Things to Do in Cocoa

Sister ships Orlando Princess and Canaveral Star II disembark from Cape Canaveral for daily fishing trips. The 80- and 85-foot vessels set sail with an experienced crewmember and soon-to-be seafarers equipped with fishing licenses, rods, reels, tackle, and bait. Full- and half-day excursions let fisherpeople hunt for mangrove snapper, grouper, and sea bass, and nighttime shark-fishing trips give them the opportunity to seek out bigger game. After catching a respectable haul, patrons can relax on the sun deck or in air-conditioned cabins and indulge in included hot meals. They'll also get unlimited beer or soda that tastes better than seawater, which is mostly made up of mermaid spit.

Cocoa Beach locals know that it's rare to spot Bill Kowalik on dry land. The Puerto Rico–born seafarer is at home on the water, constantly surfing, kayaking, or leading tours across the Florida Space Coast. Bill’s as passionate about the environment as he is about watersports, enthusiastically exploring the area's diverse waterways while taking pains to leave the least impact on the protected waters. Along with his team of trained instructors, he leads individuals, groups, and families on kayak tours through lush mangroves and island channels, pointing out dolphins, manatees, and exotic birds.

Space Coast Segway Tours' battery-operated two-wheeled segway machines turn palm-tree-lined pavement into a playground during guided trips through Port Canaveral and Cocoa Beach. Starting at the Ron Jon Cape Caribe resort, experienced segway savants lead upright wheelers on a voyage that explores the Port Canaveral cove, passing scores of envious segwayless humans along the way. Manatees and dolphins cheer on riders from the water as the group makes its way to Bluepoints Marina, stopping at Auddino’s Italian Bakery for a quick cookie refuel. Cocoa Beach trips leave from the Hilton and meander across the boardwalk, testing out wheel-legs as they pass by the Ron Jon Surf Shop and make the trek off the beaten path in Lori Wilson Park. Additionally, mini segway tours offer 20-minute footless treks that can be scheduled during your lunch hour or your boss's naptime.

At each of five Surf and Ski Water Sports locations, staffers equip tourists and locals alike with ocean and river rentals and beach necessities. While some take advantage of boats and jet skis to glide along the water, others watch from atop surfboards or seated in beach chairs situated beneath the shade of giant umbrellas.

Soaring up to 800 feet over the sea at Cocoa Beach, powered only by the wind and the tow from a Centurion Flight 33 boat. That’s the thrill Big Toho Parasailing DUP provides daily, offering cloud-tickling adventures during single, tandem, and triple parasailing trips. No previous experience is required. Parasailers are welcome to bring their cameras along for the ride to document the aerial enterprise and panoramic views.

Victory Casino Cruises' four decks of maritime merriment abound with more than 600 slot machines, 30 table games, and an expansive food selection including hot entrees, meat carving and pasta station. The floating party ship sails out on five-hour morning and evening voyages that combine sweeping ocean views with the interior entertainments of casino games including craps, roulette, blackjack, and Duck Duck Goose. While testing their luck, gamers can request drinks from the Victory Girls, a roving band of waitresses who may just serve up luck alongside cocktails, beers, and tropical beverages. For extra entertainment, the ship’s Club V offers a beat-filled dance floor for celebration shimmies, and the Sportsbook Lounge houses tellers ready to take bets on football, basketball, or baseball. On the first deck, a buffet spread refuels gamers with carved meats, fresh seafood, and comfort foods.