A family vacation, complete with water transportation, is the best way to enjoy time on the water while exploring the fishing, watersports and cruising of another area. There are a variety of resorts and marinas that cater to family boating vacationers, offering convenient access to everything from local fishing guides to long lists of kid-friendly amenities and activities. Boating, fishing, camping, swimming and skiing among our nation's lakes and oceans is the best way to get the most out of the sun. From Key Largo, Florida, to Big Bear Lake, California, there's an impressive playground of on-water activities. In this article, Boating World  highlights four top boating resorts that give you and your family the opportunity to have it all - sun, water, fun, and family time and relaxation - the makings of a lifetime of waterborne memories. 

Key Largo is unique in a variety of ways - home to the world's largest artificial reef and the United States' first underwater state park - and a carefree, fun, laid-back, one-of-a-kind atmosphere in which to enjoy it all. The Marina Del Mar Resort and Marina  gives guests the option of staying on board at the marina, or enjoying its studio, one- and two-bedroom suites. During your stay, there are a variety of fun on-water activities located around the resort - diving, snorkeling and even a nearby water park for the kids. Fishing in the Keys is first-class - and whether angling the shore of the Florida Bay for snook, trout, tarpon and mangrove snapper or trolling offshore for dolphin (mahi-mahi), wahoo, tuna or Billfish, chances are, most likely you'll end up lucky.

LOCATION: Key Largo, Florida, 82 miles south of Ft. Lauderdale and 54 miles south of Miami; 527 Caribbean Drive MM 100, Key Largo, FL 33037; (305) 451-4107; www.marinadelmarkeylargo.com.

MARINA SERVICES: A helpful map of the Marina Del Mar marina is located on the resort's website, which gives directions both from land and from the water. The marina has 80 slips and can accommodate boats up to 60 feet. Double 30-amp and single 50-amp electric service is available, along with water and cable TV at each slip. If you're not staying on board, daily dockage rates are $3 per foot plus a $9 service fee. See www.keylargomarina.com for further details about weekly and monthly dockage rates.

ACCOMODATIONS: Marina Del Mar Resort offers studio, one- and two-bedroom suites, which all feature central air, TV, refrigerator, hair dryer, coffee maker and balconies overlooking the marina. The resort's amenities include two lighted tennis courts, an Olympic-sized, heated swimming pool, Jacuzzi, fitness center, entertainment area and huge outdoor sundeck.

WATER ACTION: The list of on-water activities in and around the Marina Del Mar seems endless. Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary are very close - and a must-do during your stay. Key Largo features some of the world's best diving spots. But even if you're not interested, or don't have the gear, snorkeling these spots is a great way to enjoy them as well. Anchoring-up and snorkeling the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary is an experience that your family will never forget. Friendly fish, clear waters, and an endless line of multicolored coral reefs and sea fans create an aquatic paradise that's second to none. The sanctuary extends into Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, which features over 100 miles of mangrove shoreline and an underwater coral reef park.

FISHING: Dolphin, or mahi-mahi, are some of the most exciting and plentiful variety of fish in the Keys. These 6- to 60-pounders feed during the day, and are generally found in deep water, around clusters of floating debris. They're a lot of fun to catch - and the larger fish can definitely put up a tremendous fight; a day of dolphin fishing won't soon be forgotten. For more tips, visit www.pennekamp.com.  Other varieties of offshore species like wahoo, black fin tuna, triple tail, snapper and billfish are also active along the reefs and wrecks. If flats fishing is your thing, during the summer months, bonefish, permit and tarpon are among the majority of catches. For more tips on flats fishing, visit www.flkinfo.com/fishing-reports.

JUST FOR KIDS: If the Marina Del Mar's pool, tennis courts and snorkeling the reefs don't offer enough enjoyment for the kids, there's always the Water Park at Jacob's Aquatics Center (320 Laguana Ave., Key Largo, FL 33037; (305) 453-SWIM; www.jacobsaquaticcenter.org.

UNIQUE FEATURES: John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is one of the most impressive and unique aspects of Key Largo. It covers more than 70 miles offshore and is a habitat to living coral and more than 600 varieties of tropical fish. In 2002, the Navy's 510-foot Spiegel Grove became the newest and most spectacular artificial reef off of Key Largo. If diving, you can explore the interior of this sunken landing ship, but its outline can also be seen from the surface by snorkelers.

If your family's looking for a secluded mountain retreat, Northwoods Resort in Big Bear Lake, CA  is ideal. It lies in a valley surrounded by towering pines, mountain streams, and is alive with all varieties of wildlife. The biggest attraction for the boating crowd is Big Bear Lake, which is renowned for fishing, wakeboarding, waterskiing, jet skiing, parasailing, canoeing, kayaking and swimming. Its picturesque boulders are the perfect scenic backdrop to enjoy while boating - but also great jumping points for a dive into the blue waters of the lake. 

LOCATION: Northwoods Resort is located in San Bernardino County, about 100 miles northeast of Los Angeles; 40650 Village Dr., Big Bear Lake, CA 92315; (909) 866-3121; www.northwoodsresort.com.

