Located 70 miles west of Key West, Dry Tortugas National Park is a remote paradise known for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and the historic Fort Jefferson. Families can snorkel right off the white-sand beaches of Garden Key, exploring shallow reefs teeming with tropical fish and marine life. Yacht-accessible via mooring or designated anchorage, it’s a one-of-a-kind stop blending adventure, nature, and history in a pristine setting.

Located in Key Largo, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is the first undersea park in the U.S. and a top family destination for swimming and snorkeling. Families can explore the shallow waters of Cannon Beach, where parts of a 1715 Spanish shipwreck are visible just offshore, or venture out on guided snorkeling tours to nearby coral reefs like Molasses Reef and the famous Christ of the Abyss statue. The park offers mooring buoys to protect the reef and has a marina with slips and dinghy dockage for visiting boats. With calm beaches, an aquarium-style visitor center, and easy reef access, Pennekamp is an ideal stop for yacht cruisers looking to combine underwater adventure with educational fun.

Peanut Island is a popular family-friendly boating destination near Palm Beach, offering calm, clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Located at the Lake Worth Inlet and accessible only by boat or water taxi, the island features shallow reefs, a protected lagoon, and snorkeling trails teeming with tropical fish, rays, and occasional manatees—especially at high tide. Families can anchor nearby or use free dock slips when available, then enjoy picnic areas, sandy beaches, and scenic walking trails. Its easy access, safe waters, and fun marine life make Peanut Island a favorite stop for cruising families along Florida’s East Coast.

Biscayne National Park, located just south of Miami, is a unique marine park where 95% of its 172,000 acres are underwater, protecting vibrant coral reefs, mangrove islands, and shipwrecks. Families cruising by yacht can anchor near islands like Elliott Key or Boca Chita Key, both offering calm waters perfect for snorkeling and swimming. The park’s clear, warm waters teem with colorful fish, rays, and sea turtles, while visitor centers provide educational programs and easy access to glass-bottom boat tours for younger kids. With its combination of natural beauty and family-friendly activities, Biscayne is a perfect East Coast stop for adventurous families.

Shackleford Banks, part of Cape Lookout National Seashore, is a peaceful barrier island known for its wide sandy beaches, shallow waters, and wild horses roaming freely. Accessible only by boat, this family-friendly destination offers calm swimming spots and excellent snorkeling in the clear, shallow waters around the island’s sandbars. Families can anchor offshore and use a dinghy to explore the beach, where kids can enjoy shelling and spotting marine life in tide pools. With its natural beauty and gentle waters, Shackleford Banks is a perfect quiet getaway for families cruising the East Coast by yacht.

Fort Wetherill State Park in Jamestown, Rhode Island, offers calm coves and rocky shorelines perfect for family swimming and snorkeling. Accessible by yacht with nearby anchorage or moorings, the area is known for its marine life and tide pools that kids can explore. The park’s historic fort ruins provide an engaging backdrop, and picnic areas make it easy to enjoy a full day outdoors. Fort Wetherill is a great family stop combining nature and history along the East Coast.

Located near Marathon in the Florida Keys, Sombrero Reef is a favorite snorkeling destination for families and beginners alike. The reef’s shallow waters are home to vibrant coral formations, tropical fish, and occasional sea turtles, all easily accessible thanks to protected mooring buoys that keep boats off the fragile reef. With calm conditions perfect for novice snorkelers and kids, plus nearby family-friendly attractions like the Turtle Hospital, Sombrero Reef makes for a memorable and hassle-free stop on your East Coast yacht journey.

Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, located at the southern tip of Key West, offers a great mix of history and family-friendly ocean fun. The beach here is one of the best spots in Key West for swimming and snorkeling, with nearshore rock formations attracting tropical fish, small coral patches, and the occasional lobster. Families can snorkel right from the beach in typically calm conditions, making it ideal for beginners. Yacht visitors can anchor nearby and access the park by dinghy or tender. With picnic areas, walking trails, and a Civil War–era fort to explore, it’s a well-rounded stop for cruising families.

Assateague Island is a unique barrier island famous for its wild horses and natural beaches stretching along Maryland and Virginia’s coasts. Accessible by boat with nearby anchorage, the island offers family-friendly swimming and shallow snorkeling in protected bays and sounds. Visitors can explore tidal pools and enjoy peaceful beaches with gentle waves, making it a great spot for kids to safely experience coastal nature. Assateague’s combination of wildlife, calm waters, and scenic surroundings makes it a memorable East Coast stop for yacht travelers.