantucket’s relatively small size—less than 50 square miles—its inhabitants and history offer a bounty of captivating stories that have been passed down through generations. The New England island is a must see in 2019.

Tangier Island, Virginia

You’ll have to move quickly to see Tangier Island. Due to a changing climate, the island is losing its coastline and losing it quickly. Getting to the rustic and charming town is an adventure in itself.

But, when you get there, you’ll discover a beautiful, rugged place populated by interesting folks who march to the beat of their own drummer, no matter what Mother Nature throws their way.

Bonaire, Caribbean

Bonaire has 86 official dive sites that will suit almost any diver.  Dedicated to marine conservation and protecting their gorgeous waters, the primarily Dutch island has unparalleled dive sites. The island is dedicated to conservation and preservation throughout all of its tourism initiatives. Bonaire pursues projects that will reduce the CO2 effects on the planet and works toward being an eco-friendly destination.

Where will your travels take you in 2019?