Things to Do in Port Orange

Seven generations ago, Doug Hicks's ancestors settled near the waters of New Smyrna Beach. Today, Hicks captains his own boat throughout his family's splashing grounds, leading fishing trips through Mosquito Lagoon, Tomoka Basin, and other native waters. With nearly 20 years of experience under his life preserver, Captain Hicks helps his passengers sniff out schools of tarpon, redfish, snook, and trout disguised as ordinary sea bass. The captain also helms chartered outings for activities ranging from tubing and wakeboarding to bar-hopping along the shore.

As the sun dips below moss-cloaked oaks, Fun Cat Sailing’s gleaming white catamarans glide slowly down the coast of Ponce Inlet. Crews settle into benches that circle around open decks and salute the sunset with a glass of wine, while more industrious sailors help the captain trim the sails. The sunset cruise is one of Fun Cat Sailing’s three leisurely itineraries. During the day cruises, passengers and curious submarine captains can scour the sunlit surface of the calm waters, taking in the picturesque beauty of the sea or searching for dolphins. Catamarans can accommodate up to 30 passengers at a time, and small cabins provide a break from the sunshine.