Things to Do in Aventura

White sand dunes crowned with tufts of grass. Shorelines overflowing with native plants and coastal trees. Clear cerulean waters stretching out onto the horizon, reflecting the undulating landscape of the Miami skyline. At Golden Yacht Charters, captains lead visitors into these scenic waters on boat tours while staffers rent out a fleet of powerboats to customers who want to experience owning a yacht without having to maintain it or parallel park it at the end of each day.

Captains and passengers embark on sunset or nighttime cruises along Miami's downtown and bayside coasts; daytime voyages to private spots such as Palm Island, Star Island, and Fisher Island; and trips to see the lighthouse at Cape Florida. Captains also helm tours past locales such as The Miami Herald, Freedom Tower, Rickenbacker Causeway, and Port of Miami. Guests can explore these same waters at their own pace aboard Tahoe, Sylvan, Hurricane, and Sea Ray powerboats, crafts up to 26 feet and outfitted with plush aft seating and insulated coolers. Staffers also rent fishing boats, catamarans, and luxury speedboats.

Its sides look like the planking of a ship, but its wheels are suggestive of a bus. On the open-sided deck space, a guide dressed in a felt tricornered hat, sailor's shirt, and red sash crows "Ahoy, matey!" to welcome up to 49 passengers onto the US Coast Guard-certified amphibious vessel. Then the wheeled ship is driven toward the water, where it hits the surface and glides forth with almost no break in rhythm. For the next 90 minutes, Miami Land & Sea Pirate Adventure's semiaquatic tour pirate ship vessel roams both land and sea as guests take in the city's many sights.

After a short introduction, lessons from one of WaterSports Miami’s experienced pro kiteboarding instructors turn ground-dwellers into high-flying thrill-seekers. The knowledgeable instructors can introduce newcomers to the excitement of kiteboarding, paddleboarding, and yachting. Kiteboarding lessons and paddleboarding yoga also add an element of adventure to beach excursions, without inevitably digging through sandcastles in search of lost car keys.

Miami’s azure beaches and kaleidoscopic cityscapes beckon eyes downward as Miami Seaplane Tours’ Cessna 172 Seahawk skirts across the horizon. With more than 30 years of experience, pilot Tony Anderson flies jet-setting adventurers above Miami in the renovated interior of his ultralight Cessna, which accommodates up to three passengers. The aerodynamically enhanced craft now offers four distinct seaplane tours, ranging in length from 30 minutes to two hours. Passengers soak in panoramic views of downtown Miami’s hotels, beaches, and mansions, or sail over the soiree of Fort Lauderdale. Tours can also glide north of the city, all the while dodging clouds and errant beach frisbees thrown by Dan Marino.