With COVID-19 in full swing again, planning exciting dates has become a difficult task for couples. However, you’re in luck if you have a boat! There’s nothing quite as romantic as cruising on the water and relaxing under the stars. The best part is, it’s a great way to stay safe and social distance! Here are some tips for a romantic weekend boating adventure that you’ll remember for the rest of your life. 

1. Make sure you have a plan.
Spontaneity is fun, but there are things you need to plan for, such as unexpected delays, boating after sunset, provisioning mishaps, and more. You want the adventure to be romantic, not frantic.

2. Keep it simple.
There’s no need to overplan your getaway. However, it’s wise to have some solid ideas about the weekend agenda. Figure out how long you’ll be gone, how much fuel you’ll need, adequate food and beverages, what the weather is going to look like, the amount of clothing you’ll need to bring, and more. 

3. Figure out what kind of adventure you want to have.
Are you leaving on a Friday night and staying out on the water until Sunday? Where do you plan to anchor or dock when you sleep at night? Will you cook dinner aboard or pull in somewhere to eat? If dining ashore, do plenty of research and scope out nearby options. Do you need to bring alcohol for a celebratory nightcap?

4. Prepare in advance so you can disconnect during your getaway.
Book your slip in advance so you don’t get stuck without a marina dock, or scout out your options for anchoring so you can keep your distance from any crowds. While you’re underway, stow your phone in a hard-to-reach place and enjoy each other’s company on the water. 

5. Prepare your boat.
Take a few minutes to tidy up the interior of your boat and wipe down the exterior. Trust me, you’ll be glad you did when you’re underway! If you’re staying out on the water for a whole weekend, you may want to deep clean in advance. To create a romantic vibe aboard your boat, buy some flame-free candles, fresh flowers, and a polaroid camera to take some memorable snapshots of your boating adventure.