On Saturday, December 5, 2026, decorated boats light up Matanzas Pass and Estero Bay for the 38th Annual Fort Myers Beach Christmas Boat Parade. Boats gather at Salty Sam’s Marina around 5:30 p.m. and the parade starts at 6:00 p.m., running until about 8:00 p.m. Santa traditionally leads the fleet under the Matanzas Pass Bridge, past the Coast Guard station and Pink Shell, then back across Matanzas Harbor. If weather and time allow, boats make a second loop through the back bay.
Watching from shore at Bayside Veterans Park is free. The better seat is on the water, where the lights, music, and harbor reflections are right alongside the route. A private charter keeps the evening unhurried: sunset on the way in, a clear view of the parade, and a quiet ride back when the docks get busy.
Route and timing can shift closer to the date. Check the Fort Myers Beach Chamber for the latest updates: fortmyersbeach.org/events/37th-annual-boat-parade.
Make the parade part of a private evening on the water. Book a SeaEO luxury charter for up to 13 guests at sea-eo.com or call (757) 775-1458.