Thanksgiving in Florida doesn’t have to mean crowded dining rooms or long road trips. Instead, why not take your holiday celebration to the water? With cooler weather, calmer seas, and beautiful sunsets, spending Thanksgiving on a boat offers a relaxing and unforgettable way to celebrate gratitude with your favorite crew!
Whether you’re cruising with family, hosting a friendsgiving on the water, or looking for a quiet getaway, your Gulf Stream Boat Club membership gives you the freedom to make this Thanksgiving one to remember.
Here’s how to plan the perfect day on the water:
How to Plan a Thanksgiving-Themed Boat Day
1- Plan Your Thanksgiving Cruise
Thanksgiving week in Florida is one of the most beautiful times to be on the water. Temperatures are comfortable, humidity drops, and the waterways sparkle under clear fall skies.
Before you head out, decide what kind of boating day fits your celebration:
- Sandbar picnic: Drop anchor at a calm sandbar spot like Lake Boca, Peanut Island, or Egmont Key and enjoy your meal with your toes in the sand.
- Scenic cruise: Take your family for an afternoon ride and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
- Waterfront dining: Many restaurants offer special Thanksgiving and fall-themed menus—just dock, dine, and relax.
Pro Tip: Use your GBC member portal to reserve your boat early!
(REMINDER: GBC is closed on Thanksgiving Day)
2- Keep It Simple with a Boat-Friendly Menu
Thanksgiving dinner doesn’t have to mean a full kitchen and oven. With a little creativity, you can enjoy a delicious holiday-themed picnic that’s easy to pack, serve, and share on board.
Try these boat-friendly Thanksgiving menu ideas:
- Turkey sliders: Easy to prep and eat on the go.
- Cold sides: Think pasta salad, coleslaw, cranberry relish, or a roasted veggie medley.
- Mini pies or desserts: Pumpkin pie bites or cookies travel better than a full pie.
- Festive drinks: Apple cider mimosas, sparkling water with orange slices, or hot cocoa in insulated mugs.
Keep cleanup simple by using eco-friendly plates, napkins, and utensils, and pack trash bags for easy disposal back at the dock.
Don’t want to pack a picnic? Make a reservation at one of our favorite dockside restaurants!
3- Choose the Right Boat for the Day
The best part of being a Gulf Stream Boat Club member? You can choose a boat that matches your celebration.
- Pontoon: Perfect for family gatherings or groups who want plenty of room.
- Dual Console: Great for cruising and dining in comfort with protection from the breeze.
- Center Console: Ideal for fishing and other adventures before the feast begins.
If you’re not sure which vessel fits your plan, GBC’s dock staff can help you pick the perfect one for your holiday adventure.
4. Add Some Festive Fun
Turn your Thanksgiving boating day into a true celebration with a few creative touches:
- Decorate with fall colors: Add mini pumpkins, string lights, or festive napkins.
- Play a gratitude game: Have everyone share what they’re thankful for as you cruise.
- Make a fall playlist: Mix easygoing classics with tropical tunes for the perfect vibe.
- Bring a camera: Fall sunsets on the water make for incredible family photos.
These little touches make the day feel special without adding any stress or extra prep.
5. Relax, Reflect, and Give Thanks
Spending Thanksgiving on a boat is more than a meal—it’s an experience. Away from the noise and rush, you’ll have space to reflect on what really matters: family, friends, and Florida’s incredible natural beauty.
The gentle sway of the boat, the salty breeze, and the golden light of late fall all create a sense of calm and gratitude that’s hard to replicate anywhere else.
Give Thanks on The Water
Why spend this season inside when you could be watching dolphins? Celebrate the season of gratitude by spending Thanksgiving on a boat!
With your Gulf Stream Boat Club membership, it’s easy to plan the perfect holiday outing. Just log into your app, reserve your boat, and set course for a season of thanks you’ll never forget.
