For boaters, there are few better feelings than hitting the open water and setting off for a day—or several—of fun. A springtime boat trip is the quintessential outing for those who love to boat with family and friends by their side—and in today’s blog, we’re looking at the five best parts of those beloved trips.

The time away from land

One of the very best parts of any trip on the water is, of course, the time you get to take off from life on land. Whether you’re enjoying a well-deserved beak from work or are celebrating your child’s academic successes, it’s always a great feeling to say goodbye to the hustle and bustle of everyday commitments—if only for a little while—and focus on enjoying the water for all that it’s worth.

Trying delicious coastal dishes

Some of the best cuisine around can be found in quiet waterfront cafes and other coastal spots—you just have to know where to look! There’s something special about pulling up to a place you’ve never tried before, only to find that it’s your new favorite seafood spot on the coast.

Springtime trips on the water also give you the chance to be brave and try new, unfamiliar foods in a pleasant environment. It’s not just any day that you can chow down on less common dishes like turbot, monkish or even more localized cuisine—but that’s exactly what vacation is for!

The water tricks you master—or at least attempt

A spring vacation on your Monterey promises to provide a unique time for all involved—and for many, that means trying new things on the water. Whether you go wakeboarding for the first time or dive underwater to see the beautiful, colorful life below, your spring trip is the time to try it all (and perhaps come back with a few new skills).

The moments immortalized in family photos

We all have those embarrassing, sentimental and downright strange family moments immortalized in photos—and while they may be hard to look at, we wouldn’t want it any other way! Spring trips on the water provide the perfect backdrop for new memories to form and be captured on camera.

The chance to do it all over again

By the time you return to land, you may be reluctant to switch your swimsuit for work attire—but don’t worry. For many seasonal boaters, an inaugural spring trip kicks off a season full of weekend outings and exciting adventures on the water, so you know it’s only a matter of time before you’re back on your Monterey doing what you know best.

What’s your favorite part of a springtime boat trip? Whether it’s the warm sun or the time spent with family, let us know below!