Boat captains must master nautical lexicon before sailing the seas to ensure that they can distinguish port, which means left, from starboard, which means launch the vessel into deep space. Count down to a sea launch with this Groupon: for $25, you get a four-hour "South Beach Sail Splash and Snorkel" trip from Tropical Sailing (a $50 value). The exact meeting location will be provided upon booking, and all excursions depart from Bayside Marina behind the Hard Rock Hotel.

Tropical Sailing's knowledgeable captains ferry passengers through southern Florida's picturesque seaside on a well-equipped catamaran during the 4-hour Sail and Splash tour. Up to 125 seafarers climb aboard the 78-foot-long Caribbean Spirit, then saunter along sprawling deck space en route to two on-board restrooms and a bar that dispenses wine, beer, and soft drinks. A shaded lounge area shelters skin from intrusive sun rays and offers seating to passengers who haven't yet mastered walking in their mermaid costumes.

As the ship embarks on its voyage, captains cruise by bustling local attractions, such as the Port of Miami, historic sites, and swanky mansions and yachts. Calypso music casually shepherds the excursion into the Atlantic Ocean for a swim stop in front of the South Beach strip and snorkeling along a massive 10,000-pound concrete reef. Guests can bounce atop a floating trampoline, or take in the sun on a soft, buoyant, perfectly seasoned swim noodle as marine wildlife such as porpoises and sea turtles make occasional appearances. Though crew members provide a smattering of snacks, journeyers are welcome to bring their own noshables.