Free Florida Travel Brochures

Free Florida Travel Brochures

Florida is a vacation paradise with every type of outdoor activity.

Miami’s_Truly_Wild_Side

By Brian Ramsey

Miami has a variety of attractions for tourists that revolve around animal and bird life. These include the Miami Seaquarium, Parrot Jungle Island, Monkey Jungle and Miami Zoo. However even more attractive are the truly wild animals and birds that can be seen in South Florida. The Intracoastal waterway and other canals along the highways and roads plus numerous lakes in residential areas and along the highway attract birdlife particularly water fowl. For the best experience, South Florida, in the areas around Miami, has numerous parks where the truly wild can be seen.

In the Palm Beach area there is Grassy Waters Preserve, Marinelife of June Beach, Hungryland Boardwalk And Trail, John D. Macarthur Beach State Park, Okeeheelee Park Nature Center. In the Boca Raton Area there is Gumbo Limbo Nature Center and Fern Forest Nature Center.

In Hollywood there is Anne Kolb Nature Center at West Lake Park. Broward County has Tree Tops Park, while Greynolds Park is located on Miami Beach. Two of the parks that are easily accessible for those in the south Miami area are Biscayne National Park and Everglades National Park.

Biscayne National Park is located at 9700 SW 328th St., Homestead. Ninety-five percent of this marine park is underwater and features colorful coral reefs and undeveloped keys in Biscayne Bay. Most of the keys are covered by mangroves and tropical hardwood hammocks. The park has a walkway along the seafront that is fringed with mangrove. It is a good location for seeing various species that associate with water, including ring-billed gulls, double crested cormorants, ruddy turnstones, woodpeckers and grackles. Fishing is allowed at designated areas in the park plus kayak and canoe rentals are available. The park is open from 7am to 5.30pm daily and entry to the park is free of charge.

Close to Biscayne Park is the Biscayne Boat Dock, which has a $5 entry fee. At the boat dock there is a small beach for swimming with lifeguards, rest rooms and a snack bar. For a more active afternoon or morning, saltwater fishing is allowed among the mangroves and along the walkway. For the birdwatcher, sapsuckers, ospreys, grebes and cormorants can be seen.

To get to Biscayne National Park take Florida's Turnpike south to Exit 6 (Speedway Boulevard), turning left from the exit ramp and continuing south to Southwest 328th Street (North Canal Drive). Turn left and continue to the end of the road. The entrance is about approximately five miles on the left.

 Everglades National Park covers over 1.4 million acres with a diverse habitat ranging from the marine and estuarine areas of Florida Bay to pinelands, hardwood hammocks, and vast sawgrass marshes and freshwater sloughs. The park offers the opportunity for a wide range of activities including; beach combing, birding, camping, diving, fishing, hiking, photography, ranger led activities, snorkeling, swimming and wildlife watching.

There are three campgrounds inside the park; Long Pine Key, Flamingo, and Chekika and all campgrounds are open year round. Canoes may be rented at Flamingo and Gulf Coast. Bicycling is permitted along the main park roads, on the Shark Valley tram road, on the Old Ingraham Highway, on Long Pine Key Nature Trail, and on the Snake Bight and Rowdy Bend trails at Flamingo. Visitor centers are located at the main entrance (west of Homestead), Royal Palm, Flamingo, Shark Valley, and Gulf Coast (south of Everglades City).

It is however in the area of wildlife watching that the Everglades National Park truly astounds. Over 300 species of birds have been recorded, seven of which are rare or endangered. Migrating birds use Everglades National Park both as critical wintering areas and as a stopover. Species include the Cape May warbler, peregrine falcon, bobolinks, and tree swallows. Wading birds you may encounter on a visit include the great white heron, great blue heron, great egret, snowy egret, tri-colored heron, little blue heron, cattle egret, reddish egret, black-crowned night heron, yellow-crowned night heron, least bittern, glossy ibis, and the very colorful roseate spoonbill. Some birds of prey of the Everglades include the red-shouldered hawk and the barred owl. Along the mangrove island areas of Everglades National Park, you are likely to see an osprey dive into the water to catch a fish. About fifty pair of bald eagles, who also feed on fish, nest in the park. One of the most threatened birds in the park, is the Everglades or snail kite.

