Plant City, FL Outdoor Activities

Encompassing three landing areas and nestled amid 250 acres of open terrain, Florida Skydiving Center forms a stage where advanced skydivers compete in national competitions and beginners gain their wings under the guidance of United States Parachute Association–certified instructors. The experienced teachers can take newbies on tandem jumps at up to 14,000 feet above the Earth's garlicky bread crust. For dedicated pupils, the instructors lead accelerated free-fall training, which imparts the skills needed to take solo dives. As divers plunge from the metallic belly of a DHC-6 Twin Otter or Cessna, air-bound photographers sometimes capture adrenaline-packed moments and photo ops with passing Supermans.

Florida Skydiving Center's owners maintain a facility where teams strategize and solo divers can pair up for jumps. A carpeted packing area lets skydivers cleanly prep parachutes, and an onsite store rents and sells the necessary gear to soar among the ghosts of pterodactyls. Outside, RV hookups and free tent camping welcome overnight visitors.

Captain Bear Smith leads intrepid crews of up to four guests on fishing charters down the scenic Crystal River. Forgoing the need for GPS or inquisitive text messages to Aquaman, amateur anglers can rely on Captain Smith's 15 years of experience as he guides his specially modified vessel on a four-hour excursion. Guests use the provided bait and tackle to attract a wide range of species including redfish, cobia, gag grouper, and mangrove snapper—click here to see stellar examples of past voyages' catches. Guests should bring a light jacket, sunscreen, a packed lunch, and a container to take home any caught fish. Start times will vary depending on the customers’ desired catch and fishes’ erratic lunch schedules.