MARINA SERVICES: Big Bear Marina is located at 500 Paine Rd., less than 0.2 miles from Northwoods Resort. It has a launch ramp if you've brought the boat, and it also rents fishing boats, pontoons, kayaks, pedal boats, canoes, wave runners and skiing and wakeboarding equipment. The marina also carries fishing bait and tackle, licenses, fuel and ice. For more information, call (909) 866-3218.

ACCOMMODATIONS: Northwoods Resort is a rustic hotel designed in the "spirit of Southern California's high country." Most of its 148 guest rooms have fireplaces, and all feature comfortable mountain lodge furniture. The property's amenities include an outdoor heated pool and spa, sauna and exercise facilities, Stillwells Restaurant & Lounge, and poolside service during the summer.Mid-summer packages are also available, starting at $75 per person. The Fisherman's package, $105 per person, includes a guestroom, breakfast at Stillwells Restaurant and a fishing boat rental plus fuel. There are also lake tours, hiking, mountain biking, off-road and pampered guest packages. See www.northwoodsresort.com/inetspecials.html for details and prices. 

WATER ACTION: Big Bear Lake is about 8 miles long and 1 mile across at its widest point. It's at an elevation of about 6,743 feet. While boating the lake, you can enjoy its picturesque and historic setting of old cabins among boulders and tall pines. Garstin Island, often referred to as Treasure Island, is a privately owned island featuring an Oriental-style home built atop the island's boulders by Maude Garstin in 1911. Also popular on the lake are watersports of every type - kayaking, jet-skiing, fishing, wakeboarding, waterskiing - and for those in search of more low-key relaxation, just watching the activity is fun as well.

FISHING: For a list of fishing sport shops, tips and a fishing report, go to www.bigbearcountry.com/fishing-big-bear-lake.html. Black crappie, blue catfish, bluegill, carp, small- and largemouth bass and rainbow trout are popular catches on the lake. Each fish prefers a particular temperature, so your catch will depend upon what area of the lake you're fishing.

JUST FOR KIDS: The Alpine Pedal Path is a 2.5-mile-long asphalt path, which weaves along the north shore of Big Bear Lake. It's accessible for everyone - from parents with strollers to bikers and serious hikers. Another fun activity is horseback riding at Baldwin Lake stables (909/585-6482). The stables offer hourly, half-day, sunset and overnight rides and tours through the San Bernardino National Forest. For younger children, pony rides are also available.  At the Moonridge Animal Park, children can learn about and come face-to-face with wildlife, enjoy animal presentations about the owls, eagles, raccoon and other wildlife, and even follow along with a keeper during the daily feeding tours.

UNIQUE FEATURES: Big Bear Lake offers a variety of fun fishing and watersports, but it also offers some of the best hiking in southern California. Hiking and biking trails in Big Bear Valley range from easy to moderately challenging, which cater to any family's age and abilities. The most fascinating aspect of Big Bear Lake is the wildlife - animals abound, and the playful squirrels, chipmunks, raccoons and coyotes are fairly common. However, the more elusive black bear, mountain lion, bobcat, fox and deer are more secretive and far less social.   

Erie Islands Resort and Marina is located on Lake Erie's "North Coast" in the town of Port Clinton, Ohio .

LOCATION: Erie Islands Resort and Marina is located at 4495 W. Darr-Hopfinger Rd., Port Clinton, OH 43452; (419) 734-9117; www.erieislandsresort.com.

MARINA SERVICES: Spiess Harbor Marina is a 160-slip marina that can accommodate vessels up to 40 feet. Full hook-up docks are available; docking season begins in May and ends on October 15th. Owners with trailers may launch their boats at no charge. For more information about dockage contracts and reservations, call (800) 999-3743.

ACCOMMODATIONS: The Inn at Spiess Harbor overlooks the marina, and offers 40 rooms, 20 of which are waterfront, and eight that are adjoining. Guests have a choice of standard and large units, double or king beds, and each room is equipped with cable TV, coffee maker, small microwave and refrigerator. The Inn also features a family-style restaurant, 24-hour laundry facility and a commons area. The resort's Recreation Center features an indoor pool and spa, sauna, steam room, convenience store and snack shop, arcade, big-screen TV, racquetball court, weight room, pool tables, Kid's room and banquet room. Outside of the Recreation Center, the Inn's amenities include an outdoor pool, whirlpool, pavilion with fireplace, basketball and tennis courts, walking trail, canoes, miniature golf, Par 3 golf course, playground, band stand, volleyball court, fishing pond and horseshoes.

WATER ACTION: Go island-hopping among Lake Erie's beautiful Kelleys Island, South Bass and Middle Bass Islands. Taking a few days to cruise between these landmarks gives your family an opportunity to fish and explore the rocky shorelines and interior wetlands that make these islands distinct. On Kelleys Island, rent bicycles or golf carts to explore the countryside and the Kelleys Island State Park beach. South Bass Island is the most festive - with live entertainment and nightlife during the warm summer weekends. Middle Bass Island features historic old homes and summer cottages, and many natural attractions like the Kuehnle Wildlife Area, a popular spot for wildlife-viewing and fishing.

