12 Best 55+ Boating Communities in Florida

Boat community folks love being close to the water and the activities associated with it, boating in particular. With an abundance of locales near the ocean and even lakes, Florida is most desirable, offering many 55+ communities.

Our picks for the 12 Best Boating Communities in Florida are as follows: 

  1. Del Webb Stone Creek, Ocala, FL
  2. Latitude Margaritaville Watersound, Panama City Beach, FL
  3. WaterSong at RiverTown, St. Johns, FL
  4. Shell Point Retirement Community, Fort Myers, FL
  5. Lakes of Mount Dora, Mount Dora, FL
  6. Latitude Margaritaville Daytona, Daytona Beach, FL
  7. Royal Harbor, Tavares, FL
  8. Spanish Main Yacht Club, Longboat Key, FL
  9. Twin Lakes, St. Cloud, FL
  10. Palmer Ranch – Sarasota Lifestyle Communities, Lakewood Ranch, FL
  11. Del Webb Naples, Ave Maria, FL
  12. Solivita, Kissimmee, FL

Our top choices are not just the best boating communities in Florida but boating communities most suitable to the 55+ active adults. It seems that Central Florida holds the most number of top choices, but other parts of Florida have their own.

Why do people like to live in boating communities? These communities are family-centered, and they enjoy the closeness and like-mindedness of people living around them. Water activities enrich this. Besides, the costs of maintenance and storage of boats are markedly reduced in these communities. The value of their homes and properties do not generally go down. The Sunshine Capital of the US is idyllic for such boating communities.

12 Best 55+ Boating Communities in Florida

Miami Beach Marina Boats

1. Del Webb Stone Creek, Ocala, FL

Del Webb communities are recognized as some of the best accommodations for active adults. Some of its locations have been acknowledged by 55places.com as a top community, one being Del Web Stone Creek in Ocala, Florida.

Ocala is known for its artisan spring formations, the largest in the world. It is also home to many horse farms. The city is beautiful, very clean, and affordable to live in.

Del Webb Stone Creek is a 55+ active adult community in Ocala. Gated and guarded, it offers resort-style amenities and new homes. They have open concept floor plans, spacious master’s suites, walk-in closets, and covered lanais. Resales are available.

The Clubhouse

The remodeled Clubhouse is the center of community life. It features a heated outdoor swimming pool, grill restaurant, café, fitness center, spa, cards room, ballroom, computer room, and a pro golf shop. Outdoor amenities include:

  • Walking & biking trails
  • A dog park
  • Sports courts
  • RV and boat storage
  • A fishing pier

In charge of its events and activities is a full-time lifestyle director. Within the grounds, there’s an 18-hole Terry-Doss-designed championship golf course.

Less than 20 minutes away is the West Marion Community Hospital, and 25 minutes away is Ocala Regional Medical Center.

Attractions in Ocala

Residents have easy access to historic downtown Ocala and the Gulf Coast beaches.

There’s Silver Springs Theme Park, the oldest commercial tourist attraction in Florida, a national landmark where you’ll find the largest artesian spring in the world.

Appleton Museum of Art and Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing are two of the best museums with 1,200 horse farms in the city. Two are nearby Del Webb Stone Creek, Ocala Breeders, and Five Phases Farm. And for a round of golf, it’s Stone Creek Golf Club. This facility is within 1.5 hours of Tampa and Orlando.

This is our top pick for the best boating community in Florida.

2. Latitude Margaritaville Watersound, Panama City Beach, FL

The gated community sits on 100,000 acreages of lush greenery where one sees the blue-green Gulf of Mexico, and dunes, and miles of white-sand beaches and forests. Latitude Margaritaville Watersound is a 55plus active adult community in Florida’s Panhandle region. You’ll find it between Pensacola and Panama City Beach.

It is a master-planned community with distinct home collections of a projected 3,500 single-family homes. Floor plans range from 1,204 to 2,564 square feet. Homes prices range from $239,990 to $424,990.

Current Outdoor Amenities

For outdoor activities, residents can enjoy boating, kayaking, deep-sea fishing, tennis, and pickleball. There are also walking, biking, and multi-modal trails.

