For many people, living on a sailboat is a lifetime’s dream. There’s something innately tempting about living aboard a boat, having the freedom to uproot and relocate to new destinations. But, if you’ve never been somewhere, how can you tell if it’s a decent area to live in? And bear in mind that not every place is appropriate for everyone, but there are some general characteristics you may look for to determine how suitable a location is for you. In this article, I will list the best places to live aboard your boat, as well as what makes them so special. Follow me!

How to Choose the Best Place to Live on a Boat

People may opt to live on a sailboat for a variety of reasons. The willingness and strength it requires to live on a boat are the most important aspects of one’s character. This is because you just leave behind the routine way of living and the hustle and bustle of the city. Also, a sailboat can be really tailored to your needs according to the number of people onboard and your preferences. Of course, it’s advisable to keep it as simple as possible but this again is up to you. So, let’s now see the most important reasons that have to do about the liveaboard life. And, how you can choose the best place to liveaboard!

Climate and Weather Preferences

Firstly, your choice will be determined by the climate you want to live in. You prefer to live in hot or cold climates? Also, are you going to stay in a place for less or more than a year? The climate that you’re going to choose will also affect your sailboat. Meaning that if you choose northern climates you must have a seaworthy and sturdy vessel to withstand colder temperatures. In addition, you have to install a heating system in the interior. On the other hand, things will be easier if you choose hot climates. But, still, you need to have proper ventilation onboard and enough shade.

If you live aboard a boat, the weather will have a greater impact on your life than if you lived on land. The environment, seasonal fluctuations, and unexpected weather occurrences will have a direct impact on you and your boat. These weather patterns can be extreme highs and lows to storms and swells. Even when your boat is moored at the dock, extreme cold fronts or heat waves can occur, rivers or lakes can flood, coasts can be hit by hurricanes or nor’easter gales, and a variety of other weather patterns can pose major problems.

However, this is the negative side that we have to mention because it will occur at some point. But, the positive side really overcomes all these obstacles. There will be nice weather, calm seas, and tranquility in the atmosphere most of the time during the liveaboard life. Difficulties will be everywhere no matter where you decide to live. But, life onboard is significantly much better than living on the land and especially in a city. Apart from being able to sail wherever and whenever you want to, you also feel free and can actually have your own space on the water with the minimum impact on the environment. So, don’t be afraid about the weather. Liveaboard life has much more pros than cons and if you weigh them you will understand this by yourself.

Cost

Living on a boat is frequently less expensive than living on land, which is likely the main reason most people opt to live onboard in the first place. Particularly if you already own a boat on which you can live. However, expenses vary tremendously depending on where you choose to live onboard. For instance, there are a lot of expenses involved with liveaboard arrangements in Florida, but you might be able to avoid them in regions of the Pacific Northwest.

Making and sticking to a budget is the most effective strategy to control spending. Boat insurance can be as expensive as home insurance, depending on the size and value of the vessel. Because you won’t be heating, cooling, or lighting as much room, property taxes and electricity will be lower. You’ll almost certainly save money on waste management, gas, and water.

Maintenance is an area where prices skyrocket. Marine parts and labor are typically more expensive than their domestic counterparts, sometimes by as much as 20%. Note also that if you do the job yourself, every hour you spend on your boat is an hour you are not earning money. In addition, according to which place you are going to live taxes and marina fees will vary. For instance, the South of France has really high prices in comparison with Greece.

Moreover, marinas are a good option, but the amenities and laws for living aboard differ, so check with the marina manager before heading down. Inquire about a tour of the marina and its amenities. Note that the ultimate escape from the rat race is to live onboard on a mooring or at anchor. Even if you’re only a few miles offshore, you feel cut off from the rest of the world. Nothing beats watching the sunset below the horizon while the waves softly lap against your hull from the cockpit. It is also the most cost-effective choice, as moorings are inexpensive and you can anchor for free almost anyplace.

Your Lifestyle and Needs

You’ll be presented with a dilemma once you’ve made the decision to relocate. Firstly, how are you going to organize all your stuff? Begin by distinguishing between what you require and what you desire. Be ruthless and willing to make difficult decisions. You might want to go out and rent a storage facility at some point. But think twice before you do so. We can always do better with less; it’s just that we have been used to live with more than we need.

