3 Beautiful Bays to Board This Winter Boating Season

Looking for the perfect destination to cruise, board or ski this winter? Try one of the world’s most beautiful bays that blend calm, wake-friendly waters with the sweet, salty sea breeze.

Bay destinations can make for choice water sports destinations. Because the land structure surrounding a bay keeps the waves, well, at bay, there are often smoother, more rideable water conditions—the dream of every wake sport aficionado. Plus, who can pass up the sights, scents and sounds of the open ocean?

Read on as we take a virtual tour of three beautiful bays worth exploring by Vortex this winter.

Biscayne Bay, Florida

Biscayne Bay is a bona fide gem of the Sunshine State—and they don’t call it the Sunshine State for nothing.

For bright, endless days of exploring the water, this beloved bay is perfect. It offers the best of leisurely cruising, sandbar lounging, fast-paced wakeboard action, and everything else in between. Biscayne Bay is sandwiched between some of the region’s most well-known destinations—from boat-happy, historically rich Coconut Grove on the mainland, to the famous facades of Collins Avenue and South Beach on the eastern barrier island. The best part? Gorgeous turquoise water that shines all throughout.

For fast-paced fun, hop on your board, skis or even a jet-ski and ride behind your Vortex against the Magic City skyline. The bay’s main channel is perfect for open-water adventures, and the fun continues as you venture further north, too—for casual raft-ups, music and a bite to eat, the Haulover Sandbar is your go-to choice on sunny days.

Then, toward the southern end of the bay, you’ll discover a quieter slice of life. The big city backdrop gives way to the idyllic charm of the Florida coast, and a tranquil escape awaits along Key Biscayne. The island’s southern tip is home to Cape Florida and its famous light, the longest-standing structure in Greater Miami and a picturesque backdrop to the rest of your excursion.

Mission Bay, California

We’re now hopping over to the West Coast for another must-do destination, San Diego’s Mission Bay.

If the expansive San Diego Bay is the city’s hub for boaters making their way to and from the coast, consider Mission Bay its smaller, adventure-loving cousin. Here, fun on the water is the name of the game. Surrounded by a lush waterfront characterized by palm trees, breezy bike trails, resorts and restaurants aplenty, that fun-loving atmosphere (and sweet, salty breeze) permeates the air, creating an environment in which you’re able to pursue whatever your water sports style may be.

There are designated spots for wake sports, and others for small, non-motorized personal watercraft like kayaks and stand-up paddleboards or SUPs. The rich blue, brackish Pacific water serves as the ideal setting to explore it all.

Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne

South Florida and SoCal may be anomalies among much of America’s frosty winter—but down in Melbourne, Australia’s Port Phillip Bay, it’s another season altogether. Here, January and February fall at the height of the summer season… and, thus, the height of summer water sports.

The largest bay on our list, Port Phillip offers everything an on-the-water adventurer could possibly want—but close to shore is where the wake sports scene really thrives, especially in the waters of Melbourne. The adventure starts on the Yarra River, a popular wake destination noted for its long, winding shape (perfect for impressive runs!) that empties out into the bay. Over the capital city’s shores, you’ll see a bustling boating scene; join in and use Melbourne as your starting-off point to larger, leisurely cruises around Port Phillip. You can board or ski here, or even take up a new sport altogether—if you look up beyond the horizon, you’ll notice that kitesurfing is a popular activity here!

Which of these warm, wake-friendly bays are you most excited to explore in the months ahead? Be sure to let us know!