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Inlet Shores Tiki Tours
Inlet Shores Tiki Tours offers a unique experience of exploring the scenic waterways while enjoying the laid-back atmosphere of a tiki boat. Guests can relax under the sun, sip...
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Know Before You Go: Fishing Permits
In the New Smyrna Beach Area, recreational anglers typically need a Florida fishing license before casting a line, even if you plan to catch and release. The right license depends on where and what you’re fishing for: a saltwater license covers ocean and lagoon species, while a freshwater license applies to inland freshwater fishing (and some anglers may need both).
If you’re targeting certain regulated species, additional permits may apply, and there are also common exemptions (for example, kids under 16, and many anglers fishing from properly licensed charter boats or certain piers). For the most accurate, up-to-date requirements and to purchase your license, visit Florida Fish and Wildlife’s website.
Boat Safety & Education
Before heading out on the waterways around New Smyrna Beach, Florida Fish and Wildlife recommends making boat safety part of your plan, starting with education and compliance. In Florida, anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 must carry a Boating Safety Education ID Card to legally operate a vessel with an engine of 10 horsepower or more.
On the water, follow posted speed and wake-zone signs (for example, “Idle Speed, No Wake” and “Slow Speed, Minimum Wake”) to help prevent accidents and protect shoreline and wildlife. For best practices, make sure everyone has access to a USCG-approved life jacket (and take note that children under 6 years of age must wear one at all times on vessels under 26 feet), keep required signaling devices onboard (like an efficient sound-producing device), and always stay alert for manatee protection zones and other restricted areas. For full regulations, safety checklists, and education resources, visit FWC’s website.
Catch ’n’ Cook Restaurants
Catch ’n’ Cook brings together two of the New Smyrna Beach Area’s favorite traditions: world-class fishing and fresh coastal cuisine.
Select restaurants and fish camps invite you to bring in your catch and have it prepared just the way you like, turning a day on the water into a true local dining experience. Explore the participating spots below and plan your perfect Catch ’n’ Cook outing.
Tide Charts for Fishing & Boating
Stay prepared for your next day on the water with real-time tide information for the New Smyrna Beach Area. Check live tide updates to track incoming and outgoing tides, changing water levels, and coastal conditions along the Atlantic throughout the day.
Planning around the tides can make all the difference for anglers and boaters alike. Whether you're heading offshore, fishing near the inlet, or simply enjoying time on the water, checking the latest tide forecast helps you choose the best time to go
Explore Scenic Blueways
The New Smyrna Beach Area’s waterways offer endless opportunities to explore beyond fishing. Paddle through the calm waters of the Indian River Lagoon and surrounding estuaries while discovering mangrove shorelines, coastal wildlife, and peaceful natural scenery.
Whether you're kayaking, paddleboarding, or joining a guided eco-tour, our scenic bluways invite you to experience another side of the area’s rich coastal environment.