Hospitals and medical offices are conveniently close by, including Gulf Coast Regional Medical Center, St. Andrew Community Medical Center, and Bay Medical Center Sacred Heart.

Planned Amenities

Soon, Latitude Margaritaville Watersound will have a swimming area. There’s a planned lagoon-shaped Paradise Pool with cabanas, tiki huts, and a poolside bar. A Fitness Center is opening in the summer of 2021 with complete equipment.

Latitude Town Center is coming up, too, which will be the centerpiece of the community. It will include a Town Square with a concert stage. There will be many dining options, a play center, and a theater.

A marina is planned near the community, with access to the Intracoastal Waterway and featuring shops, dining, and bars.

Area Attractions

When it’s beach time, there’s the white-sand Emerald Coast shoreline. Near the Gulf of Mexico and Intracoastal Waterway, you’ll find lots of opportunities for boating, kayaking, and deep-sea fishing. Other destinations are St. Andrews State Park, Pier Park (for shopping, dining, and entertainment), Gulf World Marine Park, and ZooWorld.

Fortunately, too, Latitude Margaritaville Watersound is less than half an hour from Panama City. Here are more opportunities for entertainment, shopping, and culture. There are also beaches and state parks in the area.

Latitude Margaritaville Watersound is truly on the rise; that’s why it can be one of the best boating communities in Florida.

3. WaterSong at RiverTown, St Johns, FL

Boats in the Water

WaterSong at RiverTown is an exclusive neighborhood for Active Adults 55+. It is a master-planned community located along the banks of St. Johns River with magnificent views. It is northeast Florida’s only active adult living community, one of the nicest 55+ boating communities in Florida. It combines modern design, resort-style amenities, and a pristine natural setting.

Here are some of the amenities offered:

  • Resort-Style Pool
  • Lap Pool
  • Outdoor Spa
  • Firepit
  • Bocce Ball Courts
  • Pickleball Courts
  • Event Lawn
  • Social Room
  • Fitness Center
  • Paw Park
  • Lake Pavilion
  • Walking Trails
  • Full-Time Lifestyle Director

River Town Amenities

These fantastic amenities are telling what events and activities are going on at the WaterSong at River Town.

RiverClub: Riverfront zero-entry pool, Riverfront Café, firepit, pirate playground, boardwalk, kayak launch, and amphitheater.

RiverHouse: a resort-style pool with corkscrew slide, Olympic lap pool, fitness center, yoga studio, social room, tennis courts, and basketball courts.

Neighborhood Conveniences

For daily conveniences, there is Publix, Winn-Dixie, Walmart, and CVS, and Walgreens. When dining out, go to Woodpeckers Backyard BBQ, Corky Bells Seafood and Steaks, and La Casita Mexican Restaurant along the St. Johns River, St. Augustine Wild Reserve, and the World Golf Hall of Fame for entertainment.

WaterSong at RiverTown is close to healthcare providers, like Baptist Medical Center South and Kindred Hospital North Florida. 

The facility is not too far from the Jacksonville metro area, St Augustine, and the lovely beaches of northeast Florida. The JAX International Airport serves the region.

These make our top 3 best boating communities in Florida.

4. Shell Point Retirement Community, Fort Myers, FL

Shell Point Retirement Community is right in the heart of Southwest Florida’s Gulf Coast, just minutes from Sanibel Island, a beautiful beach town. Boating, swimming, fishing, sailing, and other water sports are popular endeavors. Other pursuits like golfing, gardening, shopping, and dining are also to be enjoyed year-round.

The Shell Point community has six different neighborhoods, each offering a unique living perspective. The Island and Palm Acres are the retirement communities that can be considered boating communities. However, remember that the entire community is near the Gulf Coast.

Here are the neighborhoods:

  • The Enclave: Homes are vintage-styled, with golf course, lake, and fairway views
  • The Estuary: Homes also vintage-style. Oak trees, lakes, brick paths, and native palms
  • The Island: Waterfront lifestyle, overlooking boat docks, the lagoon, and the Caloosahatchee River.
  • The Woodlands: Luxury high rise living
  • Eagles Preserve: Golf course views all around
  • Palm Acres: Custom waterfront living, located near The Island.

Shell Point also offers Continuing Care in Fort Myers. It is a highly rated retirement community for 55+ adults. With 2,400 residents and more than 1,200 employees, it is the largest of its kind in Florida.

