Sunrise, FL Outdoor Activities

Laced with the scent of sulfur and the sounds of water churned by unseen forces, the thick air that hangs above the Everglades whispers the rhythms of gator country. The murky water—obscured further by curtains of cattails and floating lily pads—defies human incursion, its protective spells demystified only by the airboat captains of Sawgrass Recreation Park, who gamely shuttle laypersons through the swamp in tours by day and night. While gliding across the shallows at speeds of up to 35 miles per hour, guides halt the propellers of their enormous fans to point out wildlife—which include alligators and various waterfowl—and impart nuggets of history from the days when the Seminole and panther once shared their claim over the terrain. As a part of a conservationist group's effort to educate the public about ongoing rescue efforts in the Everglades, the exotic-wildlife exhibit brings guests face to face with the swamp's most majestic rarities, including black leopards and Florida panthers. In the park's reptile exhibit, dozens of scaly creatures count among them a 1,000-pound alligator named Cannibal, and guests can cradle prehistoric cuties in the Hold a Baby Alligator experience. The swamp-yard-animals exhibit encourages guests to meet or catch a glimpse of pigs, bunnies, and ducks, letting guests establish a deeper bond with the denizens of the swamp.

Everglades Holiday Park unveils the natural splendor of one of Earth’s last undisturbed territories with invigorating airboat tours and interactive alligator shows. Visitors to the untamed swamp explore its wetlands and observe its animal residents, and tour guides keep encroaching gators at bay with pointed comments of historic and ecological significance. The powerful airboat fleet features covered passenger compartments for all-weather observation and an innovative zephyr-harnessing propulsion system that allows boats to swiftly skim across the Everglades’ grassy rivers while sneaking up on unsuspecting patches of spanish moss. The park is also home to Animal Planet's Gator Boys; most of the reality show's episodes are filmed here.

The park complements boat tours with 20-minute gator shows, which bring patrons face-to-jaw with the impressive mandibles of live alligators and include a presentation that sheds some light on nature’s last remaining dinosaurs. The boat captains are always available for private charters, which can be stocked with food, beverages, and ice at the park’s 24-hour general store before heading out for fishing expeditions or leisurely cruises through the glades.

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.

Boasting a five-star certification from the Professional Association of Diving Instructors, Pompano Dive Center's seasoned staff enlighten aquatic adventurers during comprehensive snorkeling and scuba-diving courses. The crew welcomes divers into a practice swimming pool or aboard their custom-built boat, Sea Dog Diver. The vessel departs into South Florida's beautiful waters in search of marine wildlife, wrecks, and schools of fried fish sticks. The team helps pupils gain PADI certification and teach specialty courses such as underwater photography and freediving, the art of diving with only a single breath. The staff also mans a retail shop, which carries the full ScubaPro line and enough wetsuits to clothe all of Atlantis's top businessmen.