Top Florida How to Get Around - page 6

The laid-back waters of the Indian River and the lavish yachts flowing along the Intracoastal Waterway set the stage for this relaxing catamaran cruise launching from Merritt Island. Native wildlife is often spotted while sailing between Cocoa Village and Ponte Vedra Beach, including dolphins, manatees, sea birds, and more. Let your captain sail you smoothly through this ecologically diverse area while you kick back with soda and snacks.

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.

Take a break from the hustle and bustle of Orlando and spend time in nature with this kayaking tour through Silver Springs State Park. Ideal for nature lovers, this wildlife-focused activity offers the opportunity to see manatees (depending on the season), turtles, and wild birds in their native habitats. Feel comfortable paddling along the Fort King trail on a clear kayak or paddleboard designed for stability and underwater viewing.

Climb aboard a catamaran for a scenic sunset cruise departing from West Palm Beach. Admire views of the Palm Beaches and Peanut Island Park from the deck of a boat during this evening tour, including an on-board cash bar. Keep an eye out for wildlife including dolphins, manatees, and sea birds during this fun excursion on the water.

Escape to Everglades Holiday Park in Fort Lauderdale for a 1-Hour (approx.) Narrated Airboat Tour. This adventure is a great way to experience the unique subtropical ecosystem of the Everglades. Skim across the grassy water at speeds up to 40 miles per hour while looking for alligators, wading birds and an abundance of flora and fauna in their natural habitats.

Discover some of coastal Florida's loveliest scenery, and its wealth of wildlife, on this small-group tour of the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge from Marco Island. Pick from several daily departure times, and set off with just a small group for company. Go on a naturalist-guided boat tour to spot animals like dolphins, pelicans, spoonbills, manatees, sea turtles, and more. Then, disembark at an uninhabited barrier island for a shelling expedition.

St. Augustine’s original “frightseeing” tour provides an evening of fear and fun. Board Ghosts and Gravestones' Trolley of the Doomed for a spooky ride through St. Augustine's sinister past. Listen to stories of the ghosts and ghouls believed to still wander the town’s streets as you pass supposedly haunted hot spots, and visit Potter’s Wax Museum. Expect a tour so scary, it comes with a warning: not recommended for under-13s.

Cruise out on the Gulf of Mexico and watch the sun dip below the horizon on this cruise from Clearwater. Sail along the Intercoastal Waterway, keeping an eye out for bottlenose dolphins and listening to commentary about your surroundings. Just as the sun is setting, guests 21 and older enjoy a champagne toast before sailing back to the dock.

Miami's waterfront mansions and the celebrity names attached to them are hard to make out from shore. Head onto the water on this sightseeing cruise and see the homes and yachts of celebrities, including Gloria Estefan and Shaquille O'Neal, as you go. The route takes in South Beach, Fisher Island, and the Venetian Causeway, with commentary on the city's film locations as you go.

Get close to the unique wildlife living just off the shores of St. Augustine during this on-water adventure tour. Choose between a kayak or a paddle board, slip on a life vest, and head out onto the water with a guide. As you paddle around the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Anastasia State Park, you may encounter dolphins, sea turtles, and the West Indian manatee.

Explore the freshwater tributaries along the scenic St. Johns River on a thrilling airboat ride that skims through a maze of shallow waterways. Watch for alligators, manatees, birds, and snakes as you speed through the watery Florida landscape, and learn the story of an infamous pirate ship that sank in the St. Johns River. This St. Johns River airboat tour includes personal headsets, so you won't miss a word of the captain's fun and informative commentary.

Experience Miami’s signature vibe by water on this city sightseeing cruise through Biscayne Bay. With your local guide, glide along turquoise water, marvel at vibrant architecture, and see famous bayside areas like the Port of Miami and Millionaire’s Row—where you get a peek at opulent celebrity mansions. Sit back, relax, and enjoy a unique sightseeing experience.

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.

Step back in time with a visit to enchanting St Augustine — one of America’s oldest towns — on this full-day tour from Orlando. This 10-hour excursion arrives in St Augustine by mid-morning, giving you hours to spend on your favorite activities. Stroll along cobbled pathways, admire Spanish Colonial architecture, indulge in delicious seafood at a waterside restaurant, see historic landmarks, and add on an optional sightseeing cruise or trolley tour.

Escape the bustle of the city for the morning—and immerse yourself in Florida’s wealth of wildlife—on this family-friendly kayaking tour of Lofton Creek, just north of Jacksonville. Make your own way to the departure point at Fernandina Beach, take part in a brief introduction, and grab your kayak, paddle, and life vest. Then, take to the water, where you can spot wildlife ranging from otters and turtles—even manatees.

Pedal through the charming streets of Old Town Key West on a guided bike tour, perfect for first-timers exploring the island. Along the way, you’ll uncover its rich history and stop at iconic spots like Mallory Square, Mile Marker Zero, and the Southernmost Point Buoy. With morning and afternoon tour options, it’s easy to soak in panoramic ocean views and experience Key West at your own pace.

Take a relaxed sunset cruise launching from St. Pete Beach and view a different side of the city on this shared small group boat ride. Although it’s shared, the passenger count is kept low to create a semi-intimate experience as you cruise through residential canals to view local mansions. As you pass by Tierra Verde, you might see dolphins swimming near your boat. Bottled water is provided, as well as blankets in the cooler months.

Zip across the water, let loose, and even let out a shriek or two when you ride the Scream Machine: a twin-engine jet boat whose speed, 360-degree turns, and nose dives make it feel more like a rollercoaster on water. Pick from multiple departure times, head to the dock, and strap in: you can soak up the sun (and get splashed by the surf) as you speed past Panama City Beach.

Glide through Fort Lauderdale’s downtown, residential, and beachside routes on this fun Segway tour that lets you cover more sights in less time. Learn about Fort Lauderdale’s celebrity mansions, yachts, and hot spots as you cover more ground than walking tours. Segway training, helmets, and safety equipment included. Enjoy personalized attention on this small-group experience—and upgrade for a slightly longer experience.

Experience Orlando in an unusual way: from the window of a helicopter. Sit back and enjoy an eight- to 10-minute flight over highlights such as The Big Orange, Old Town, Fun Spot, and Kissimmee city. Learn about the development of the area and its history through your pilot's commentary and snap epic aerial photos as you travel.

End the day relaxing on the Atlantic Ocean with this sunset cruise. Hop aboard a comfortable catamaran for this evening excursion and take in views of the mansions on “Millionaires Row” and the Florida coastline. Then, head out to the Atlantic Ocean and catch the sun set, casting fiery hues of orange and red on the water.

Sail along St. Augustine’s picturesque coastline—and indulge in a number of generous wine samples—during this two-in-one tour. Make your own way to the dock, hop aboard the pontoon boat, and get comfortable: as you set off, you’ll see landmarks like the Castillo de San Marcos, the Bridge of Lions, and more. You’ll also taste six different wines, and will have access to the on-board bar.

Spend a day with central Florida’s manatees on this small-group river cruise and wildlife park adventure. Begin with a boat ride on the Crystal River. Snorkel near these gentle giants, then enjoy the afternoon at Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. This is one of the best places in the state to watch manatees, as well as other animals in their natural environment. An airboat tour on the Withlacoochee River is also included on select days.

Set sail on a replica of the 1851 Schooner America on a cruise from Key West. See the top sights of the city, including Fort Zachary, Mallory Square, and Sand Key Lighthouse from a unique perspective. Your cruise is accompanied by complimentary hors d’oeuvres along with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Allow yourself to truly unwind as the sun sinks into the Atlantic Ocean.