Author: editor-travel

Sail through the canals of Fort Lauderdale on a mini speedboat and enjoy a relaxing moment on the water. Known as the “Venice of America,” this canal-filled area is filled with yachts, mansions, and mangrove forests. A speedboat helps you easily navigate the waterways without expending energy, so you can sit back and admire the scenery while pedaling.

Get an up-close look at Florida’s spectacular coastal mangrove forests—and enjoy an active way to explore—on this kayaking or paddleboarding tour. Choose from several tour schedules, head to the starting point, and meet your guide: after an introduction to your kayak or pedal boat, you’ll reach the water. Paddle through mangrove tunnels, get a chance to spot wildlife like dolphins and manatees, and learn more about the forests from your guide.

Take a day trip from Miami to Key West, the southernmost city in the United States, without renting a car or having to drive. In about 4 hours, pass more than 42 bridges, including the Seven Mile Bridge, and 34 islands, as you traverse the Overseas Highway. In Key West, enjoy six hours of free time. Explore the quiet city at your own pace or book an optional tour and head out for a ride on the water.

Pre-purchase your ticket to the SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium and explore the sea creatures of the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific oceans. See more than 5,000 crustaceans, fish and marine mammals on display at about 30 exhibits, from giant octopuses to sharks and stingrays—safely observed through a 360-degree underwater tunnel.

If you’re going to snorkel for the first time, opt for a gentle introduction to the underwater worlds of Key Largo during a boat tour designed with kids and families in mind. Plus, exploring with a guide increases your chance of spotting marine life at the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

Brave 45 km off the coast of Florida on a 1 <>/<>-hour jet ski tour. With four daily excursions, it’s easy to find a time that suits your schedule. The tour is charged per jet ski, so it is possible to share with a friend at no additional cost. Your guide is always available to lead the way on your water adventure.

First-time visitors to Foodies and Key West can get to know the island’s food and culture by scheduling a small-group tour that includes hearty tastings around the city. With a guide to show you the local favorite mom and pop restaurants, you can separate yourself from the crowd of tourists who flock to jail establishments.

See the sights of Naples from the water on this sightseeing cruise. Get the chance to observe seabirds, dolphins, and possibly manatees, depending on the season. While on board, sit back and relax as you learn about local history, wildlife, and celebrity homes. Plus, pass the area’s sophisticated mansions on Keewaydin Island.

Key West offers many sunset cruises, but this trip differentiates itself from the others by being one of the only options that combines wine (or beer) tastings with light appetizers for a relaxing evening on the water. Along with unlimited wine, beer and soda, nibble on a gourmet cheese buffet, summer sausages, crackers and apples as you watch the sun set over Key West.

If you have limited time in Fort Lauderdale or simply want to see more of the city from the water, take a boat cruise on the New River to get great views of hard-to-reach locations. Enjoy views of the city center, plus mega-yachts and waterfront mansions along Millionaire’s Row as you travel the canals and listen to live commentary from the guide.