Sea Mist III | Boynton Beach Drift Fishing Party Boat
Looking for affordable Boynton Beach drift fishing? The Sea Mist III is a 72-foot, all-aluminum party boat that sails twice a day from Boynton Harbor Marina in Boynton Beach, Florida. The boat is run by the Garnsey family, whose roots in South Florida drift fishing go back to the mid-1940s, and the Sea Mist III itself has been taking anglers offshore since 1972 — making it one of the longest-running walk-on fishing boats in Palm Beach County.
Half-Day Drift Fishing Trips Near West Palm Beach
Sea Mist III runs two 4-hour drift fishing trips every day, with a morning and an afternoon departure. The marina sits just inside the Boynton Inlet, so the ride out to deep water is short and more of your time is spent fishing. Along this part of the coast the Gulf Stream runs unusually close to shore, putting reefs, ledges and blue water within easy reach. The boat draws anglers from all over southern Palm Beach County, including West Palm Beach, Lake Worth Beach, Lantana, Delray Beach and Boca Raton.
On a drift trip the captain cuts the engines over productive bottom and lets the wind and current carry the boat across it, so everyone at the rail gets fresh water on every pass. It’s one of the easiest and most budget-friendly ways to try deep sea fishing in South Florida without hiring a private charter, and it’s why Boynton Beach drift fishing has stayed popular with locals and visitors for generations. Compare other walk-on boats in our Florida party & head boat directory.
What You Can Catch on a Boynton Beach Drift Fishing Trip
The catch changes with the seasons, but the most common species aboard the Sea Mist III include snapper and grouper on the bottom, plus kingfish, wahoo, cobia, tuna and the occasional sailfish. Any fish that meets current Florida size and bag limits is yours to keep, and the crew tags each angler’s fish so nothing gets mixed up.
Everything You Need Is Included
- Rod and reel
- Bait and tackle
- Florida saltwater fishing license
- Crew help baiting hooks and clearing tangles
- Your catch filleted at the dock after the trip
About the only thing you need to bring is sunscreen. You’re welcome to use your own rod, but leave the braided line at home — on a shared rail it can cut other anglers’ lines.
Great for Families and First-Time Anglers
No ocean fishing experience is required. The captain and crew walk beginners through baiting up, dropping a line and reeling in, which makes the Sea Mist III a popular pick for families, kids, vacationers and groups of friends. Experienced anglers appreciate the low cost per trip and the quick access to the Gulf Stream.
Good to Know Before You Go
- Departure: Boynton Harbor Marina, 700 Casa Loma Blvd, Boynton Beach, FL 33435
- Food and drinks: nothing is sold on board, but snacks, drinks and ice cream are available at the dock, and small coolers are allowed
- Parking: a garage right next to the boat charges a $7 flat fee
- Discounts: offered to teachers, law enforcement, military and seniors 65+ once a trip reaches its 10-passenger minimum
- Weather: trips are generally canceled only for rough seas or severe weather, not rain alone; advance online bookings can reschedule or receive a full refund
- Have your catch cooked: nearby Hurricane Alley restaurant will cook your cleaned fish at no charge when you show your Sea Mist III ticket
- Seasickness: if you’re prone to it, consider a motion-sickness remedy and stay out in the fresh air where you can see the horizon
Book a Trip on the Sea Mist III
Trips can be booked online through the Sea Mist III website or by calling (561) 732-9974. Departure times can change seasonally, so it’s a good idea to call ahead to confirm the schedule and ask about current sea conditions and what’s been biting. Gift certificates are also available. Planning a trip elsewhere in the state? Browse all Florida fishing charters.