Anhinga Trail over Taylor Slough at Royal Palm is a good place to watch anhingas nest in the spring, as well as year-round viewing of herons, egrets, double-crested cormorants and white ibis. Eco Pond near Flamingo is a good place to observe herons, white ibis, roseate spoonbills, white-eyed vireos, red-shouldered hawks and numerous species of butterflies. From the Flamingo Visitor Center, you can see white pelicans, gulls, terns, shorebirds, white herons, reddish egrets and other birds along the fringe of the bay.

Over forty species of mammals are found in Everglades National Park. It is not uncommon to see white-tailed deer wading through the sawgrass prairie. The marsh rabbit is common in higher fresh water marshes, pinelands, and coastal prairies. Raccoons and opossums are common creatures throughout the park. The gray fox is most frequently seen near hardwood hammocks. River otters are commonly observed in the spring at the Anhinga Trail and Shark Valley. The Florida Panther which is a subspecies of mountain lion is found in the park but elusive so rarely seen. The bobcat, unlike the endangered Florida panther, is common in Everglades National Park. Although primarily nocturnal, this small (15 - 25 lb.) short-tailed feline is frequently seen during daylight hours. It may be seen walking the Bear Lake Trail, the Snake Bight Trail, and the Main Park Road.

The West Indian manatee is a marine mammal that grows to 1,000 pounds and roams U.S. coastal waters from Louisiana to Virginia. In winter months they seek the warm waters of Florida Bay, where they are often seen by visitors. They can be frequently seen in Whitewater Bay, Hells Bay and along the west coast. Alligators are common throughout the fresh water marshes of the park, and occasionally enter the brackish waters of Florida Bay. The best time to see alligators in the park is during the winter dry season. At that time, they get together near the deeper water holes. All sizes and ages, from ten-inch babies to an occasional twenty-year-old, ten-foot-long adult, can be seen lounging on the bank along the Anhinga Trail.

To get to Everglades National Park take Florida's Turnpike south to its end in Florida City. Turn right on Southwest 344th Street (Palm Drive), follow signs on Florida Highway 9336 to Everglades National Park.

Shopping_and_Birding_in_Miami

By Brian Ramsey

South Florida and Miami in particular is a magnet that draws shoppers from South & Central America and the Caribbean. It seems as if at every neighborhood in the city there is a mall and there is variety in the malls. There are strip malls, regular malls, outlet malls. Shopping in Miami is year round but seems to reach a fever pitch on the 3^rd Friday in November which is the day immediately after the American Thanksgiving holiday. Known as Black Friday because the hordes of shoppers are expected to drive retailers into the black (profit). Black Friday is a day of deep discounts that marks the start of the Christmas shopping season. At some malls shopping starts at midnight, while at others the shopping begins at 5am. As soon as the stores open the hordes descend.

South Florida is also a magnet for migratory and Neotropical birds. Located along the Atlantic Flyway, Florida is in the pathway of birds migrating from their summer breeding grounds in northern and central U.S.A. to their winter grounds in Central or South America and the Caribbean. For some species Florida is their winter home. An abundance of ponds, lakes and waterways means that Florida is especially good for waterbirds.

This dual magnetic force means that during Thanksgiving you can combine two passions; shopping and birding. Or husbands can accompany wives to the mall and while the wife shops the husband indulges in some bird watching. Dolphin Mall located on NW 12^th Street off the Florida Turnpike is a good location. The Mall has a huge selection of stores with a wide variety of items. The mall also has two ponds along 12^th Street next to the mall parking lot. Among the birds that can be seen in those ponds are Anhingas, Coots, Grey Herons and Snowy Egrets.

At other malls, the desire to introduce greenery into an asphalt and concrete jungle has resulted in trees around and within parking lots. These trees have in turn attracted various bird species. So simply wandering the parking lots gives you the opportunity to see different species of birds.

