Do you crave water adventures? When living in Florida, it is second nature to have the ocean and waterways calling your name every chance they get. There is no shortage of water adventures and amazing hot spots in the sunshine state to take part in. With approximately 8,400 miles of coastline (Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico combined) not including intercostal, lakes, springs and rivers, the options can be overwhelming as to where to go to get the most bang during your time. Craving some time on the water? We have narrowed down the best places in Florida to enjoy water adventures!
Kitesurfing
With its white sandy beaches and Gulf of Mexico waves, Panama City, Florida is a great place to launch and kitesurf. According to Kitesurfmag.com, the winds are west to southwest, and waves can range from 1 to 20 feet. St. Andrews Park is a hot spot for kitesurfing in the area.
Scuba Diving
For a glimpse at the beauty that lives underwater, John Pennekamp State Park, located in Key Largo, Florida is a must-visit. With 75 square miles of Atlantic Ocean in the park, there is an abundance of coral reefs and sea life to set your eyes on. According to Floridakeys.com, there is also a 9-foot-tall bronze statue, Christ of the Abyss, in the water. It is a popular attraction to see while there!
Kayaking
Rainbow Springs in Dunnellon, Florida offers kayakers beautiful, calm, crystal clear waters to paddle through under moss-draped cypress trees. Here, you can take in all the beauty nature has to offer. As you paddle down the crystal blue waters that sit at a comfortable 72 degrees year-round, you can set your eyes on wading birds, river otters and fish in the aquatic preserve.
Cave Diving
For the trained diver who wants to experience both beauty and a challenge, Devil’s Den in Williston, Florida can give you both! Three springs make up Devil’s Den. They are Devil’s Ear, Devil’s Eye and Little Devil. These three give the trained diver over 30,000 feet of cave mapped with average depths of 80 feet in the cave and a constant water temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit.
*Please have all the necessary certifications to dive.
Surfing
With famous surfers like Kelly Slater making a name for himself as one of the all-time great surfers here, Sebastian Inlet in Melbourne, Florida brings some killer Atlantic Ocean waves to make it one of the best surfing locations in Florida. According to visitflorida.com, “novice and inexperienced surfers will have more fun up the beach to the north, where the waves and crowds aren’t as heavy. Given west winds and peaky conditions, those beach breaks can be some of the best, most hollow waves in the state.”
Stand-up Paddleboarding (SUP)
Not only is SUP the perfect workout, but it’s also a wonderful way to get up close and personal with marine life, especially in Jupiter, Florida. Glide through the beautiful Intercostal Waterway for a marine wonderland of manatees, stingrays, fish and more. For those who seek more adventure, hop on over to Blowing Rocks Preserve for a wonderful open water experience, views of the open water and possible encounters with sea life such as turtles.
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