It’s common nowadays for people to work from home, and living onboard a boat gives you the opportunity to broaden your horizons. This is because when you live aboard a boat, you can pick up and move far more easily than if you were on land. So, you won’t have any problem with your job if that’s the case.

Another major decision is where to moor the boat. Is it going to be in a marina, on the hook, or on a mooring? Each of the three possibilities has advantages and disadvantages. Living on the hook, however, also means living off the grid, which means you’ll have to provide for yourself a lot of the stuff most people take for granted. Solar panels, wind generators, or diesel generators provide electricity for lighting and other services on most boats. You’ll also require a water supply for drinking and bathing. A watermaker may be an alternative if you live on the sea.

Note that even simple tasks like taking out the garbage or getting the mail require some thinking when living on a mooring. You’ll also need a way to get to the shore. So, a dinghy with an outboard motor is required. Even though there are numerous challenges to overcome, many people find the satisfaction of living off the grid on their own vessel to be worthwhile.

And, what about relationships? It’s fantastic to be able to relocate with your family or partner. When living aboard, almost everything necessitates planning and collaboration, thus there is a greater sense of community. However, all of this connectedness necessitates a great deal of teamwork. A boat has limited space, therefore it’s difficult to totally be alone for a few days. And, it’s not uncommon for relationships to break because of the constant friction at all times.

Of course, leaving friends and family is difficult, but making new acquaintances and exploring new locations is enjoyable and gratifying. Your oyster is the entire globe. Have you ever longed to live in another nation and learn about different cultures and people? Well, by living aboard you can do so!

Best Places to Liveaboard in the US

Newport, Oregon

One of the nicest spots to liveaboard is in Yaquina Bay in Newport. Commercial and sport fishing, fish processing, tourism, and lumber and wood processing are the primary industries in Newport. In addition to boating, beachcombing, and whale-watching, visitors visit aquariums, historical museums, and lighthouses. You will basically have whatever you want as you will be living in a city but on the water!

Because of the tides and currents, boating here may be technically demanding. But, it’s the kind of place that makes you feel like a genuine boater. A paved launch ramp, a fuel dock, and boat-trailer parking are all available at the Port of Newport South Beach Marina. There are 450 mooring spots available for yachts up to 48 feet long. Don’t enjoy the sweltering heat or the freezing cold? Summer temperatures in Newport range from 60 to 72 degrees, while winter temperatures are roughly 20 degrees cooler. The annual rainfall averages 68 inches.

Chattanooga, Tennessee

Do you like to go boating on a river or a tranquil lake? Well, the Chattanooga area is the one for you. Chickamauga Lake is a Tennessee River impoundment, yet it has the sense of a lake because of its nearly 60-mile length. You will certainly love it, especially in the area closest to Chattanooga on the south end.

On Chickamauga Lake, Booker T. Washington State Park includes boat launch ramps for individuals interested in fishing, skiing, or pleasure riding. Harbor Lights Marina, located on the Tennessee River near Chattanooga, offers dry storage as well as deepwater, open, and covered wet slips.

From Chickamauga Dam to Nickajack Dam, the Tennessee River Blueway runs for more than 45 miles, passing through Chattanooga and the Tennessee River Gorge. Commercial barges, bass boats, and leisure boats share the river with canoeists and kayakers who can paddle to their hearts’ delight.

San Francisco Bay, California

Living aboard in San Francisco Bay is a dream come true. The bay’s wide range of conditions and scenery makes it a perfect destination for anyone looking for a challenge. While the weather isn’t particularly warm if you have the correct gear for mild to cold climates and make sure your boat has a good heater, it may be a great option. There are a variety of conditions and winds to contend with from the Tiburon Peninsula through Richardson Bay to the Farallones. At the same time, there are numerous developed waterfront areas where you can eat, drink, or shop.

Note that Oyster Point Marina is one of the cheapest places to live aboard in San Francisco Bay, with a monthly cost of $350 plus a $200 liveaboard fee, according to sources. As you travel further inland, the harbors get less expensive. San Rafael and Vallejo are two excellent options.

San Juan Island, Washington

One of the top places for living aboard, San Juan Island has a lot to offer, including stunning views, regular festivals, and friendly locals. Between Vancouver Island in British Columbia and mainland Washington, San Juan is the archipelago’s second-largest island. Despite this, with a population of 7,500 people and a length of 24 miles, and a width of 9 miles, it is obviously a little town. This is a place where everyone knows everyone else.