Even if you do not go near the malls on Black Friday, it is easy to indulge in bird watching in South Florida. The numerous lakes and ponds in residential areas attract birdlife particularly waterfowl. Among the most easily seen Florida waterfowl are Double-crested Cormorant, Pied-billed Grebe, Common Moorhen, Green (Green-backed) Heron and the most common waterfowl found in Florida’s suburban areas, Muscovy Ducks. The Intracoastal Waterway and other canals along the highways and roads are also good locations for spotting avian life and it is easy to stop at an attractive spot. For the more dedicated birdwatcher South Florida has an abundance of state and national parks.

So when next you are planning a trip to South Florida, remember, you can combine shopping and bird watching.

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens (Miami)

By Pamela Lawson

Stepping off the Miami charter bus and into the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is like stepping into a whole new, different world. The sight and sound of the Italian Renaissance era museum and garden is simply breathtaking, and the word 'breathtaking' is not even adequate to describe the feeling, especially if this is the first time you are here in Miami. The European castle is so awesome that visitors could end up snapping tons of pictures to bring home with them. Some others would describe is as nothing short of being a beach lovers' paradise wishing that they could have spent the whole week there really instead of the limited time permitted during a weekend trip.

Vizcaya is considered as one of Miami's most treasured historical landmark which has been nationally preserved and known as a wonderful tourist magnet, which spells good news for the local tourism industry. Vizcaya was first thought of and built by a highly imaginative agricultural industrialist man called James Deering way back in 1916. With a picture-perfect image of a dream-like, serene and stunning image in his mind, he set about to gather funds and resources and like they always say, the rest is history. Here, today, we have Vizcaya Museum and Gardens.

Vizcaya is the first attraction of its kind to offer a full audio tour which last about ninety minutes in all, and it is available in several languages, namely English, Spanish, Portuguege, French and Haitian.

Visitors are encouraged to purchase their tickets, especially if they are heading over in a group, online or beforehand; for those who are using credit cards, there is a minimum charge requirement of $20 per person (this is the admission fee at the point of writing this article, as always, please do log into their website for the latest admission fee structure).

The garden is always the prettiest early in the morning so, visitors are encouraged to start exploring the attraction at the gardens, stop at the shades for a good few hours before going on to the next part of the museum and garden. After a good walk-around, enjoy the delicious fanfare that the museum's exclusive cafe on the ground floor where there is option of indoor seating with air-conditioning (great option in the summer when the heat outside can get to you), and outdoor patio seatings.

After fueling yourself up with good food, take the audio tour. Looking a the dream-like atmosphere in and around the museum and garden, it isn't a surprise at all that the garden is teeming with couples in their wedding dresses together with their photographers.

Pam is a part of US Coachways Inc., a leading Miami charter bus rental, providing countless customers with professional, reliable and affordable charter buses, party buses, coach charters, mini buses and school buses all over the country. Please head over to our website for details about our amazing charter bus rental packages.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pamela_Lawson

Grapeland Water Park

By Pamela Lawson

In a lot of ways, Grapeland Water Park cannot be compared to other larger and more popular water theme parks in Miami, but it is most definitely a great alternative for tourists and other vacationers who do not like large crowds, long lines and exorbitant prices. Admittedly, the scale of the water park is a big comfort for those long, relaxing weekends where we just want to simply get away so that we can bring the kids outdoors to do something fun and fantastic. Well, if that is what you are looking for in Miami FL, organizing a fun outdoor weekend gathering together with your family and friends to Grapeland Water Park!

One can tell that the management of the park pays special attention to safety and cleanliness... after all, when it comes to kids, those are of major concern for parents. There are life guards guarding each for each of the features at the park and the staff are mostly friendly and helpful. The park underwent some rather major changes since it has been operating and the slides and features are creative and artfully created.