FISHING: A word of friendly advice to visitors: Go walleye fishing on Lake Erie. A study by the Ohio Department of Transportation concluded that fishing was the number one activity while traveling in Ohio, followed by Lake Erie charter boat fishing, which primarily targets walleye (www.lake-erie.com/fishingfacts2.shtml). Lake Erie is considered to be some of the most heavily populated walleye waters in North America, and Port Clinton is one of the best known "base" towns. The reefs surrounding the east of Port Clinton and those off of nearby Marblehead are considered great spots by local anglers.

JUST FOR KIDS: The website of the Ohio Department of Natural Resouces, www.dnr.state.oh.us/parks/kids/default.htm, is a great resource for kids' activities. Its Parks Pals Fun Pages has a "For Kids Only" page, which features a nature "Thing of the Month." The Lake Erie Islands State Park consists of five different state parks, each with unique opportunities for kids to enjoy. Most of the parks have playgrounds, and are able to loan sports equipment and games to visitors. Fishing piers, swimming and hiking are also popular activities for the whole family to enjoy.

UNIQUE FEATURES: The Lake Erie Islands State Park system consists of Catawba Island, Kelleys Island, Middle Bass Island, South Bass Island and Oak Point. Each park offers fishing piers, boating and swimming. Underground limestone caverns and vast stands of red cedar make up most of the islands' unique landscape, while its shoreline supports a variety of reptiles - including the state's highest concentration of harmless fox snake. Visit www.stateparks.com/catawba_island.html for more facts and interesting information about the Erie Islands State Parks. 

If you want to get away, but maybe not to such a rustic place, then Reynolds Plantation  in Greensboro, GA is a great spot for you and your family. Comprised of 10,000 acres, 80 miles of shoreline, and the spectacular 19,000-acre Lake Oconee, this is a luxurious recreational haven that leaves nothing to be wanted. Inhabit the Ritz-Carlton Lodge, which combines southern hospitality with the standards of service that have made Ritz-Carlton world-renowned. From boating and fishing to golfing and swimming, activities abound at this resort. Or, relax and rejuvenate at the spa before dining at one of the five casually refined on-site facilities.   

LOCATION: Greensboro, Georgia, 75 miles east of Atlanta; 100 Linger Longer Road, Greensboro, GA 30642; (800) 800-5250; www.reynoldsplantation.com.

MARINA SERVICES: Reynolds Plantation has two full-service marinas - the Reynolds Plantation Marina and the Great Waters Marina. Both offer a full range of services to guests. For those who own their own craft, the indoor boat storage holds over 400 boats and PWCs. Marina personnel are available to provide boat launching, fueling, repair service, cleaning, and winterizing. The Reynolds Plantation Marina offers kayak and canoe rentals; the Great Waters Marina offers pontoon and small boat rental. For more information, call (800) 800-5250.

ACCOMMODATIONS: The majestic Ritz-Carlton Lodge at Reynolds Plantation was named the 2005 "North American Golf Resort of the Year" by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators and "Best Golf Resort in the Country" by Zagat (2003-2005). It offers 251 rooms, five dining facilities, two ballrooms, a 26,000-square-foot Mobil Four-star rated spa, private beach, and choice of fine, casual and lakefront dining. The main Lodge includes 238 guest rooms and suites and 33 Club Level guest rooms and suites. Separate from the main lodge are six two- or three-bedroom cottages and one Presidential House located on the 18th hole of the Oconee Course. There are a variety of room, spa and golf packages to choose from. For more information on reservations, call (706) 467-0600.

WATER ACTION: Lake Oconee is the second largest lake in the state at 19,000 acres, with more than 80 miles of shoreline surrounding the Plantation. Modern technology built into the Wallace Dam's generating facility assures that the lake level remains constant, which means it's always a great place for watersports. From boating and sailing to swimming and skiing, there's a lot to do, and even more lake to do it on. If you prefer to just relax, beautiful views of the lake abound from all over the Plantation's grounds.

FISHING: The waters of Lake Oconee are known for excellent fishing. Largemouth and white bass, bream, crappie and catfish are all popular with anglers and are caught in good numbers, but the lake's most prized catches are the striped bass and their hybrid cousins, a cross between the striped and the white bass. The fish are almost always biting on Reynolds Plantation's greatest natural resource.

JUST FOR KIDS: At Linger Longer Park, kids can relax by the pool or play some tennis. They can also take part in any of several supervised activities, like the swim team or field trips. And it's always easy to go on nature walks by trekking the trails that wind through forests and along the lake, where they'll be sure to see some interesting foliage and maybe even wildlife.

UNIQUE FEATURES: While other lakes depend solely on rainfall, Lake Oconee's water doesn't fluctuate appreciably. Four of the six power-generating turbines can be reversed to pump water from below the dam back into Lake Oconee; this more than doubles the energy potential of the lake, while ensuring that there's always more than enough water available.