Alabama and Mississippi are ideal places to get out on the water for fishing, sailing, water skiing, or simply dropping anchor to soak in the incredible natural beauty of these two states.
Before you get out on the water, let’s explore everything you need to know in this guide to boating in Alabama and Mississippi.
Where to Boat
Alabama and Mississippi have numerous incredible destinations boaters will want to experience firsthand. Let’s look at some of the best places for boating in each state.
The Gulf Coast, AL and MS: Alabama and Mississippi enjoy stretches of shoreline with sandy beaches along the Gulf of Mexico’s warm, turquoise waters. These vast, open Gulf Coast settings are perfect places for fishing and boating.
Guntersville Lake, AL: Encompassing over 69,000 acres, Guntersville Lake is the largest lake in Alabama. It is a popular resort destination and an angling hotspot due to its scenic lake setting and population of enormous bass.
Sardis Lake, MS: Sardis Lake stretches for more than 98,000 acres in the northern region of Mississippi. This vast lake has sandy beaches along the water’s edge, and the bass and crappie fishing there is some of the best in Mississippi.
Lake Martin, AL: Lake Martin is a popular getaway destination, with cabins and resorts along its scenic blue waters. There are also fishing piers and marinas, and sports enthusiasts will love how open and uncrowded it is.
Boating Events
Alabama and Mississippi host numerous events that cater to boaters. Let’s look at some of the most popular boating events in both states.
Lulu’s Lighted Boat Parade – Gulf Shores, AL: At this annual boat parade in December, residents decorate their boats with Christmas lights and pass through the water for a festive, vibrant seasonal celebration.
Billy Creel Memorial Gulf Coast Wooden & Classic Boat Show – Biloxi, Mississippi: If you love boats and want to scope out some exciting and unique options, this boat show, in late May or early June, highlights gorgeous wooden boats and allows visitors to climb aboard.
Important Boating Rules
In Alabama and Mississippi, essential rules and regulations govern what boaters can do. These include age and speed restrictions, equipment requirements, and more.
In Alabama, no one under 12 can operate a vessel or personal watercraft. To operate a vessel or personal watercraft alone, boaters must be 14 or older and have a boating license. Speed limits vary depending on the body of water, but in all cases, boaters must give the right-of-way to those in non-motorized vessels. Also, each boat must have a life jacket available for every person onboard.
Mississippi has similar boating rules to Alabama. Every boat must carry life jackets for every member on board, and children 12 and under must wear one while the boat is moving. The legal alcohol limit for boating in the state is 0.08% BAC. Additionally, boaters must register their boat with the state and have their registration certificate while boating.