The Shipwreck Island is a huge hit with toddlers (understandably so) who are less than forty eight inches tall. The shallow water is great for toddlers who do not yet know how to swim or tread water. What is fun for the kids is when the large bucket located at the top of a huge, tall fixture, which will sound loudly whenever it is ready to topple a huge bucket of water on the kids. That is the time when the kids either run off screaming (in excitement) or stand directly under the bucket to experience the 'waterfall'.

As fun as the lazy river is, some contend that it might be a little short compared to the lazy river in other theme parks around Miami and Florida.

Anyone under the height of forty eight inches is also welcomed at the Pirate's Plunge. The kids need to climb up the tall tower and then slide down into a fun pool where parents are waiting and other kids are splashing around. The Pirate's Plunge is located near Shipwreck Island so this means that the kids can alternate easily between one water feature to another!

The Captain's Lagoon is basically an elaborate swimming pool designed for older kids and waiting parents who prefer to hang out under the hot, friendly summer sun while the small toddlers enjoy the water slides and pools.

As far as features and fanfare is concerned, Grapeland is a basic water park but what is important is that it is safe, clean, well-maintained and of course, affordable when compared to other larger theme parks without compromising on the fun factor.

Pam is a part of US Coachways Inc., a leading Miami charter bus rental company that specializes in providing its customers with top quality, modern and affordable party bus, charter bus, coach charter, shuttle bus, mini bus, school bus, limousine and luxury vehicles for special events. The company also serves many other cities around the United States, namely NYC, LA, Detroit, San Diego, Houston, Dallas, Denver, Miami, San Francisco and many, many more. Please head over to our web

Surprise!_South_Florida's_Hidden_Beach

By Gail Nettles

Want to find out more about this hidden gem (and see photos) located in South Florida? Check out:

http://www.great-florida-vacations.com/john-d-macarthur-state-park.html

Gail Nettles is a Florida native who enjoys showing the Sunshine State to visitors. She also publishes http://www.great-florida-vacations.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gail_Nettles

Birding_in_Orlando - Treat Yourself to Central Florida's Bird Watching Paradise

By Janice McSherry 

These are just some of the places in the area where birders can get up close to a wide variety of species. For more ideas you can also use the following resources: The North American Bird Guide by David Sibley, Birds of North America by Kenn Kaufman, Birders Guide To Florida by Bill Pantry, and A Birdwatching guide to Florida by Derek Moore. In addition the websites of Orange Audubon Society , the Kissimmee Valley Audubon Society, and the Ridge Audubon Society also are rich sources of information about birding in the Orlando area and in Central Florida.

About the Author

Janice McSherry is an Orlando vacations specialist. Visit her website for great deals on Orlando Vacation Home Rentals.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Janice_McSherry

Florida Scuba Diving - Top_Scuba_Diving_in_Key Largo

By Stephen Harold Brown

Any significant Florida scuba diving trip has to allow for time to visit Key Largo, one of the all time well-liked scuba diving resorts. It has long been known as "The Scuba Diving Capital of the World" and when you start to look deeply at this place you can see why it was recognized as one of the top scuba diving areas.

"The Keys" is an admired area for divers and you will uncover Key Largo at the north end with Key West at the most southern point.

One of the most famed places at Key Largo is John Pennekamp State Park. The John Pennekamp State Park was recognized as a place of remarkable beauty and was the first underwater protected preserve in the United states. Whilst Key West may be the place to go for an all round experience, for loads of people travelling to Florida scuba diving the focus is on 'the diving' and Key Largo has an amazing choice.

It doesn't matter whether you are a veteran diver or lacking some skills, Florida scuba trips to Key Largo have something extraordinary for everybody.

If you're an enthusiastic shipwreck diver your Florida scuba experience has to include a dive of the USS Spiegel Grove. This monster of a ship is the largest wreck ever sunk in Florida and at 510ft she is an imposing sight.

This shipwreck is located in deeper waters and can be quite a test to experienced divers and is off limits to inexperienced divers. The restricted bottom time means this wreck has to take more than one dive to fully survey.

