Treasure Coast Destination

Stuart Water Sports

Stuart, Bathtub Beach & St. Lucie River water sports — private dock delivery, Sea-Doo rentals, boat rentals and dolphin tours

Book Near Stuart Ask a Local

Local Guide

Plan Your Stuart Adventure

Stuart, Florida is one of the most beautiful and historically rich towns on Florida's Treasure Coast. Known as the Sailfish Capital of the World, Stuart sits at the confluence of the St. Lucie River and the Indian River Lagoon, giving water sports guests access to two of Florida's most spectacular waterways from a single location. The St. Lucie River winds through old Florida estates, mangrove islands, and wildlife-rich shorelines before opening into the wide, calm waters of the Indian River Lagoon near the famous Nettles Island sandbars.

Salty's Water Sports offers a unique service in Stuart that sets it apart from every other water sports provider on the Treasure Coast: white-glove dock delivery. Guests staying at vacation rental properties with private docks — including Beach Houses in Paradise properties throughout Stuart and Jensen Beach — can have Salty's deliver brand-new Sea-Doo GTX jet skis or pontoon boats directly to their dock. The Salty's crew handles delivery, safety orientation, and pickup. You never have to leave your property.

What to Expect

Your Stuart water sports experience with Salty's begins either at our dock or at your private dock if you've booked dock delivery. The St. Lucie River offers a completely different character from the open Indian River Lagoon — it's narrower, more intimate, lined with old Florida estates and mangrove islands, and rich with wildlife. Jet ski riders can explore the river's upper reaches for manatee sightings, or head east toward the Indian River Lagoon and the Nettles Island sandbars. Boat rental guests can anchor at the sandbars, explore the river, or navigate south toward Jensen Beach. Guided dolphin tour guests will explore the lagoon's most productive feeding grounds between Jensen Beach and Nettles Island.

Great for Families and Groups

Stuart is an outstanding family destination for water sports. The St. Lucie River's calm, protected waters are ideal for families with young children, and the Nettles Island sandbars offer a safe, shallow swimming area that children love. Pontoon boat rentals are especially popular with Stuart families — they provide a stable, comfortable platform for a full day on the water. The dock delivery service is particularly convenient for families with young children, eliminating the need to transport gear and load at a public dock.

Quick Planning Guide

Best time:
Stuart water sports are excellent year-round. The St. Lucie River and Indian River Lagoon near Stuart are well-protected from ocean swells, making for calm riding conditions in all seasons. Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) offer the best combination of calm water, warm temperatures, and peak dolphin activity near the Nettles Island sandbars. Winter (November–March) is exceptional for manatee sightings — the warm waters of the St. Lucie River attract large aggregations of West Indian manatees, and Salty's guides know exactly where to find them. Summer brings warm water and long days ideal for full-day boat rentals, though afternoon thunderstorms are common.

Local tip:
The stretch of Indian River Lagoon between Jensen Beach and Nettles Island is where Salty's guides consistently find the largest dolphin pods near Stuart — sometimes 20 or more animals feeding together. The Nettles Island sandbars are also one of the best anchorage spots on the entire Treasure Coast for boat rentals: shallow, calm, and beautiful. Book the earliest available slot for the best dolphin activity and calmest conditions.

Check-in:
Arrive 30 minutes early.

Questions:
(772) 448-4516

Book Online

See the Water

Scenes from Stuart and the Lagoon

Build a Full Day

Nearby Stuart Attractions

Natural Attraction

Nettles Island Sandbars

Shallow, crystal-clear sandbars in the Indian River Lagoon — the best anchorage spot near Stuart for swimming and dolphin watching.

Town Center

Downtown Stuart

One of the best walkable historic downtowns on Florida's East Coast — locally owned restaurants, art galleries, and the Stuart Farmers Market.

Accommodation

Beach Houses in Paradise

Vacation rental properties with private docks throughout Stuart and Jensen Beach — perfect for Salty's dock delivery service.

Waterway

St. Lucie River

A beautiful, wildlife-rich river winding through old Florida estates and mangrove forests — the best manatee habitat near Stuart.

Market

Stuart Farmers Market

One of the best farmers markets in South Florida, running Sundays with local produce, prepared foods, and artisan vendors.

Marina

Sailfish Marina

Stuart's historic marina and waterfront district — a great starting point for exploring the St. Lucie River.

Local Questions

Stuart Water Sports FAQ

Does Salty's Water Sports deliver jet skis and boats to private docks in Stuart?

Yes — Salty's Water Sports offers white-glove dock delivery throughout Stuart and Jensen Beach. We deliver brand-new Sea-Doo GTX jet skis and pontoon boats directly to your private dock, conduct the safety orientation on-site, and return to pick up the watercraft at the end of your rental. Dock delivery requires advance booking — call (772) 448-4516 at least 48 hours ahead to confirm availability and coordinate dock access with your rental property.

What waterways can I explore from Stuart on a jet ski or boat rental?

From Stuart, you have access to two spectacular waterways. The St. Lucie River winds west through old Florida estates, mangrove islands, and some of the best manatee habitat on the Treasure Coast. Head east and you'll reach the Indian River Lagoon at its widest — with the famous Nettles Island sandbars, dolphin feeding grounds, and open water stretching north toward Jensen Beach and south toward Port St. Lucie. Both waterways offer exceptional wildlife encounters and beautiful scenery.

Can I see dolphins near Stuart?

Absolutely. The stretch of Indian River Lagoon between Jensen Beach and Nettles Island — just east of Stuart — is one of the most productive dolphin areas on the entire Treasure Coast. Salty's guides consistently find pods of 15–25 dolphins feeding in this area, especially in the morning hours. The Nettles Island sandbars are a particularly reliable dolphin spot. Even on a self-guided jet ski or boat rental, this area produces excellent dolphin encounters.

What is the best time of year for water sports in Stuart?

Stuart water sports are excellent year-round. Spring and fall offer the best combination of calm water and peak dolphin activity. Winter (November–March) is exceptional for manatee sightings on the St. Lucie River. Summer brings warm water ideal for full-day boat rentals, though afternoon thunderstorms are common. Salty's Water Sports operates year-round from Stuart.

How do I book Salty's dock delivery for my Stuart vacation rental?

Call (772) 448-4516 or book online at saltyswatersports.com. Dock delivery requires advance booking — call at least 48 hours ahead to confirm availability and coordinate dock access with your rental property. Arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled delivery time. Bring a valid photo ID and the card used for payment. Water shoes or Crocs are required (the team can bring a pair for $15 if needed).

Is Stuart a good destination for families with young children?

Stuart is excellent for families. The St. Lucie River's calm, protected waters are safe for young children, and the Nettles Island sandbars offer a shallow, calm swimming area that kids love. Pontoon boat rentals accommodate up to 12 guests and provide a stable platform for families. The dock delivery service is particularly convenient for families — no loading at a public dock, no gear transport. The Salty's crew handles everything at your property.