Sunshine State Shenanigans: 5 Unique Adventures in Florida

Florida offers a whole lot more for the curious traveler. 

So, ditch the guidebooks and the crowds, and get ready for five Sunshine State experiences that are anything but ordinary.

Florida's Everglades are unlike anywhere else on Earth. A vast ecosystem teeming with wildlife, the Everglades offer a unique opportunity to explore hidden mangrove tunnels by kayak. Imagine paddling through a maze of emerald-green mangroves, sunlight filtering through the leaves above, and the chance to spot alligators, playful otters, and a variety of birdlife.

Locations: Kayak tours are offered by numerous operators throughout the Everglades. Popular spots include:

Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge: 

Explore a labyrinth of mangrove channels and islands teeming with wildlife.

Shark Valley Visitor Center: 

Paddle through a network of mangrove trails and keep an eye out for alligators and elusive roseate spoonbills.

Chokoloskee: 

This small town in the Everglades offers a variety of kayak tours, including sunset paddles and bioluminescent night tours.

Cost: Prices vary depending on the operator and the length of the tour. Expect to pay around $40-$70 for a guided kayak tour. 

Things to bring: Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, insect repellent, water bottle, waterproof camera (optional).

Florida may be known for its beaches, but it also boasts some incredible stargazing opportunities. Dry Tortugas National Park, located 70 miles west of Key West, is a remote island chain far away from light pollution. Imagine lying on a secluded beach, gazing up at a sky ablaze with millions of stars, with the Milky Way stretching across the heavens like a celestial river.

Cost: Getting to Dry Tortugas National Park requires a ferry ride or seaplane tour, which can range from $180 to $300 per person. Park entrance fees are additional. 

Things to bring: Warm clothes (nights can get cool), comfortable shoes for exploring the fort, flashlight (with a red lens to preserve night vision), insect repellent, binoculars, and a healthy dose of awe.

Forget the chlorine and manufactured thrills of a waterpark. Florida boasts some of the world's most stunning natural springs, offering a refreshing escape into crystal-clear water.  Imagine schools of fish flitting around your ankles, lush vegetation swaying gently beneath the surface, and a feeling of weightlessness as you drift through the cool, refreshing water.

Locations: There are hundreds of springs scattered across Florida, but here are a few gems:

Rainbow Springs State Park (Dunnellon):

Kayak along the crystal-clear Rainbow River, or take a dip in the spring itself, where the water stays a cool 72°F year-round. 

• Cost: $6 park entrance fee. 
• Things to bring: Swimsuit, waterproof sunscreen, underwater camera (optional).

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park (Spring Hill):

Witness the "Mermaids of Weeki Wachee" perform an underwater ballet in a natural spring. Then, take a boat tour or explore the underwater world yourself with some snorkeling. 

• Cost: $13 park entrance fee, show prices vary
• Things to bring: Swimsuit, sunscreen, towel, underwater camera (optional)

Blue Spring State Park (Orange City):

This spring is a haven for manatees during the winter months. Take a manatee observation tour or simply relax by the spring and watch these gentle giants glide by. 

• Cost: $6 park entrance fee
• Things to bring: Swimsuit, sunscreen, towel, binoculars (optional)

Wekiwa Springs State Park (Apopka):

This 7,000-acre park boasts crystal-clear springs that feed into the Wekiwa River. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the spring, rent a canoe or kayak to explore the river, or hike along the scenic trails. 

• Cost: $6 park entrance fee. 
• Things to bring: Swimsuit, sunscreen, water bottle, insect repellent (optional), picnic lunch (we do!).

Florida's bioluminescent bays offer a truly magical experience. Millions of tiny organisms illuminate the water at night, creating a breathtaking light show. Imagine paddling through the darkness, your kayak leaving a trail of shimmering light behind you. As you dip your hand in the water, it glows with an ethereal blue light, creating a scene straight out of a sci-fi movie.

Locations: Bioluminescent bays can be found along both the east and west coasts of Florida. Here are a couple of popular spots:

Mosquito Lagoon (near Cape Canaveral): 

One of the most bioluminescent bays in the world, Mosquito Lagoon offers a mesmerizing experience for kayakers. Tours are typically offered at night during new moon phases for the best visibility.

Indian River Lagoon (near Cocoa Beach): 

This bioluminescent bay is home to a variety of bioluminescent plankton, creating a dazzling display as you paddle through the water.

Cost: Prices vary depending on the operator and the length of the tour. Expect to pay around $40-$70 for a guided bioluminescent kayak tour. 

Things to bring: Dress in dark clothing (to minimize light interference), swimsuit (you might get a little splashed!), waterproof sunscreen, insect repellent, water bottle, and a sense of wonder.

Manatees, or "sea cows," are gentle giants that call Florida's warm waters home. Snorkeling or diving with these fascinating creatures is an unforgettable experience. Imagine gliding through the crystal-clear water alongside a manatee, observing their graceful movements and appreciating their peaceful demeanor.

Locations: Manatee encounters are available at several locations in Florida, but it's important to choose a responsible operator who prioritizes the well-being of these endangered animals. Here are a few reputable options:

Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge: 

This refuge offers guided snorkeling tours where you can swim alongside manatees in their natural habitat.

Blue Spring State Park (seasonal): 

During the winter months, manatees congregate in large numbers at Blue Spring State Park. While swimming with them isn't allowed, you can observe them from an underwater viewing area.

Apollo Beach: 

During the warmer months, manatees can be spotted near the warm water outflows of power plants. However, responsible viewing is crucial, and maintaining a safe distance is essential.

Cost: Prices vary depending on the operator and the type of tour. Expect to pay around $70-$100 for a guided manatee swim. 

Things to bring: Swimsuit, sunscreen, towel, rashguard (optional), underwater camera (optional).