Shell Point espouses Lifecare. It is simply a contract guaranteeing a maintenance-free home, assisted living, and skilled nursing when necessary.

Opportunities 

For those who love waterways, there is boating, fishing, sailing, and canoeing. 

Sport and fitness fans can play golf and tennis. There are fitness centers with trained professionals, heated swimming pools, shuffleboard courts, and walking trails.

Activities at the Tribby Arts Center include painting, woodworking, ceramics, Pilates, Yoga, pottery, acrylics, knitting, quilting, beading, and volunteering. A digital photo studio for camera buffs. 

For nature lovers:

  • Almost 400 acres and walking trails, bike paths, and observation areas
  • Boardwalks, bridges, walking trails, and bike paths
  • Gardening in garden plots, a rose garden, and a fully equipped orchid greenhouse

For sports and fitness fans: lighted tennis courts, a bocce court, fitness centers with trained professionals, and four heated swimming pools; a full-time resort services staff for socials, recreational, and entertainment.

These and more are why Shell Point Retirement Community is one of the best 55+ boating communities in Florida.

5. Lakes of Mount Dora – Central Florida

Lakes of Mount Dora was one of the Top 50 Best Master-Planned Communities in the US by Where To Retire Magazine! We have also included it as one of the best 55+ boating communities in Florida.

Find homes that are classic Florida architecture sitting on the waterfront of the small town of Mount Dora.

Located in Central Florida, Mount Dora is a small city in Lake County known for its monthly festivals, hence, the nickname Festival City. Its downtown is full of antique shops and is overlooking Lake Dora.

Fully gated and ecologically landscaped, 70% of homes face the water. About 1,000 single-family homes are planned, and there is a wide variety of home designs with 178 acres of lakes winding through the neighborhoods. Residents can use small electric motor boats, paddle boats, and canoes to course around the complex. Here are some of the features:

  • RV & Boat Storage 
  • Eight Pickleball Courts
  • Bocce Courts
  • Resort-style Pool 
  • Croquet Court
  • Basketball Court
  • Tennis Courts
  • Darts/Billiards Room
  • Fire Pit
  • Library
  • Fitness Studio
  • Arts & Crafts Room
  • Walking & Exercise Trails

There is a brand new 18,000 square-foot Clubhouse at the center of the community and is the main hub for all social and fitness activities. It includes a state-of-the-art fitness center and a 6,000 square-foot banquet hall. Surrounded from all sides with water and accessible by a road bridge, boats can reach the clubhouse directly. Outside is a resort-style pool with lap lanes and a hot tub, and lots of walking trails, including a fitness trail with exercise stations.

This premier 55+ active adult community enjoys clubs, events, and activities such as aerobics, bingo, scrapbooking, chess, music lovers, Tai Chi, travel, tea society, and red hatters.

Neighborhood Amenities

Mount Dora Plaza, Walmart Garden Center, Target, Kohl’s, T.J. Max, Bealls Department Store, Bay Street Food Mart, Circle K are the places for shopping and groceries.

There are also restaurants, pubs, and cafes as dining options. The nearest medical providers are AdventHealth Waterman, Adventist Health System, Florida Hospital Waterman, and UF Health Leesburg Hospital.

Attractions Nearby

Downtown Mount Dora is renowned for its rich culture and exciting shopping and dining outlets. Find many antique shops, specialty retailers, and historic architecture. Watch out for monthly festivals from the Festival City.

Mount Dora is conveniently near the attractions of Orlando and the Atlantic coastal beaches. Only 45 miles west is The Gulf of Mexico. The Atlantic coast is 90 miles east. Disney World, Universal Studios, the Kennedy Space Center, and Sea World are less than 90 minutes away.

6. Latitude Margaritaville Daytona Beach 

Marina Boats

World-famous Daytona Beach is the setting of this multi-awarded 55+ active adult community of Latitude Margaritaville.

The builders’ state-of-the-art new construction homes have a wide range of options and styles, a total of 15-floor plans. The homes are energy-efficient, combining green living concepts and quality designs. Homes range in prices from mid-$200,000s to $400,000, and sizes from 1,204 – 2,392 sq ft. Most have 2-; some have 3-car garages and dens.

