It feels like magic when it’s time to cast off the dock lines in Stuart, Florida. It might be that the sun glimmers off the Indian River in the mornings or that the afternoon breeze creates a light chop to spice things up. Whatever it is, this part of the Treasure Coast has earned a reputation as one of Florida’s best areas for boating and once you get out on the water, you will understand why locals keep talking about it.
Stuart is at the intersection of Florida’s most diverse boating areas, with the Intracoastal Waterway. To the west, you have the protected waters of Indian River Lagoon system, to the east the wild Atlantic a short run away and everything in between. There’s a place for you in Stuart, whether you’re running offshore in a center console, taking it easy on a trawler, or showing the kids a good time on a pontoon boat. Here are five best places where you can point your bow around here.
St. Lucie Inlet Allows You Access to the Gulf Stream
St. Lucie Inlet is certainly why Stuart is called the “Sailfish Capital of the World”. The natural cut through this barrier island gives you some of the best blue-water fishing and cruising on the East Coast. If you’re new to the inlet, bear in mind that the currents can run strong, particularly on a falling tide, and you’ll want to time your runs to catch slack water. Once you cross over, you are met by the endless Atlantic blue.
This inlet isn’t special just because of the offshore opportunities. Boating through the Intracoastal is a beautiful experience; it is stunning to see million dollar homes lining the channel and sufficient sandbars to which boaters come on the weekends. The local people understand that when the sea-churning waters outside the inlet become too rough, they can find shelter in the calm waters inside the inlet. You’ll see boats rafted up, grills going, and kids jumping from bows into the clear water. If you hit it on a Sunday afternoon in summer, it’s like turning up at a floating party.
Boater’s Playground at Indian River Lagoon
If you head west off the marinas at Stuart, you will find yourself in the Indian River Lagoon, one of the most biodiverse estuaries in North America. This isn’t just a pretty face—it is a working waterway with something for every type of boater. The depths are generally forgiving, but you will want to pay attention to the charts and keep an eye out for the markers, especially at low water.
The thing I love about Indian River is its diversity around Stuart. You could anchor up at a quiet cove and paddle board in water so clear you can count the mullet below. Alternatively, go south to Jensen Beach, where you will find yourself surrounded by dolphins – and I mean surrounded. On some days, they just seem to show off by leaping and twirling as if they know they are being watched. Fishing here is also great, with snook and redfish patrolling the mangrove edges at dawn and dusk. Take a cooler, grab the family and plan to stay the whole day — you won’t want to leave.
Manatee Pocket: Stuart’s Hub for Marine Activities
Manatee Pocket is where Stuart’s boating scene is in full swing between the mainland and Hutchinson Island. For decades, this sheltered basin has been the center of seaborne activity here for a good reason. The pocket has deep water and good protection from the weather. Plus, you can get to the ocean and river easily. In addition, the waterfront has a variety of marinas, marine services, and waterfront restaurants giving the place a nautical vibe.
But the real draw is the sense of community. On any given weekend, families teaching their kids to drive, fishing guides preparing their boats at first light and cruisers from all over visiting Stuart all call Manatee Pocket home. Some of the best waterfront dining in the area is also in the pocket. Sail over to one of the dockside restaurants, tie up, and enjoy delicious fresh seafood while you observe the parade of boats. During tarpon season, these silver giants will be spotted rolling in the pocket. More than one captain has hooked up right there in the basin. A place where every journey starts and ends with a tale of memories.
The Bathtub Beach and House of Refuge Area
Just south of the St. Lucie Inlet is one of Stuart’s best-kept secrets: the waters surrounding Bathtub Beach and the historic House of Refuge. A natural swimming area formed by a nearshore reef gave this place its name. Boaters, however, know it as the spot with astonishingly emerald-green water and the site where you can anchor in view of one of Florida’s oldest structures. The House of Refuge was built in 1876 on the beach and served as a lifesaving station for shipwreck survivors.
The boating here is relaxed and family-friendly. The reef diffuses the ocean waves, creating a calm area ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and just floating about on a warm afternoon. When it is a good day, the water clarity is phenomenal – you can see down to 15 feet on a good day. During my time anchored here, I have seen multiple sea turtles swim by, and the healthy population of reef fish will keep the kids busy with masks and snorkels for hours. Be respectful of the marine protected areas and watch your depth; after all, that reef that makes for nice swimming could also bite an inattentive skipper.
Jensen Beach and the Crossroads Sandbar
A few miles south of Stuart proper, Jensen Beach is where the Indian River begins to widen into a broad expanse of cruising water. The locals love the sand bars, shallow water for anchoring and the atmosphere around the Jensen Beach Causeway. During summer weekends and on holidays dozens of boats will be anchored up creating a floating neighborhood of friendly strangers where everyone is welcome.
The beauty of this spot is its versatility. If you want to be a part of the party boat scene, make your way to the main sandbar and drop your anchor among the other boats. If you go a little further south you will find an area good for spreading out if you want it quieter. The water is shallow enough that you can wade around, play beach games, and let the kids wander around. The sun’s rays begin to fade and the afternoon stretches on. As you sit on the bow of your boat, toes dipped in the water, cold drink in hand, the sunsets that light up the sky pink and orange are special. You’ll remember when you bought a boat for that exact reason.
Your Stuart Adventure Awaits
Hopefully, Stuart’s boating scene is just as much about the journey as it is the destination or the people onboard. Moreover, the places you will go and the memories you will create along the way are sure to make a splash. Every time you shove off from the dock in the St. Lucie Inlet, there is something special that you can enjoy, from the adrenaline rush of running to a nice quiet afternoon anchored in the Indian River. Fishing season is upon us, let’s get out on the water!
If you are an experienced boat captain or thinking of taking up boating as a hobby, a boat can make all the difference. The team at https://www.sovyachts.com, a leading boat dealer serving the Treasure Coast, understands these waters and can help match you with the perfect boat for your Stuart adventures. After all, the best boat is the one that gets you out there! And what better place to cruise than the stunning waters around Stuart, Florida?
Now quit reading and go get your lines wet. The tide won’t wait, and neither should you.