The woodlands, beaches, and breathtaking vistas of the Olympic Mountains entice visitors. Because of the vast number of artists who make the area home, the islands include a diverse selection of galleries and studios for cultural events. It’s also the best sailing site in Washington. Despite the colder weather, it is suitable for sailing all year, making it a perfect spot for anyone wishing to liveaboard for a year. From April through October is the finest season to sail, and during the summer you can observe orca whales on their annual migration. Be aware that rates in San Juan are generally pricier than in other destinations, but if you have the funds, it’s well worth it.

Newport, Rhode Island

Newport, located on Aquidneck Island near the mouth of Narragansett Bay, is recognized as the world’s sailing capital. While this distinction is likely debatable, and many other destinations claim the same honor, it is a very popular East Coast vacation. The region is blessed with a gorgeous shoreline and more than 400 kilometers of beachfront. During the sailing season, which runs from mid-April to late October, there are boat trips and a race, as well as some decent liveaboard options.

Because of its popularity, Newport is a costly option, but there are some regions that are more affordable. Rates for a medium-sized boat with access to the town in Wickford, on the west side of Newport, start at around $500 per month. A less expensive option is Jamestown, which is located across the bay. It’s not difficult to get to Newport, yet because of its accessibility, you can still take advantage of everything the city has to offer. Note that there’s a 3.5-mile cliff walk into if you’re a hiking enthusiast.

Green Bay, Lake Michigan

Green Bay, on Lake Michigan, is another beautiful and accessible option for liveaboards. The islands between the Door Peninsula and the Garden Peninsula isolate Green Bay from the rest of the lake. For hundreds of years, the seas around Green Bay have been crucial as a key waterway for trading fur and pelts. Before British, French, and American traders began building military fortifications to strengthen their control on the land in the early 1800s, it was used by Native Americans.

The Fox River, Sturgeon River, and Porte des Mortes are all options for getting to Green Bay. Green Bay is good for anglers and offers a wide range of onshore activities, including shopping, dining, and visiting the Green Bay Botanical Garden. If you’re on a tight budget, Green Bay rates start at $150 a month. Be aware that space will be basic at this pricing. You can find a nicer place for a larger price – in this location, you get what you pay for.

Best Places to Liveaboard in Europe

In the winter, full-time liveaboards have three options: get a six-month marina contract, tow the boat out, or sailing. Many choose to travel home for the winter, leaving their boat in a protected berth or on the hard. As a result, winter berths must be reserved well in advance. Generally, yard spaces are available until the end of September. Note that storms are common in the Mediterranean winters (one to three per month on average), and the weather varies greatly between countries. The Ionian Islands of Greece, for example, are damp and cold, but mainland Spain is temperate and sunny. The low season usually lasts from October through April.

Overwintering liveaboards can be found all throughout the Mediterranean. For instance, Valencia and Barcelona in mainland Spain are two of the most popular Mediterranean wintering destinations. Cartagena is also a lovely city with a vibrant winter community. You may go to the Balearic Islands, France, and Corsica from there. Keep in mind that the shoulder seasons tend to bring the fiercest winds across the Mediterranean. The weather can often be challenging, with strong winds and swells or light breezes and calmer seas.

>>Also Read: Best Places to Live on a Boat in Europe

Lagos, Portugal

Marina de Lagos claims to be the best marina in the Algarve, and its facilities have won prizes for their excellence. It has 462 slips that can accommodate vessels up to 98 feet long and is located on a stretch of the Portuguese coast that is reputed to have the best sailing in Europe. A commercial complex with restaurants, stores, groceries, and bars is located approximately 200 yards north of the marina. This marina is in a great location for a European sailing base.

The best part is that you’re just next to Lagos, a historic city with small cobblestoned streets, charming cafés, and stores. Lagos’ 16th-century city walls still ring the entire old town, and its Bandeira Fortress, replete with drawbridge and moat, was once a safe haven for Phoenician and Greek commerce ships and is now a popular tourist destination. This is one of Europe’s sunniest places, with around 320 days of sunshine every year. It’s also one of the best bargains in the old world.