Community Amenities

The hub of life of the community is the Town Square. It houses a state-of-the-art Fins Up Fitness Center, a gym, aerobics studio, and an indoor lap pool and whirlpool spa. There’s the Latitude Bar & Chill Restaurant for dining, and The Last Mango Theater presents performances, banquets, and dancing. The Workin” N’ Playin’ Center includes the Coconut Telegraph Business Center, the Barkaritaville Pet Spa, and multipurpose rooms for games, cards, crafts, etc. There’s always live music, entertainment, and dancing at the Town Square.

There is a planned Amenity Center with resort-style, social gathering areas, tiki huts, and poolside bar and grill. There’s also a planned private beach club overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

Homeowners enjoy classes in aerobics & group fitness, arts & crafts, and swimming, plus golf outings, holiday parties, and concerts. Apart from Paradise Pool, folks are still near the beach. There’s a continuous shuttle service to the private beachfront club.

There is a golf-cart accessible, 200,000 sq ft Latitude Landings Retail Center. It has a Publix grocery store which provides a lot of shopping space.

Outside Amenities

There are opportunities for recreation, entertainment, and adventure in Central Atlantic Coast. Just off Highway 95, Latitude Margaritaville provides easy access to nearby beaches and championship golf courses.

For retail opportunities – The Tanger Outlets and The Trails Shopping Center. For browsing and shopping – The Ocean Walk Shoppes & Movies, Riverfront Shops of Daytona Beach, and Ormond Beach Mainstreet.

Going on excursions? Visit Daytona International Speedway, Washington Oaks State Gardens, Deland Naval Air Station Museum, and the Ormond Memorial Art Museum. The Daytona Beach International Airport is for traveling needs.

Medical centers and health providers are close by the community, such as the Florida Hospital Memorial Center, Florida Hospital Memorial Medical Center, and Halifax Medical Center.

7. Royal Harbor in Tavares, FL 

In Tavares, the Royal Harbor is an award-winning golfing neighborhood. It is pet-friendly, with lovely single-family accommodations, landscaped lawns, and amenities.

There are more than 750 homes with prices ranging from highs of $200,000 to about $600,000. Sizes range from 1,013 square feet to over 2,700 square feet. There’s a wide variety of architectural styles and have two to four bedrooms, one to three bathrooms, and one to three-car garages. Some of the properties have private lake or dock access.

Tavares is located 40 miles northwest of Orlando. It is a popular tourist destination. It is known as America’s Seaplane City because of the Tavares Seaplane Base & Marina, a seaplane airport and recreational boating marina located on the Lake Dora waterfront. Tavares is also the center of Florida’s citrus industry. Florida produces more than 70% of the US supply of citrus.

Amenities

Waterfront Clubhouse: Social Hall for parties, board and special meetings, and club activities. Rooms dedicated to billiards, card games, computers, fitness and exercise, library, arts and crafts, and a catering kitchen. Social activities include aerobics, ballroom dancing, book studies, quilting, and singles groups. They also enjoy a yappy hour, colorpalooza, art strolls, movies in the park, or Friday street parties.

Outside the Clubhouse: junior Olympic pool and spa, hot tub, picnic area, tennis/pickleball, bocce, and shuffleboard courts, a picnic pavilion, and many bike paths and walking trails. There’s also a community dock and fishing pier and a lighthouse at the highest point on Royal Harbor.

Area Attractions and Amenities

Going to Orlando, Royal Harbor residents have access to major theme parks, museums, and airports. Orlando’s International airport is just a short drive away. The nearest medical provider is Florida Hospital Waterman, only 10 miles away on Highway 441.

Hickory Point is a recreational facility and marina that Royal Harbor residents can troop to for boating; several boat launch slips. It is also known for its recreation park. There are other launching ramps around Lake Harris, too. Lake Harris used to be a freshwater fishing lake; today, water skiing, jet skiing, including bass fishing are thriving.

8. Spanish Main Yacht Club – Longboat Key, FL

Yachts in Marina

55+ active folks love to spend as much time on boats. On Longboat Key, just outside of Sarasota, there is a great space for older adults who want to live actively by the water. The Spanish Main Yacht Club has a private beach, 4-slip marina, boat docks, and kayak racks. It’s also a beautiful, lively community.

