Hollywood, FL Outdoor Activities

On the Beach's owners, Ken "The Sun Tan Man" and Captain Tony, provide all the gear needed for a relaxing and adventurous day at the beach. Behind the Royal Vista Resort, the beachside shop rents out maritime toys—Wave Runners, sailboats, kayaks, and boogie boards— to help tourists and locals to soak up sun, skim across waves, and lounge on the sand. The shop’s seasoned mariners—all with at least 25 years of experience—pull from their stores of knowledge and Old Bay seafood rub to devise custom lessons for sailors of any ability. Ken and Tony recognize that some people and all wicked witches might rather gaze at the water than be dampened by it. To cater to this landlubbing demographic, On the Beach rents out bicycles or shaded stays underneath beachside cabanas.

At the age of 5, Captain David Ide had already navigated the back canals of South Florida in his own 8-foot motored dinghy. Over the years, the sea tugged at him even more; he amassed fishing knowledge by talking to locals on the docks during his family's annual trips to the Bahamas, and at the age of 15 he began working on the fuel docks at Lauderdale Marina. The following year, he was asked to compete in his first professional fishing tournament. Though he sometimes still competes, Captain David spends most of his time aboard the US Coast Guard-licensed _Lady Pamela II_—leading drift-fishing trips around South Florida's natural reefs and shipwrecks,

The 41-foot custom-built and tournament-ready Hatteras boasts a 15-foot beam, air-conditioned bridge, and refrigerators, as well as ample electronics for detecting fish and any ghost ships before they rise from the ocean. At this vessel's helm, Captain David pilots passengers armed with rods, tackle, and various types of bait out to distances of 2, 10, or up to 20 miles from shore on extended daytime and nighttime trips. Groups may hunt in search of small targets such as tuna, snapper, grouper, and mahi-mahi, or larger quarry such as broadbill swordfish and hammerhead or bull sharks.

South Florida's waters teem with fish whose visual splendor rivals the tropical landscape above—mahi-mahi with chartreuse sides, grouper covered in glimmering bronze scales, and sailfish with long, flowing dorsal fins. Manning a 46-foot Hatteras sport-fishing yacht, Fish On Board Charters' captains take passengers on fishing charters to catch these eye-enthralling trophies. On 4- to 6-angler trips that range from half-day outings to all-night swordfishing, they utilize both offshore trolling and bottom-fishing techniques. The boat's amenities—including an air-conditioned cabin, an entertainment center, and restrooms—keep passengers comfortable between hook sets. Crewmembers clean anything caught, as well as supply all bait, tackle, and ice. Water is available, and alcoholic beverages are welcomed so long as they're not shared with squids younger than 21. In addition to fishing trips, captains also charter scenic cruises along South Florida's tropical coastlines.

Miami Water Sports’s esteemed crew helps guests to navigate the waters of Miami Beach with an armada of vessels ranging from party barges to kiteboards. Although experienced riders can rent their own watercraft, the staff hands out kiteboarding wisdom during beginner through advanced lessons for individuals or groups. They also host kiteboarding excursions, which travel to such faraway locales as the Dominican Republic. Alternatively, the company's paddleboard rentals are useful when trying to blend in with a pack of swimming dogs.

Wind-leashed high-flier and Skybanditz founder Francisco Escudero has blown spectators away at such competitions as the Velocity Games and the Bahamas kite race. He is the North Miami Beach area coordinator of the Florida Kitesurfing Association and founder of Skybanditz, where he and his trained staff conduct all manner of surf- and sky-borne expeditions. They outfit maritime adventurers with all the proper kiteboarding, kayaking, and paddleboarding gear, as well as lead kayak tours through Marine Stadium and several small islands. They also give guests the option to explore the high seas on their own or with friends. Instructors, meanwhile, cover safety and proper techniques during kitesurfing programs that range from beginner level to Level X, an echelon they reserve for students who are ultra-advanced or genetically related to flying squirrels.