There’s nothing quite like watching fireworks explode over the water from the deck of your own boat, surrounded by your friends and family. Some of our fondest memories of summertime, Christmas, New Years, and other holidays are painted in flashes of color with thundering echoes overhead. So if you’re a boat owner, you’ll most likely want to anchor out and enjoy the show.
Cities like Kemah, Texas, and Destin, Florida, are known to do it right, with vibrant waterfront shows that attract hundreds of boats every year. But crowded anchorages, limited visibility, and post-show traffic jams on the water can turn a great night into a dangerous one if you’re not prepared. Below are our best tips to enjoy the show without a mishap.
1. Know The Local Rules (And Show Schedule)
Start by checking with the local harbor authority or event website. Many popular fireworks spots have designated no-wake zones, restricted anchorages, or post-show departure plans. Know when the show starts and how long it will last so you can get anchored early and avoid late-arrival chaos.
2. Anchor Early, Anchor Securely
No matter if you’re in a 20-foot center console or a 50-foot catamaran, the last thing you want to do once the sky lights up is adjust your anchor. Arrive at least an hour before sunset, scope out your swing room, and set extra scope to account for wind shifts or currents.
3. Stay Visible & Lit—But Not Blinding
Turn on your anchor light as soon as the sun sets, and keep your navigation lights off unless you’re underway. Spotlights, LED floodlights, and even bright cockpit lights can compromise the view for others.
Bonus Tip: Consider utilizing red-glow lights or a small LED lantern in the cockpit so guests can safely move around without blowing out their night vision.
4. Assign a Sober Skipper
Yes, it’s a party. But operating a boat under the influence is just as serious as doing so behind the wheel of a car. Designate someone to stay alert, watch the surroundings, and pilot the vessel home safely once the show ends. Crowded conditions + darkness + alcohol = disaster waiting to happen.
5. Assume The Boat Next To You Didn’t
After the fireworks, there’s a mass exodus from anchorages that can feel like rush hour traffic with no lanes. Many vessels will have poor lighting, and dinghies or paddleboards can come out of nowhere. Worse yet, you can assume a percentage of the drivers will be intoxicated. So, consider holding off on your departure to let the congestion clear, then use a combination of radar, charts, and sharp lookout to stay safe on your return run.
Gulf Coast Hotspots for Fireworks by Boat
Want to plan ahead for next time? These are some of the our favorite fireworks shows on the Gulf Coast:
- Kemah Boardwalk, Texas
- Destin Harborwalk Village, Florida
- Bay St. Louis, Mississippi
- Naples, Florida
- Orange Beach, Alabama
Watching fireworks by boat is one of the best parts of summer on the Gulf Coast – if you do it safely. Planning, preparation, and patience will help ensure that your holiday doesn’t end with a tow, a citation, or worse.