Cartagena, Spain

Yacht Port Cartagena is a brand-new marina in the center of Cartagena, a three-thousand-year-old city with significant cultural and visual significance. Moorings for nearly every type of vessel, small or large, are available for purchase or rental, with finger pontoons for added convenience and a safer berth. With unequaled moorings and shelter, it is undoubtedly the safest port in the Mediterranean Sea, protected by neighboring hills and the La Curra and Navidad breakwaters. It’s about halfway between Gibraltar and Palma (Majorca, Balearic Islands), and it’s only 12 miles off the rhumb line.

The climate in Cartagena is warm and semi-arid. Its proximity to the water keeps the temperature moderated. The average annual temperature reaches roughly 20°C. January is the coldest month, with an average temperature of 12°C. In this area, the wind is a significant climatic factor. In general, Cartagena is a great and affordable choice for liveaboards that love the Meditteranean climate, history, and exploration of the South.

Sicily, Italy

Sicily’s strategic position in the midst of the Mediterranean Sea, almost touching the tip of Italy’s toes, has prompted many powers, from the Greeks to the Byzantines, and the Normans to the Saracens, struggling over it. The island, which is the largest in the Mediterranean and has been a part of Italy since the mid-nineteenth century, is historically rich and culturally diverse.

Six Sicilian monuments are listed on Unesco’s World Heritage list, indicating the island’s cultural, historical, and geological value. Mount Etna, Europe’s highest volcano at 3,327 meters, invites hikers to its craters in the summer and skiers to its slopes in the winter.

During the summer months, costs in Marina di Ragusa rise. Also, the beaches get overcrowded, and queues form at every café, restaurant, and bar. However, the marina is inexpensive in the winter, the beaches are tranquil, and everything is calmer. You’ll be spending months in such magnificent settings, with stunning beaches, delectable cuisine, and unforgettable adventures. The marina has a safe and secure mooring. The pontoon and lazy lines are also in excellent condition. Within the harbor, there is a very little surge, and the boat only moves when the wind is really blowing. Clean, restrooms with showers, laundry, restaurant, office/services (vehicle rental, etc.), gym, and friendly personnel are some of the characteristics of the marina.

Ionian Islands, Greece

The islands are situated off Greece’s western coast, south of the Peloponnese. This group of islands includes both large and tiny islands. The most popular islands in the complex are Kefalonia, Ithaca, Corfu, Paxi and Antipaxi, Lefkada, Kythera, and Zakynthos. The Ionian Sea off Greece’s west coast is known for its long summers, azure anchorages, safe coves, and abundance of tavernas. Thousands of sailors choose this place every year for sailing but also for living aboard.

There are various caves, beaches, and peaceful little communities along the coasts of Corfu and Kefalonia, Ithaca, and Paxi. The few persons that visit some of the anchorages do it by sailboat because many of the bays are inaccessible by vehicle. This makes it simple to find a peaceful spot to relax. The Ionian islands, surrounded by myth and tradition, emanate an atmosphere of an ancient mystery that continues to draw sailors to this day. Both land and people have been impacted by the region’s complicated history and different occupations. As a result, there is a rich culture as well as excellent local food, architecture, music, and art, all of which evoke distinct flavors from the past. The Ionian Islands cling to Greece’s verdant “green coast,” where unending olive and orange trees line golden dunes, with enormous turquoise oceans in the distance.

You can find reasonable prices for living aboard in Gouvia Marina in Corfu, Lefkas Marina in Lefkada, or in Argostoli Marina in Kefalonia. There is also Odyseas Marina in Meganisi which is more secluded but still not far from the rest of the islands.

Best Place to Live on a Boat in the World – The Bottom Line

The thought of living aboard a boat sounds lovely, romantic, and simple—and indeed it can be. There are, however, some things to keep in mind before taking the big step. These are the location, your boat, budget, needs, and preferences. And, finding the best place to live aboard a yacht is very dependent on your personal preferences. If money isn’t an issue, living in San Francisco Bay or in Sicily can be ideal for you. Green Bay or the Ionian Islands, on the other hand, would be ideal if you want to save some money. When it comes to where people wish to reside, everyone has their preferences. Lastly, note that any of the aforementioned areas would be ideal for both new and experienced sailors. I hope that this article was helpful and that you will make the best choice for yourself. See you soon!