Summer in First Coast are rarely ever “just around the corner.” Summer barely even leaves the state, even when it’s clearly not its time. It backs off for a few days of “winter” break and then BAM, back to the smoldering heat and sweating humidity. Luckily, the First Coast Register knows exactly where to go near the water to catch a break from the sun.
Sea Serpent Tours Inc.
6550 State Road 13
St. Augustine, FL 32092
(904) 495-4200
Sea Serpent Tours Inc. aims to provide historical and ecological tours of St. Augustine from the inland waterways for both residents and tourists, alike. The tours offer a unique perspective to the historic Matanzas River, Tolomato River, St. Johns River and surrounding tidal creeks of the “Ancient City.” Sea Serpent Tours offers a wide variety of adventures, such as paddle boading, kayaking, hydrobiking, bass boats, pontoons and even a sea dragon airboat safari that can hold up to 15 passengers. Book online and experience St. Augustine like you’ve never seen it before!
Extreme Water Adventures
3070 Harbor Drive
St. Augustine, FL 32084
(904) 945-6576
http://www.extremewateradventures.com
Extreme Water Adventures is Florida’s premier flyboarding destination. Flyboarding lets you surf the sky with water rockets strapped to your feet in the ocean. Extreme Water Adventures is offers an amazing experience and view while surfing the sea and sky and is the only flyboarding company in North Florida that carries insurance, making their business a safe and secure environment for the family. The more comfortable you get in the sky, the higher you’ll be able to fly! Extreme Water Adventures wants guests to have the best experience, both in the water and up in the air.
North Guana Outpost
4415 Mickler Road
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
(904) 373-0306
From paddleboards to kayaks, North Guana Outpost has a variety of water-related sporting goods to create an ideal summer experience. This outfitters store carries top-notch brands for paddleboarding, bait & tackle, beach essentials and apparel, such as BOTE boards, Indigo SUP, Surftech, YETI, Costa Del Mar, Sun Bum and more. They even offer paddleboard and kayak rentals for those wanting to explore the Guana Preserve right in North Guana Outpost’s backyard. Feeling hungry after venturing out on the water? NGO even sells Hyppo popsicles to keep guests cool and refreshed.
Adventure Landing Water Park
1944 Beach Blvd.
Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
(904) 246-4386
If you’re looking for a little thrill, visit the Adventure Landing Water Park located just over the bridge in Jacksonville Beach. Tackle the giant waterslides, like the Hydro Halfpipe or the giant waves of Adventure Landing’s wave pool. Either way, the park is sure to satisfy the need for thrill and refreshing fun in the sun. Looking for relaxation rather than thrill? No worries, just float around the Lazy River in one of Adventure Landing’s donut floats for some refreshing R&R. Just watch out for the water falls above!
Jax Jet Ski Rentals
3326 Lakeshore Blvd. Suite #6
Jacksonville, Fl 32210
Within the Lakeshore Dry Storage and Marina, Jax Jet Ski Rentals offers easy water access and private jet ski docks from calm, flat protected areas in the waterways. Jax Jet Ski Rentals bring convenient and affordable jet skiing experiences to the area, along with dolphin tours where guests can have up-close encounters with dolphins and and even and island hop tour. Jet Skis are only rented by the hour. They do not offer full-day or half-day rentals.
Jax Surf & Paddle
241 Atlantic Blvd #102
Neptune Beach, FL 32266
(904) 372-9083
www.jacksonvillesurfandpaddle.com
Jacksonville Surf & Paddle is North Florida's premier surf and stand-up paddleboard school, surf camp, and beach rental provider. They offer a wide variety of surf, stand-up paddleboard (SUP) and fitness classes specifically designed to meet individual needs. Situated in Neptune Beach, Jax Surf & Paddle has easy access to both the beach for surf lessons and the Intracoastal Waterway for SUP. As they like to say, they offer lessons for "any age and any stage." Check out their online shop, too, for fun surf and water-related apparel.
Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park
500 Wonderwood Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32233
(904) 249-4700
For a more private beach location filled with lots of recreational activities and trails, Hanna Park is the place to go. Hanna Park offers tent and RV campins, as well as cabins for those wanting to camp in style. The park also has beach access, a 60-acre freshwater lake, a kids splash park and picnic and cookout facilities for group activities and events. They offer biking and hiking trails, as well as the Dolphin Plaza, an ideal oceanfront location for reunions, wedding receptions and corporate outings. Entry fees are required for entry, but prices are cheap and worth it to preserve this fun little gem in Jacksonville. Search Hanna Park in the City of Jacksonville website for more information.
Fintastic Diving Adventures
8137 Mount Ranier Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32256
904-998-3635
Hidden off the beaten path near Baymeadows Road is Fintastic Diving Adventures, a scuba diving company specializing in scuba for the family. Scuba diving classes are available during the summer for anyone wanting to explore life underwater. Fintastic Diving Adventures also schedules fun scuba trips around the world, such as the Bahamas, Panama City Beach and even Fiji this June. For more information on their scuba schedules this summer, call their main line or visit their official website.
Beaches Fishing Charters
3355 Eunice Road
Jacksonville, FL 32250
(904) 343-3474
www.beachesfishingcharters.com
What’s summer in Florida without any fishing? Beaches Fishing Charters offers affordable fishing charters in the Jacksonville area. Whether an experienced angler or first timer, BFC owner U.S. Coast Guard Licensed Captain Jeff Wanser offers a safe, exciting time on the water while catching all your favorite fish. All ages are welcome and bait and tackle is provided.
Amelia Boat Club & Rentals
251 Creekside Drive
Amelia Island, FL 32034
(904) 277-4615
Located at the Amelia Island Marina in Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island Boat Club is a local business that offers a hassle-free and convenient alternative to boating. They offer a variety of boats, gear and accessories to choose from so that members and rental clients can maximize their time on the water. Choose the boat that best suits your needs, and anything else to explore the First Coast marine life. Not only do they provide the vessel, they also prepare everything for the voyage and handle the boat’s maintenance upon return. Just leave your cares on shore.
Amelia Island Kayak Excursions
(904) 557-5307
Ranked as the top tour in Fernandina Beach by Tripadvisor, along with Bold City’s best water sport business in 2017, Amelia Island Kayak Excursions offers family-fun outings, nature tours and team building groups for all ages. AIKE’s main goal is to help create memorable and enjoyable experiences while exploring the scenic inland waters of Fernandina. They offer 2-hour, 3-hour and 5-hour local guided tours and even overnight excursions. First time kayaking? No problem! AIKE provides class III personal floatation devices, quality kayaks and paddles that fit anyone’s needs. They even offer kids kayak camps in the summer to help teach the “next generation of kayakers.”
