The Best Boat Songs for Your Next Trip on the Water

A great day on the water starts with a great playlist. Whether you are anchored in a cove, cruising along the coast, or pulling someone on a tube, the right music sets the tone for everything. We put together a list of 20 boat songs that work for just about any day on the water. From classic rock to country to feel-good summer hits, there is something here for every kind of captain.

Classic Rock and Country Vibes

These songs have been staples on the water for decades, and for good reason. They never get old.

• "Boat Drinks" - Jimmy Buffett
• "Margaritaville" - Jimmy Buffett
• "Volcano" - Jimmy Buffett
• "Southern Cross" - Crosby, Stills and Nash
• "Sailing" - Christopher Cross
• "Rock the Boat" - Hues Corporation

Jimmy Buffett could have taken up this entire list on his own. There is a reason his music has been playing on boats since the 1970s. If you only know Margaritaville, do yourself a favor and give Boat Drinks a listen. It captures exactly how it feels when you would rather be out on the water than anywhere else.

Modern Country and Pop

Newer artists have kept the boat music tradition alive and well. These tracks are perfect for a younger crowd or anyone looking to freshen up their playlist.

• "On the Water" - Luke Bryan
• "Rain Is a Good Thing" - Luke Bryan
• "On the Lake" - Morgan Wallen
• "Coast of Carolina" - Scotty McCreery
• "Caribbean Queen" - Billy Ocean
• "Kokomo" - The Beach Boys

Luke Bryan has built a big chunk of his career writing songs that sound like they were made to be heard from a boat speaker. Morgan Wallen's On the Lake is a newer entry that fits perfectly into a summer afternoon playlist. And if Kokomo does not make you feel like you are already somewhere tropical, nothing will.

Feel-Good Summer Hits

Sometimes you just want something laid-back and easy. These songs are exactly that.

• "Under the Sun" - Sublime
• "Santeria" - Sublime
• "Banana Pancakes" - Jack Johnson
• "Better Together" - Jack Johnson
• "Knee Deep" - Zac Brown Band ft. Jimmy Buffett
• "Toes" - Zac Brown Band

Jack Johnson is the perfect boat artist. His music is relaxed, easy to listen to for hours, and sounds great on a Bluetooth speaker floating in a cove. Zac Brown Band delivers the same energy, especially Knee Deep, which features Jimmy Buffett and might be the closest thing to a perfect boat song that exists.

Pure Fun

These two classics bring energy and good vibes wherever they are played.

• "Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)" - Harry Belafonte
• "Beyond the Sea" - Bobby Darin

Day-O is one of those songs that gets everyone singing along whether they want to or not. Bobby Darin's Beyond the Sea is smooth, timeless, and a solid way to close out a day on the water.

Build Your Playlist Before You Leave the Dock

A good playlist is one less thing to think about once you are out on the water. Download these songs ahead of time so you are not fighting with your phone signal mid-trip. Mix in your own favorites, adjust based on your crew, and enjoy every minute of it.

At Captains Preferred Products, we think about all the little things that make a day on the boat more enjoyable. From keeping your gear organized to having the right cleaning supplies on hand, we want every trip to go as smoothly as possible. Check out what we offer at captainspreferredproducts.com and make sure you are ready for the water.