What is Discovery Boating?

For some people, a boat is the destination. For others, a boat is the key to discovering new destinations. 

If you’re the kind of person who would rather climb a rock wall than sip a cocktail, who would rather be paddle boarding than idling in the same harbor, or who’s always plotting the next wild coastline to explore — then you’re a Discovery Boater. 

Discovery Boating is all about using your boat as a tool for adventure, exploration, and unforgettable excursions. It’s about going places, seeing more, and making the journey just as exciting as the destination. 

Knowing that Discovery Boating is your style comes naturally. Figuring out whether you need an Adventure Boat, an Explorer Boat, or an Excursion Boat? That’s where a little guidance helps. 

When your boat stops being the destination and starts being your gateway to new places, what you need in a boat starts to change. Think of it like tools: you could use a hammer to drive a screw, but it’s not the best fit for the job. The right boat, like the right tool, makes the whole experience smoother, safer, and more enjoyable. 

So how do you narrow down the best type of boat for the way you discover? It starts with one simple question: 

The constant in Discovery Boating is the desire to go places and discover something new. The biggest variable? How much time you’re willing to devote to each journey. 

If roughly 80% of your boating trips fit into one of the following categories, that’s a good sign which type of boat will serve you best: 

• Adventure Boats – Trips of 1 to 3 days 

• Explorer Boats – Trips of 1 to 3 weeks 

• Excursion Boats – Trips of 1 to 3 months 

An Adventure Boat is perfect for spontaneous getaways — a dock-and-dine evening, a quick weekend escape, or a last-minute run to a favorite island. Speed and convenience matter most. 

Adventure Boats are designed to: 

• Get you on and off the dock quickly 

• Reach new destinations fast 

• Make “buttoning up” for the night simple 

• Handle quick repairs and easy maintenance 

Features often include walkaround side decks for stress-free docking, shallow drafts for exploring harbors, a high-performance drive system for speed, and seaworthy designs so you can extend your boating season. 

Explorer Boats build on everything Adventure Boats do well, but add the comfort and capacity needed for longer trips. 

These boats are designed for those who want to travel farther, stay longer, and share the journey with more people. Features often include: 

• Climate control (A/C and heat) 

• A full shower and galley cooktop 

• Private cabins and increased sleeping capacity 

• Extra storage for food, fuel, and gear 

With an Explorer Boat, you can head out for weeks at a time, explore new coastlines in comfort, and bring more of your favorite people along for the ride. 

For Discovery Boaters who devote an entire season — or more — to their travels, Excursion Boats are the ultimate home on the water. 

These boats keep the non-negotiable features like seaworthy design, walkaround side decks, and a shallow draft for their size. But they also make room for the comforts and space you need for extended living aboard, such as: 

• Full kitchens 

• Multiple berths and living areas 

• Ample storage for provisions and personal items 

Excursion Boats are designed so that the journey itself becomes part of the destination. You’re not just visiting a place — you’re living there, on the water. 

It all comes back to that earlier question: How much time do you want to dedicate to discovery? 

• If you take mostly short trips and want the flexibility to head out at a moment’s notice, choose an Adventure Boat. 

• If you prefer to travel farther and stay out for a week or more with added comfort, go for an Explorer Boat. 

• If your dream is to spend months at a time discovering new places, often far offshore, an Excursion Boat is your best fit. 

Whatever you choose, Discovery Boating is about one thing: seeing the world from the water, and letting every trip take you somewhere new.