As many as 6,000 retirees call Longboat Key home; they enjoy the island’s beaches, championship golf courses, tennis clubs, and the dining and shopping scene.

Built between 1966 and 1970, the Spanish Main Yacht Club features 212 attached or detached villas with amenities like open floor plans, large master suites with walk-in closets, updated kitchens, brick paver sidewalks and driveways, and patios. Typically, there are two bedrooms, one to two bathrooms, and a carport in 1,057 to 1,516 square feet of living space. Home prices range from high $200s – high $500s with many villas on the waterfront. This is truly a top 55+ boating community in Florida.

Community Amenities and Activities

When residents aren’t boating or engaging in water activities, because of the proximity (just across the street) and irresistible views of Sarasota Bay, there’s a charming clubhouse full of great amenities to engage in indoor preoccupations.

There are game nights, a book club, craft day, and mixed bridge, and group activities like men’s golf, men’s poker, and shuffleboard. Community parties like the Irish music party, fish fry, Easter dinners, and January cocktail parties are much-awaited social events. Outdoor opportunities are provided by a pool, and parks, and nature walks.

Outside Amenities and Attractions

For shopping and supermarket needs, the Yacht Club residents go to Walmart, Beall’s Outlet, Family Dollar Store, Marshall’s, Big Lots, The Fresh Market, and Target. For pharmacy needs, there’s CVS and Winn Dixie. There are plenty of restaurants within biking or driving distance, and restaurants, seafood spots, cafes, pizzerias, and fine dining options. 

Medical centers nearest the community are Brandon Regional Hospital, Manatee Memorial Hospital, Bradenton Arthritis Center, Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, and many more.

Attractions in Sarasota are top-rated. Sarasota is world-famous for the Ringling Museum of Art; there’s also the Circus Museum and the Sarasota Museum of Art. Deserving a visit are Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Manatee Village Historical Park, the Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary, and the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium.

9. Twin Lakes, St. Cloud, FL 

Another Central Florida-located 55+ boating community is Twin Lakes in St. Cloud. St Cloud is part of the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford metro area in Osceola County, and it was a retirement place for Civil War union veterans. Hence, it’s nicknamed “The Friendly Soldier City.” The active adult community is along the shore of Live Oak Lake, where residents enjoy boating, kayaking, and fishing. That’s why it makes for a great boating community.

The 20,000-square-foot Clubhouse, located lakefront, has a ballroom, game room, and other amenities. Nearby is a fitness center with cardio equipment and a resort-style swimming pool with a patio bar. There are walking and biking trails and, of course, water activities on the lake. A full-time lifestyle director coordinates activities.

Twin Lakes community is near Lake Nona Plaza and Town Center, where one enjoys shopping and restaurant dining. The nearest hospitals are the Florida Hospital of Kissimmee, Osceola Regional Medical Center, Orlando VA Medical Center, and St. Cloud Regional Medical Center.

Residents can see Orlando’s downtown attractions and theme parks.

10. Palmer Ranch – Sarasota Lifestyle Communities, Lakewood Ranch, FL

Palmer Ranch is a beautiful campus of over 30 residential communities, assisted-living facilities, commercial businesses, and recreational amenities nestling on 10,000 acres in Sarasota, Florida. It’s a large master-planned community of neighborhoods and one of the most popular areas of Sarasota to live in. Living accommodations like condos, villas, single-family homes, and estates ranging from $200,000 to over $1 million.

This retirement destination is just a 10 to 15 minutes drive to Siesta Key Beach, a highly rated beach in the US. Four of these communities are 55+ senior adult spaces: Brookdale Deer Creek and the Heron Club at Prestancia; both offers assisted living, memory care, and are nursing homes; Brookdale Palmer Ranch, an assisted living complex and nursing facility; and The Glenridge, a retirement and respite care community. All can be considered boating communities due to their proximity to Siesta Key Beach.

Amenities and Activities

All the neighborhoods have sidewalks and many of their trails. The majority of streets are tree-lined. On the grounds of Palmer Ranch is a rich array of different palms, plants, and trees. They add to the beauty, clean air, and value to Palmer Ranch.

