Adventures & Sports in Florida

Amelia Island
Kayak Amelia offers half-day and full-day kayak trips in the tidal marsh. They offer guided explorations that can put you face to face with egrets, herons and a whole host of local critters. The guides can take you from the island's prehistoric beginnings to a deeper understanding of the delicate balance between man and the coastal environment. kayakamelia.com

Kelly Seahorse Ranch offers horseback riding on the beach for kids and adults. Enjoy the scenery of Amelia's fantastic white sand beaches and the beauty of the ocean by horseback. They also offer hayrides. (904) 491-5166 

Crystal River
Plantation Inn Dive Shop offers guided snorkeling, swimming and dive trip to interact with manatees on the Crystal River in Citrus County. Also offers scenic river tours and boat rentals. www.crystalriverdivers.com

Fort Lauderdale
The 15th Street Boat Company lets you rent boats daily or weekly. Cruise the miles of navigable inland waterways, past million-dollar mansions, into natural habitats and beside historic South Florida landmarks. Dock at the many restaurants, bars and nightclubs that line the Intracoastal Waterway and New River. Or venture into the Atlantic Ocean for some super deep-sea fishing and snorkeling over the reefs. www.whalerrent.com

At Billie Swamp Safari, learn about the land, history and culture of the Seminole Indians. Skim over glittering waterscapes in an airboat, experience a swamp buggy eco-tour, paddle a canoe, walk the Swamp Trail and come face-to-face with the resident alligators. You can even stay overnight on the reservation in your own Chickee Hut. www.seminoletours.com

Homosassa
Riversport Kayaks craft innovative river tours for people of all ages and skill levels. Basic paddling instruction is included on all of kayak tours and beginners are encouraged in their training. The leisurely pace of trips encourage you to interact with the unspoiled rivers and wildlife of Florida's undeveloped Gulf Coast. Kayak with the Herons, Cranes and the endangered West Indian Manatee. www.flakayak.com

Inverness
Suncoast Bicycles offer high-quality bicycles for rent, right off the Withlacoochee State Trail in Citrus County. You can also rent inline skates at the store, where the service is extremely friendly and helpful. suncoastbikes.com

Kissimmee
Boggy Creek Airboat Rides give you a feel of adventure as you glide through the Florida wetlands viewing wildlife. Then, head to the swamps, flying through at speeds up to 45mph! Take a night tour (reservation only) -- meant for the daring who crave going to the farthest extremes in adventure, fear and thrills. www.bcairboats.com

Miami
Fantasy Watersports gives you the chance to powerboat, jet-boat and rent waverunners. See the beautiful waterway living-style on the Intracoastal Waterway of Miami. Swim at the sandbar or your own private island. Grab a bite at a restaurant, see the cruise ships at port! No boating license necessary. Full orientation with maps given and cell phones.  www.fantasywatersports.com

St. Petersburg
Hover USA began operating hte first xommercial Hovercraft service inthe US in November 2002. The self-propelled amphibious vehicles shuttle visitors from the Pier in downtown St. Pete to the barrier island beach and historic fort at Egmont Key. The guided trip will take approximately an hour going alongside several island nature preserves. www.hover-usa.com

Orlando
Falcon's Fire Golf Club is an 18-hole, 6,900 yard, par 72, Rees Jones-signature course near Orlando, Florida, which pays respect to the timeless traditions of the game of golf. Falcon's Fire continually receives worldwide recognition for the quality of its overall golf experience. Offering a plethora of first-class amenities such as complimentary valet parking, club cleaning and a friendly and helpful professional staff. www.falconsfire.com

The Ace of Hearts Ranch invites you to unwind, forget about traffic and schedules and take in hours of beautiful Florida trails where you can relax, enjoy wild flowers, unforgettable scenery and wildlife while traveling through the many different habitats and terrains this area has to offer. www.aceofheartsranch.com

Discovery Cove is an extraordinary family adventure in which guests experience the most exciting animal encounters the world has to offer, including swimming and playing with dolphins. Snorkel through colorful reefs teeming with thousands of tropical fish, explore underwater shipwrecks and mysterious grottos, and lazily swim down a tropical river with rocky waterfalls and a freshwater lagoon. www.discoverycove.com.