Top Florida On the Water - page 5

Swim among coral and tropical fish in Key West's living reef on this snorkeling excursion. Sit back and relax on a custom-built boat, and sail to the reef where a professional crew is on hand to provide snorkeling instruction and guidance. After your swim, enjoy included beer, soft drinks, and water on the boat for your ride back. All snorkeling equipment is provided.

Explore the marine wildlife rich waters of the Florida Keys. This snorkeling trip takes you out onto the water in a large, comfortable catamaran. You'll journey to the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park to explore reefs that are part of the third largest living reef system in the world and the only living coral reef in the United States.

Limited to an intimate number of passengers, this small-group sunset sail includes an up-close look at dolphins as well as views of Key West landmarks like the legendary Mallory Square, Sunset Key, and historic Fort Zachary Taylor. Then, relax on the luxury catamaran to watch the sunset as nibble on tapas such as shrimp cocktail served with wine and champagne.

For the aquatic adventure of a lifetime, cruise to North America's only living coral barrier reef. No need to go diving or snorkeling for this great view—see tropical fish, sharks, turtles, colorful coral, and other sea life from the deck of the glass-bottom boat. Opt for an evening departure to enjoy a glass of Champagne as the sun sets into the Gulf of Mexico.

The manatee- and dolphin-rich waters off the coast of Daytona Beach beckon visitors out of their beach chairs. This half-day exploration seeks out these animals from the comfort of a stand-up paddleboard. Guides lead you under seven bridges, around an island, and through several scenic canals in search of wildlife. Tours are slow-paced and geared toward all ages and skill levels and take place in a calm bay.

Soak up sunset views from the water's edge, and admire a perspective many visitors miss, on this Key West sailing tour. Sample up to eight different wines and/or five different beers as you sail, and indulge in a selection of gourmet hors d'oeuvres to accompany them. As you go, learn more from your crew, and enjoy a festive and celebratory way to toast to your trip.

Explore the pristine waters of Crystal River on a small-group clear kayak tour, offering unmatched views of the underwater world. Choose the Three Sisters springs tour for peaceful paddling, stunning spring views, and a chance to swim, or the manatee season tour to spot manatees in their natural habitat. With expert guides and 100% clear kayaks, this is the ultimate way to experience Florida’s natural beauty year-round.

Check out Crab Island in style on this tiki hut-inspired pleasure cruise. Let your captain steer you and your group to their favorite spot on the sandbank where you can kick back, relax, take a dip, and sip a drink in the crystal blue water. And don’t worry, there’s a restroom on board. This tour is not recommended for travelers with heart problems or serious medical conditions.

Take in rare birds–eye views of Key West on a parasailing adventure over Smathers Beach. With a range of departure times offered throughout the day, this tour is a popular, flexible choice for families. Your guide, who ensures that the small group has a personalized experience, takes photos and videos available for purchase after the trip.

Explore the only living coral reef in North America on this small-group snorkeling adventure aboard a sailing yacht in Key West. You will receive instruction on how to use the equipment, but it’s recommended that participants be comfortable underwater and have the ability to swim. Common sightings include tropical fish, eels, turtles, dolphins, anemones, and urchins.

Go for an immersive airboat ride through Everglades National Park—and leave the transit and logistics to someone else—on this half-day tour from Fort Lauderdale. Pick between morning and afternoon tour times, and meet your driver at your hotel. Then, head for the Everglades: upon arrival, transfer to your boat and zip along the waterways, soaking up the unique scenery and looking out for alligators and wildlife as you go.

If you’re looking for a Florida adventure on the water, but don’t want to plan a daring activity yourself, leave it up to this Madeira Beach Parasail Flight. You’ll go out on the water aboard a boat with a group, then take to the skies on a parasail. Picture packages are available for an additional fee to capture your memories.