Looking for a unique Florida scuba diving site? How about visiting the dive site Christ of the Abyss? A must do dive for everybody, this 4000lb effigy can be visibly seen from the surface by snorklers. The Underwater Society of America received the figure after it was donated by Egidi Cressi in 1962. The statue complete with its pedestal was sunk in the shallow waters near to the reef.

As underwater photography has improved and become easier over the years one location to visit has to be Molasses Reef. One of Key Largo's most admired and visited scuba diving sites this reef system is one of exceptional beauty and a must do dive for every person. Incredible marine life delivering lovely colors makes Molasses Reef one of the most photographed reefs in the world. The clear and fairly shallow waters means the lighting is just right and with some striking marine life as your backdrop and subjects you cannot help but take some fabulous underwater pictures.

Certain divers just love diving shipwrecks and any Florida scuba trip to Key Largo can include several shipwreck dives.

Whilst the USS Spiegel Grove is a must do dive there are other exciting ship wrecks in Key Largo including the cutters USS Duane and USS Bibb. Now well matured, these 2 shipwrecks provide an exciting experience with easy access to both ships as they were fully prepared for scuba divers prior to their sinking.

Still one of the major scuba diving destinations it would seem that Key Largo has something for every person, unique statues and caves, shallow reefs full of dazzling marine life and shipwrecks so great that they take days to explore.

For detailed information visit this Florida scuba diving resource or you can visit this Florida scuba diving website.

A Seaplane Adventure to Dry Tortugas National Park

By Rob Decker

Accessible only by boat or seaplane, only about 60,000 visitors get to Dry Tortugas National Park each year. Compare that to the more than 300 million people who visited America's national parks last year. But it's really no surprise when you consider what's involved just getting there. The jumping off point is Key West, Florida, and from there, you can choose between an all-day boat ride, and half- or full-day seaplane trips, assuming you don't have your own vessel.

Pre-Flight

I opted for the seaplane flight and checked in at the Key West Seaplane Adventures office at 7:30 for an 8:00 am flight. Even though it was late March, the sun was just rising, filtered by wisps of pink and orange clouds. When the remaining nine passengers arrived, we received our briefing, were introduced to our pilot, Gary, and then walked out on to the tarmac together to board the DHC-3 DeHavilland Turbine Otter Amphibian. The plane can carry 10 passengers plus the pilot... and when Gary offered up the co-pilot seat, I literally jumped at the opportunity!

Gary has been flying to and from Dry Tortugas for years. He would make five trips to and from Dry Tortugas that day... and his early morning return flight to Key West would be a solo one.

Ready for Takeoff

Once we had our seat belts fastened, and perhaps more importantly, our headphones on, Gary began to narrate our early morning adventure as we taxied out on to the runway. I fired up my video camera... and before I knew it we were airborne heading due east into the morning sun, and just as quickly banking south, then west for a bird's eye view of Key West. It was only then that I had the exhilarating realization I would be setting down in a place I'd only been able to conjure in my imagination - turquoise waters, green sea turtles, bright coral, frigatebirds, shipwrecks, and a coastal fortress nearly 170 years old.

The co-pilot's seat offered the perfect view of Key West, its hotels, Duvall Street and Mallory Square, which quickly faded from view. Gary pumped some music into our headphones... though I wasn't quite sure what to make of his first selection: Tom Petty's "Free Fallin'"!

Flying to Dry Tortugas

Flying at at 130 knots, we were quickly over an area called the "Flats," a body of shallow water just 3-5 feet deep extending almost 20 miles to the west. Flying at just 500 feet above the water, these shallows are teeming with Loggerhead turtles and you could clearly see dozens of them swimming about as we cruised overhead.

25 miles out, we flew directly over Marquesas Islands, a coral atoll... and then over an area called the "Quicksands." Here the water is 30 feet deep with a sea bed of constantly shifting sand dunes. This is where treasure hunter Mel Fisher found the Spanish Galleons Antocha and Margarita - and more than a half a billion dollars of gold and silver strewn across an eight mile area. They continue to work the site, and even today, there are regular finds of huge Spanish Emeralds.

