When you think of Miami, it’s easy to think of it as a city that is defined by its beautiful beaches and active streets, but there is more to that. This city is defined by water just like it’s defined by land. The barrier islands of Miami Beach and Key Biscayne serve as buffer zones between the Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, making you feel like you are surrounded by water.
Besides, there are two main national parks whose ecosystems are dependent on water. The Everglades National Park is one of them and features 1.5 million acres of subtropical wetlands, giving it the name “river of grass”. There is also Biscayne National Park whose 95% of the total 172,000 acres is underwater, giving it the title of the largest marine park in Florida.
With so much water in Miami, you can be sure of getting an opportunity to get on the water even if you had not planned it, so it’s best that you plan to do so. Here are the main opportunities you may want to try:
1. The Beaches and the Bay
Miami is famous for the miles of white sand beaches and beautiful shorelines. This makes the Atlantic Ocean a no-brainer place to start if you want to enjoy part of your vacation on the water. You can make a trip to South Beach to enjoy the beauty and serenity as you also visit Biscayne Bay where you can find museums, bayfront parks, and marinas all along the coast. From Surfside to Sunny Isles Beach, and Matheson Hammock Park Beach to Oleta River State Park, there is more than enough water-related opportunities for you.
2. Kayaking and Canoeing
The waterways in Miami are usually cool and calm almost every other day of the year. This makes them perfect for Stand Up Paddleboarding, kayaking, and canoeing. With amazing spots such as South Beach to Key Biscayne, Homestead, Oleta River State Park, and Coconut Grave, there are more than enough waterways for you to explore.
3. Fishing
If you are a fan of fishing as a water sport, then you should not miss the chance to fish while in Miami, Florida. There are lots of spots such as the shallow flats of Biscayne Bay, the water in the Bahamas, Florida Keys, and more. You can even go deep-sea fishing on the Atlantic’s Gulf Stream. There is the choice to go fishing as a group, family, or as a couple depending on your preferences.
4. Boating and Sailing
If you like being offshore more, there are lots of opportunities to get on the water. The most common are aboard a charter cruise or boat tour. You can embark on an Island Queen Cruise where you get the chance to see the million-dollar homes of Miami and the amazing downtown skyline from a 140-passenger boat that has outdoor viewing decks and air-conditioned cabins.
Ocean Force Adventures offers a different kind of experience where you set off the Miami Beach Marina in a high-speed zodiac boat that carries six passengers.
If you feel like a thrill ride would do the trick for you, the Thriller Miami Speed Boat Adventures should be the right package for you. With speeds of up to 50 miles an hour, you will get the opportunity to see various amazing sightings such as PortMiami, Monument Island, South Beach, Star Island, and Fisher Island.
5. Snorkeling and Diving
Since Miami is the Wreckreational Dive Capital of the World, you surely would not risk missing the chance to explore its reefs, both artificial and natural. You can opt to snorkel or dive, and it does not matter whether you are experienced or a beginner. Some of the most famous shipwrecks to explore include Alicia, DEMA Trader, Sheri-Lyn, Almirante, and more. Sunk between 1905 and 1987, these ships are surely artificial reefs with a great history.
In summary,
There is more to Miami than the white sand beaches that tend to call every visitor who sets foot in Miami. The water-related activities here will offer just as much fun as what you get while on land, if not more. As such, if you are planning a trip to Miami, you now have an idea of the most interesting ways to have fun on the water.