The Palmer Ranch area is home to 3 very prominent gated golf course communities, each having one or two 18-hole courses. The community has three large Publix supermarkets and a Target in the general area.

There are many restaurants, too, like steakhouses, grill restaurants, gourmet restaurants, and bakeshops, and lots of shopping near Palm Ranch. The Westfield Sarasota Square Mall is a large indoor mall with clothing stores, jewelers, a bank, and a theater.

There are parks and trails on Palmer Ranch. The “Legacy Trail” in the center of Palmer Ranch used to be an old section of railroad track that is now a 12 foot wide paved walking/bike path. It is 12.5 miles in length, running from Sarasota to Venice. The Stoneybrook Nature Trail is just a mile-long trail popular for bird watching. Culverhouse Nature Park is dedicated to conservation. Beautiful Potter Park is ideal for picnics, basketball, and tennis.

For the medical needs of Palmer Ranch, there is the Intercoastal Medical Group, Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, and Doctors Hospital of Sarasota.

Neighborhood Amenities

The Siesta Key Beach is known for its quartz crystal sand, turquoise waters, and beachside amenities. It has been officially touted as “the finest, whitest sand beach in the world.” All sorts of water activities can be enjoyed. There are boating excursions, tours, and boat rentals available. The beach area has many other options for shopping, dining, and nightlife.

11. Del Webb Naples, Ave Maria, FL

Marina Boats in Florida

Another Del Webb 55+ active adult community makes it to our list. This one is near Naples, a vibrant master-planned community of Ave Maria – Del Webb Naples. As usual, its amenities are world-class, with plenty of community events and social functions. It is a 5,000-acre master-planned community centered around a town square and the Ave Maria University.

Community Amenities

Two clubhouses total 30,000 sq. ft. The Oasis Club is an amenity center featuring a state-of-the-art fitness center, movement studio, steam room, sauna, locker rooms, and game room. It also has a catering kitchen, library, cafe, arts and crafts studio, and continuing education center. Outdoors, there is a resort-style pool and spa, 3-lane lap pool, patio and BBQ area, 18 sports courts (tennis, bocce ball, and pickleball), and walking and biking trails. It also has a full-time Lifestyle Director. 

The Panther Run Golf Club includes a large golf practice facility, aqua driving range, two practice greens, a short game area, and a pro shop. Golf Membership is optional.

Vicinity Amenities

Right in Ave Maria is La Piazza, a Mediterranean-themed town center with lovely boutiques, casual and fine dining restaurants, and meeting places. The square is a Publix grocery store, gas station, ice cream parlor, bank, and salon.

The North Park is more of a sports park with soccer fields, basketball courts, picnic pavilions, and a playground. The South Park also has sports courts, plus an amphitheater, dog park, and picnic pavilion.

The Ave Maria Water Park is like a resort with picnic pavilions, a pool and spa, a lap pool, and a kids’ pool with waterslides and interactive play amenities.

Del Webb Naples is just 35 miles east of downtown Naples where scenic beaches are just an hour’s drive away. Apart from the beaches, here are the other top attractions and things to do in Naples.

For nature lovers: Naples Botanical Garden, Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, and Naples Zoo. The Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples, Naples Depot Museum, Collier County Museum, and the von Liebig Art Center are a must-see for art appreciation. The famous Naples Pier, Crayton Cove, and Lowdermilk Beach Park are unforgettable close-to-water experiences in Naples.

12. Solivita, Kissimmee, FL

Solivita is a 4,300-acre master-planned active adult community in Central Florida, in Kissimmee, the largest city in Osceola County. It is 21 miles south of Walt Disney World. Award-winning among 55+ communities, Solivita is dedicated to a lively, fun, and robust lifestyle. It is on the shore of Lake Toho, hence, makes a lovely boating community. Though generally overshadowed by its sister-city Orlando, Kissimmee has amenities of its own.

The gated community has a natural landscape; it has waterways and green spaces. It has over 20 home collections of differing styles. Homes prices range from $160,000 – $450,000, either attached or detached Tuscan-style homes surrounded by lakes, wooded nature preserves, and two golf courses.

Common features of Solivita homes include expansive rooms, gourmet kitchens, and spa-like bathrooms. Some home designs include open floor plans, brick paver driveways, entry walks, and modern kitchen appliances.

