It’s mid-February and what is the topic of today’s blog?

Boating in Miami.

No blizzards here, folks. Just cloudless skies, glassy aquamarine waters and temps in the high 70s. And the Miami International Boat Show is in town -- which makes shopping a pleasure for the thousands of people who visit it each year with visions of watercraft dancing in their heads. If you’re in the market, you’ll find it all here: from the dinkiest inflatable excuse-for-a-boat to the sleekest Italian mega-yacht, complete with heli-pad and onboard Jet Skis. If you’re not in the market, you can always people-watch, buy a few marine trinkets and think about how much money you’re saving on gas.

One year after college, I actually worked at the Boat Show. No, I wasn’t the hot chick in the bikini. I was the broke chick selling Anacapri fishing boats, sturdy little homegrown vessels manufactured in Hialeah, Florida. It was a learning experience. I stood around smiling and trying to usher “interested buyers” aboard the boats to show them the features – you know, bait wells, cuddy cabins, galley gadgets, etc., etc. It was three very long days working outdoors at the Convention Center, but I did manage to sell three boats. Then I had to make about a million phone calls to try and wrestle my commission check from the stingy boat store managers. But that’s another story….

If you’ve never seen Miami from the water, you’re definitely missing something. There are lots of ways to get out on the water and enjoy the soft sea breeze, the ever-changing Miami skyline and the heavenly winter weather that is our reward for putting up with the slings and arrows of Hurricane Season. Here are a few places where you can experience the Life Aquatic in Miami:

Bayside Marketplace & Miamarina – At this downtown tourist hub, you can jump aboard a party boat and disco the night away, take a “Millionaire’s Row” sightseeing cruise past Miami Beach mansions, or try your luck at sea aboard the new SS Horizon’s Edge gambling boat.

Biscayne National Park – Experience the nation's only underwater park. Ride on a 53-foot glass-bottom boat or a 45-foot diving and snorkeling catamaran across southern Biscayne Bay, through wilderness, mangrove creeks, islands, and out to tropical coral reefs teeming with sea life. Family snorkeling and scuba diving are available from the boat. Canoe and kayak rentals, picnic area, walking trails, fishing, camping and shower facilities are also available. The waterfront visitor center offers exhibits, films and information. Open daily 8 a.m.-5:30p.m.

Dinner Key Marina – This is where lots of folks go to charter a sailboat for a day, a half-day or even for longer trips to the Bahamas and the Keys. Most captains let you bring your own food and drinks aboard, and they'll stop at nearby islands for a picnic or let you snorkle around the bay for a while.

Haulover Park Marina – Located at the north tip of Miami Beach, the Haulover Fishing Fleet offers drift boats and charter boats where you can fish for dolphin, red snapper, amberjack, sailfish and more. Night fishing and longer trips to the Bahamas are also available.

Miami Beach Marina – You can take a deep sea fishing charter from here, as well as charter sailboats, catamarans and power boats. Visit the Miami Beach Marina web site for complete listings of companies who provide service here.

For more information on boating and sailing charters, dining and mini-cruises and sightseeing cruises in the Miami area, click here.

Around Miami : boating

Water-lust