But it wasn't long from my vantage point in the cockpit before I could begin to make out Fort Jefferson on Garden Key, Bush Key and further west, the lighthouse on Loggerhead Key.

A Little History

Once Florida was acquired from Spain (1819-1821), the United States considered the 75 mile stretch connecting the Gulf Coast and Atlantic Ocean important to protect, since anyone who occupied the area could seize control trade along the Gulf Coast.

Construction of Fort Jefferson began on Garden Key in 1847, and although more than $250,000 had been spent by 1860, the fort was never finished. As the largest 19th century American masonry coastal fort, it also served as a remote prison facility during the Civil War. The most famous inmate was Dr. Samuel Mudd, who set the leg of John Wilkes Booth following the assassination of President Lincoln. Mudd was convicted of conspiracy and was imprisoned on the Dry Tortugas from 1865 to 1869. The fort continued to serve as a military prison until 1874.

Almost There

Gary banked the De Havilland to the right, providing a spectacular view of the islands and Fort Jefferson, heading the seaplane into the wind for the smoothest landing I've ever experienced - on land or sea - gently skimming the surface and we glided effortlessly across turquoise waters and headed towards shore. One more roar of the engines, a quick turn, and we were up on the beach ready to disembark.

We arrived about 8:30 AM... and aside from the 10 passengers on board, a half dozen campers at one end of the Garden Key, and a few National Park Service employees, we had the island to ourselves.

As I watched the seaplane take off, heading back to Key West, it struck me just how isolated we were in this remote ocean wilderness.

It was still reasonably cool, but the sun - and the temperature - was rising fast. Taking advantage of the early morning light, I headed inside the fort, making my way up the spiral staircase, and stepped out of the old Garden Key lighthouse built in 1825. The lighthouse is no longer in use, since the "new" 167 foot tall lighthouse on Loggerhead Key, completed in 1858, continues to flash its beacon to mariners, warning of the shallow waters.

The view from atop of Fort Jefferson provided a spectacular 360 degree panorama. And besides the few spits of land that make up the park, there was nothing but sky and sea in every direction.

About the Park

Dry Tortugas National Park, situated at the farthest end of the Florida Keys, is closer to Cuba than to the American mainland. A cluster of seven islands, composed mostly of sand and coral reefs, just 93 of the park's 64,000 acres are above water. The three easternmost keys are simply spits of white coral sand, while 49-acre Loggerhead Key, three miles out, marks the western edge of the island chain. The park's sandy keys are in a constant state of flux - shaped by tides and currents, weather and climate. In fact, four islands completely disappeared between 1875 and 1935, a testament to the fragility of the ecosystem.

Final Approach to Dry Tortugas and Fort Jefferson

The surrounding coral reefs make up the third-largest barrier reef system outside of Australia and Belize.

The Dry Tortugas are recognized for their near-pristine natural resources including seagrass beds, fisheries, and sea turtle and bird nesting habitat.

Bush Key, just 100 yards or so from Fort Jefferson is home to a vast assortment of birds that frequent the islands and features a mix of mangrove, sea oats, bay cedar, sea grape and prickly pear cactus, reflecting the original character of the islands.

A great wildlife spectacle occurs each year between the months of February and September, as many as 100,000 sooty terns travel from the Caribbean Sea and west-central Atlantic Ocean to nest on the islands of the Dry Tortugas. Brown noddies, roseate terns, double-crested cormorants, brown pelicans and the Magnificent frigatebird, with its 7-foot wingspan, nest here as well. Although Bush Key was closed to visitors, hundreds, if not thousands of birds filled the skies and the sounds of their screeches and calls filled the otherwise tranquil surroundings.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt established Fort Jefferson National Monument under the Antiquities Act on January 4, 1935. Expanded to it's current size in 1983, the monument was re-designated by an act of Congress as Dry Tortugas National Park on October 26, 1992 to protect the island and marine environment, to preserve Fort Jefferson and submerged cultural resources such as shipwrecks.