Super Amenities

All homeowners belong to the Solivita Club. There are 150 social and recreational clubs to join. There are arts, exercise, and special-interest classes like oil painting, pottery, and calligraphy.

The Palms Amenity Complex is a 19,000-square-foot building, a fitness center with top gym equipment, and a fitness team. There’s an aerobics studio with a business center, a multipurpose room, and a catering kitchen.

The Riviera Spa & Fitness Center is larger. It has an indoor walking track above an indoor heated lap, an exercise pool, and a modern cardiovascular suite. It also has a dance studio that offers aerobics, yoga, Zumba, stretch, etc. They have certified trainers and staff. Outside this center are a heated pool and two heated whirlpools.

The 17,000 square foot Starlite Ballroom is for big and small parties, events, meetings, and games.

The Waterfront Galleries is a two-story arts, crafts, and game studio with beautiful scenic views of the lake for inspiration. They have billiards, a darts gallery, computer labs, and a library.

Freedom Park is a large outdoor sports complex with a softball diamond, horseshoe pits, bocce courts, pickleball courts, and outdoor pavilions for private and community events.

There is the semi-private Stonegate Golf Club with two championship 18-hole golf courses. One is The Oaks, with its many water challenges and so named because they have century-old oak hammocks around this course, and the other is The Cypress golf course for beginners and novice players. They also have a grill-restaurant, a bistro and another restaurant on the premises.

Neighborhood and More Attractions

Solivita homeowners have easy access to grocery stores such as Publix, ALDI, and Walmart, all within 10 minutes. There’s Walgreens, CVS, and RiteMed for meds.

The community is also close to hospitals, such as Poinciana Medical Center and Adventhealth Kissimmee.

There are parks and green spaces for nature lovers, such as Kissimmee Lakefront Park, Lake Marion Creek Wildlife Area, and Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve, all within half an hour. Golfers can also play at the Providence Golf Club, Ridgewood Lakes Golf Club, and Willowbrook Golf Course.

For dining and entertainment, walking along Cypress Parkway will lead to restaurants, bars, and shops. There’s also Bok Tower Gardens, Morocco Gallery of Arts and History, and Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail.

Solivita is just 40 miles from Orlando. Outings can be arranged to see Universal Studios, Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards, Kennedy Space Center, and Amway Center. Downtown Orlando offers many options in restaurants, small shops, and historic residences and sites.

Conclusion – 12 Best 55+ Boating Communities in Florida

So, what are the best 55+ boating communities in Florida? Here are our top picks:

  1. Del Webb Stone Creek, Ocala, FL
  2. Latitude Margaritaville Watersound, Panama City Beach, FL
  3. WaterSong at RiverTown, St. Johns, FL
  4. Shell Point Retirement Community, Fort Myers, FL
  5. Lakes of Mount Dora, Mount Dora, FL
  6. Latitude Margaritaville Daytona, Daytona Beach, FL
  7. Royal Harbor, Tavares, FL
  8. Spanish Main Yacht Club, Longboat Key, FL
  9. Twin Lakes, St. Cloud, FL
  10. Palmer Ranch – Sarasota Lifestyle Communities, Lakewood Ranch, FL
  11. Del Webb Naples, Ave Maria, FL
  12. Solivita, Kissimmee, FL

While there may be many boating communities in Florida State, not too many are dedicated 55+ communities. Our list of the 12 best boating communities gears to this particular population. Owned/rented homes require minimal maintenance, and retirees enjoy many amenities and activities among peers and like-minded neighbors. Best of all, many of these communities provide healthcare options as part of their package of residing in such neighborhoods, or they are near medical and health providers.

Our diverse list will surely appeal to 55+ folks who like to retire close to the ocean or to lakes for their love of boating, waves, limitless skies, and the quiet of solitude out in the blue – only here in Florida.

If you are looking to retire in a boating community in Florida, the best 55+ adult communities nearest the water are on our list. Check it out. Surely one of them can be your next home while enjoying retirement.

Kris Peter

A positive individual enjoying the journey, and always searching for adventure. I created Sunlight Living to help my parents (and eventually myself) prepare for retirement. About Kris

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