Sarasota County is blessed with some of the calmest boating conditions in the entire country, primarily due to its unique geography and the U.S. Army Corps' engineering in the 1950s and 1960s. The Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) was dredged between the barrier islands and the mainland, giving boaters quick access to deeper waters of the Gulf of Mexico. It also opened up access to many beautiful places to explore.

Whether you own or rent a watercraft, you can enjoy wandering around and exploring everything from the best fishing spots, private beaches, bird rookeries, kayak trails, seagrass meadows to stunning waterfront mansions. Sarasota County offers enjoyable water activities for everyone, no matter their age or skill level.