Finding The Best Adventure Vacations In Florida

Florida has always been a vacation destination "hot spot" - both figuratively and literally. The warm, near tropical climate in most parts of the state is ideal for water sports and beach combing, and the coastal views are exhilarating. Combine the weather, the surf, and the sun and Florida is an adventurer's paradise. Sadly, the tourism industry in Florida has been dampened this summer by the unfortunate oil leak in the Gulf but in an effort to bolster this industry, there are currently some good travel deals available. Better yet, fall and winter are great times to pay the Sunshine State a visit.

Many of the best adventure vacations in Florida are centered around the water. Whether it's kayaking, surfing, or scuba diving, ocean adventures abound in the Florida peninsula. There are several opportunities for surfing in Florida, with Palm Beach, Cocoa Beach, and New Smyrna Beach reporting the best wave consistency on the East Coast. Surfing vacations are great for the water sport enthusiast, and October and November are prime times to catch a wave.

If you don't surf but would like an equally thrilling water adventure, try swimming with the dolphins. There are a few prime spots in Florida that arrange this once-in-a-life time opportunity for travelers and the experience is unforgettable. These experiences are available in many of the prime vacation spots including Orlando, Miami and the Florida Keys, and are arranged by organizations like Dolphin World and Discovery Cove to name a few.

Snorkeling is another great water adventure and the Florida Keys boasts some of the best snorkeling opportunities in the world. Key Largo has some wonderful coral reefs for exploration which have been declared marine sanctuaries. Combine this activity with a dolphin swim for a real aquatic adventure. If you're trained, scuba diving is an equally exciting adventure well-suited for the Keys. You can even dive off the coast and explore sunken ships.

Other great adventure opportunities in Florida include the Richard Petty Driving Experience in Orlando, numerous eco-adventures in Palm Beach and the Florida Everglades, and several opportunities to windsurf and hang glide. Florida also has plenty of opportunities to rent boats, Jet Skis and dune buggies for experiencing the coast in adventurous style. Check with your hotel about nearby equipment rental before you book your stay.

If nature is your thing, the Florida Everglades provide an unparalleled outdoor adventure for seeing alligators up close and personal in their natural habitat. Air boat rides through the glades make for quite the thrill while taking in the natural habitat and its inhabitants. It may not be safe to go in the water but it's an exciting view from the top. Remember to bring your camera and binoculars so you don't miss a thing.

Camping and fishing vacations are also popular choices for Florida adventurers. Many campground sites are available inside state parks and chartered deep-sea fishing expeditions head out daily from most coastal cities. When camping, remember that alligators and snakes are native residents in the wild so take precautions when exploring the great outdoors. Deep-sea fishing is great from both the Gulf Coast and the Atlantic so take your pick and land the biggest catch of your life. Equipment and bait are included with most chartered trips.

To get the best value for your Florida adventure vacation, it's a good idea to look into vacation packages. Many Florida hotels located near popular attractions offer discounts when booking your stay with a specific destination in mind. You may even be able to find deals like two-for-one, an extra night's lodging free, or discount admission to nearby attractions. If you aren't sure which adventures you'd like to try, book a hotel centrally located to a list of narrowed down options. Orlando, Daytona, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and the Keys are popular destinations but you can also find some great deals in less notorious locales.

Whether you live up north or are only a few hours from the Sunshine State, Florida is a great vacation destination with many unusual, extreme, and exciting adventures. Easy to get to, easy to love, Florida has many great travel opportunities and deals are available all year.