Kayaking Yellowstone Lake: Wild Scenery and Strict Boat-Inspection Rules
Yellowstone Lake offers an impressive paddling setting, but the park requires aquatic invasive species inspections and boating permits for all watercraft.
Leisure Boat Guide
Lifestyle
Life around boats under 12 metres — family days afloat, sailing, fishing, paddling, watersports, coastal escapes, outdoor living, equipment and wellbeing on the water.
955Live features
15Lifestyle sections
<12mBoating focus
Archive
All lifestyle
955 articles
Floating Arkansas’s Buffalo River: Gravel Bars, Canoes and a Gentle Current
Arkansas's Buffalo National River offers scenic paddling through wooded valleys and gravel-bar country, with different routes suited to different levels of experience.
Acadia by Kayak: Misty Eagle Lake and Maine’s Dramatic Coastal Waters
Acadia offers two very different paddling experiences: calm freshwater lakes on Mount Desert Island and more demanding sea kayaking along the Maine coast.
Apostle Islands by Sea Kayak: Lake Superior Caves and Responsible Paddling
The Apostle Islands offer memorable paddling among Lake Superior's islands and sea caves, but cold water, exposed cliffs and waves demand careful route selection.
Paddling Glen Canyon: Lake Powell Coves and the Colorado River Below the Dam
Glen Canyon offers two different kayaking experiences: sheltered coves on Lake Powell and a river journey below the dam requiring special launch arrangements.
Kayaking Glacier Bay: Planning a Wilderness Paddle from Bartlett Cove
Glacier Bay can be explored in a sea kayak with appropriate experience and planning, beginning at Bartlett Cove or with a designated camper drop-off service.
Paddle a 26-Foot North Canoe: A Living-History Voyage in Minnesota
A ranger-led voyage in a 26-foot replica north canoe invites visitors to experience the paddling traditions and history of northern Minnesota's waterways.
Everglades by Canoe: A Slow Journey from Nine Mile Pond to Florida Bay
Everglades National Park offers paddling among freshwater marsh, mangrove tunnels and Florida Bay, with routes varying enormously in difficulty and exposure.
Paddling Biscayne: Mangrove Shores and Quiet Water Beyond Miami
South of Miami, Biscayne National Park offers a distinctive canoe and kayak holiday among mangroves and shallow bay waters, with guided options for newcomers.
A Baby's First Boat Trip: How to Plan a Short and Comfortable Family Outing
Bringing a baby aboard calls for more planning than an ordinary family boat ride, especially around flotation-equipment fit, shelter and a calm route.
Why Winter May Be a Better Time to Choose Your Next Small Boat
The quiet months can help small-boat buyers compare models, inspect used craft and organise spring delivery with less pressure than at the height of summer.
Stay Warm on an Autumn Dayboat: Layers, Hot Drinks and Smart Timing
Cooler temperatures need not end the small-boat season. Clothing layers, sheltered seating and a clear return plan can make a late-autumn outing enjoyable.
National Parks by Small Boat: From Biscayne’s Mangroves to Voyageurs
Several US national parks reveal a different side from the water, with sheltered mangrove routes, northern lakes and reservoir canyons accessible to small craft.
Boat Yoga on a Calm Morning: Gentle Stretches Without Leaving the Dock
Yoga aboard a small boat need not involve balancing on an unstable surface. A secured pontoon or stable deck can be a pleasant setting for gentle movement.
Stargazing from a Small Boat: Plan a Calm Lake Night Under Dark Skies
A sheltered lake can be a memorable place to watch the stars, but night navigation, weather and a safe anchorage must be planned well before sunset.
Better Photographs from a Small Boat: Light, Motion and Safe Camera Handling
A moving boat creates unique photographic opportunities and challenges. Protecting equipment, choosing the right settings and remaining secure are essential.
Five Ways Children Can Help Keep Lakes and Rivers Clean While Boating
Family boating can introduce children to responsible waterway stewardship through simple jobs such as securing rubbish and keeping fishing line out of the water.
Keep exploring
From the lifestyle to the boat, destination and practical know-how.
Lifestyle coverage connects naturally with the boats people use, the places they visit and the guidance that makes ownership easier.
Business opportunities · LBG
Reach the leisure-boating audience
Lifestyle and destination stories connect readers with relevant companies, products and places. Discuss clearly labelled advertising and sponsorship, or explore a business membership for your company profile. Paid promotion does not determine independent editorial coverage.