If you are looking to unwind before dinner or a night out on the town, come take a romantic Sunset Sail on the SV Privateer, our 78-passenger catamaran, with Paradise Adventures! This breathtaking sunset sail along the Gulf of Mexico offers a great opportunity to relax and leave your worries behind. Listen to tropical music as you enjoy a complimentary beverage on board Panama City Beach’s best sunset cruise! At our on board bar we have snacks and a full liquor bar for additional beverages available for purchase. Enjoy a variety of cocktails, including our signature Privateer Punch! Please note our bar accepts debit/credit card transactions only. Our Sunset Sails offer you an opportunity to see some of our area's greatest sights while enjoying the breezes of the water. Be on a sharp lookout for dolphins as these majestic creatures seem to be more active in the later afternoons.

A good choice for nature lovers, this tour takes you into a unique part of Rock Springs Run known as "Emerald Cut.” The first part of the tour is an upstream paddle through calm waters and overhead tree canopy, with stops to hop off your clear kayak and into the fresh spring water. Keep your eyes peeled for for fish, turtles, birds, small alligators, and more.

Journey to Cypress Springs on this water adventure tour, and see one of Florida’s lesser-known beautiful springs. Head down Holmes Creek in a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard to make your way to Cypress Springs. Once there, enjoy ample time to snorkel, swim, or relax, and enjoy a sandwich lunch when hunger strikes.

Not only is Key West a playground paradise for adults, it is for dolphins, too. See how many of these playful creatures you can spot on this small-group sailing tour. You’ll board Our SQUID, we designed and built SQUID from scratch to ensure our guests, and the animals, have the best wildlife experience possible. This catamaran will take you and a crew trained by biologists into the waters around Key West. After watching dolphins swim, you’ll jump into the water and snorkel around the coral reefs to view other marine life.

Enjoy a relaxing sail down Daytona’s Halifax River during this small-group excursion. Climb aboard a comfortable catamaran, equipped with plenty of seating and sunbathing areas, and enjoy a sail along the calm waters of the river. Look out for wildlife including Dolphins before heading back to the dock.

Get to know central Florida’s endangered manatees on this swimming and snorkeling tour at the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, well known as the home of the manatee. Use of a mask, snorkel gear and wetsuit, plus beverages, are included—bring your own swimsuit and towel. Photos above and below the water are taken throughout the tour and can be purchased after, if desired.

See the beauty of Biscayne Bay from a whole new perspective with this sailing adventure. Ride along the coastline in an eco-friendly wind-powered sailing boat, and visit sandbars, mangroves, and islets along the way. If you're lucky—you may even spot dolphins or manatees—which are frequently spotted around the bay.

Discover the sights and marine life of Naples on a sightseeing cruise. You have the opportunity to see birds, dolphins, and, season permitting, manatees. The cruise also takes you past the area’s top mansions, Keewaydin Island, and more. Relax and learn about local history, wildlife, and celebrity real estate during on board commentary. It’s the perfect time to take unobstructed photographs of the city and its natural surroundings.

The 3rd largest barrier reef in the world is yours to explore just off the shores of Key Largo. Grab your swimsuit and sunscreen for a half-day snorkeling adventure. You’ll board a stunning 45-foot catamaran and sail to the only living coral reef in the United States. Snorkeling equipment is provided so you can see the abundant sea life in the Florida Marine Sanctuary.

Explore the Everglades National Park with a naturalist guide, including an airboat ride and a nature walk, on this half-day tour. Learn about the area ecosystems and view alligators and local birdlife. On the smaller air boat, travel way out far from land and become immersed in the culture and remote beauty of the Native way of life, including a stop to a Native tree island village or two. A narrated scenic drive led by the master naturalist and round-trip transportation from your hotel or vacation rental in Miami, Hollywood, Ft. Lauderdale, or the port in Ft. Lauderdale or Miami included.

The deep waters off John’s Pass are an angler’s dream, but without a boat or insider knowledge it can be tricky to find the best fishing spots. This family-friendly fishing trip is the perfect solution. You can also hire the gear and have a local restaurant prepare your fish after the trip (own cost), so you can enjoy all the fishing fun without any of the mess or the stress.

Look for wildlife and experience bioluminescence on this sunset and night kayak and paddleboard tour on the Indian River Lagoon. Paddle out to Horseshoe Crab Island, and look for wildlife such as crabs, manatees, and dolphins. After sunset, enjoy unobstructed views of bioluminescent glow in the water from your clear kayak and paddleboards.