There is no water, food, bathing facilities, supplies, or public lodging (other than camping on Garden Key) in the park. All visitors, campers, and boaters are required to pack out whatever they pack in, so the National Park Service has created a wi-fi hotspot - only at the dock - where you can scan a QR code and download a variety of PDFs to your phone or tablet. It's an idea that's bound to catch on with so many mobile devices, reducing the need to print (and throw away) paper brochures. Inside Fort Jefferson, a small visitor's center has a few exhibits and shows a short video. I stepped across the entranceway, and found an equally small office that houses the National Park Service employees who maintain and manage the park.

Almost 500 Years Ago...

I imagined the islands didn't look much different to Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León, credited for discovering the islands in 1531. He named them Las Tortugas, or "The Turtles," as the islands and surrounding waters were aswarm with loggerhead, hawksbill, leatherback, and green turtles. For nearly three hundred years, pirates raided not only passing ships, but relied on turtles for meat and eggs and also pilfered the nests of roosting sooty and noddy terns. Nautical charts began to show that The Tortugas were dry - due to the lack of fresh water - and eventually the islands were renamed as The Dry Tortugas.

Shipping, Trade, and Riches from the New World

Explorers sailed through the Dry Tortugas and the route was frequented by Spanish ships returning to the European mainland from the Gulf Coast of Florida, Veracruz and the Caribbean. The Dry Tortugas proved to be an important trade route... and served as a significant marker ships used to navigate the Gulf's coastline. While Florida remained under Spanish rule, merchants used this route transporting coffee, tobacco, cotton, meat, livestock and merchandise across the Atlantic in exchange for silver and gold from the New World.

Some of the best snorkeling in North America

Although I was only on the half-day seaplane trip, I still had enough time for a quick swim and snorkel on the west side of Garden Key.

In the late 1800s, the US Navy built piers and coaling warehouses for refueling, but strong storms destroyed them, leaving only their underpinnings. These pilings, and the deeper water of the dredged channel, now offer an excellent opportunity to see larger fish like tarpon, grouper, barracuda... as well as the occasional shark.

I've had my GoPro for years, but had never used it underwater and I was pleasantly surprised when I entered the water. Multi-colored sea fans swayed in the gentle current. Colorful reef fish - with their vivid and boldly patterned reds, yellows, greens and blues - are camouflaged amongst the bright coral and sea grasses. Today, turtle populations have diminished, but you may still be able to see green, loggerhead, hawksbill, and leatherback sea turtles.

As I walked back to the changing rooms at the dock, the seaplane for my return flight was just landing and I realized my time at Dry Tortugas was coming to an end. If I ever have a chance to get back, I would definitely opt for the full day trip.

A week later, after returning home to Colorado and was shoveling snow off of the driveway, a small plane passed overhead and I suddenly thought of my flight to Dry Tortugas - the bright sun, the crystal clear waters, the abundant life - above and below the water's surface - a surreal landscape that seemed much farther away now. So captivating, so remote, that even having seen it with my own eyes, I still somehow could barely imagine it.

Rob Decker is a photographer and graphic artist who is currently on a quest to photograph and create posters for all 59 National Parks in time for the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service in August 2016.

But Rob's professional training really started at age 19, when he had the rare opportunity to study under Ansel Adams in Yosemite National Park during the summer of 1979, less than five years before Mr. Adams passed away.

Since then, he has visited and photographed nearly half of the national parks, and has plans to visit as many as he can during the next 12 months.

You can see the current collection of posters at http://www.national-park-posters.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Robert_B_Decker/2271096

Surfing_in_Miami

Many extreme sports aficionados are often surprised to hear that Miami has a legitimate surfing scene. The diverse Floridian coastline, with its range of picturesque beaches, is nothing short of a road-tripper's paradise. Don't limit your Miami trip to wining, dinning and shopping - let your sightseeing adventure coincide with surfing's oxy-moronic combination of relaxation and exhilaration. If you haven't done so already, set up the roof racks, wind down the window and let the swell chart dictate your next destination.

Overview

Miami's coast is beset with over 10 surf spots that all offer the extreme sports enthusiast something a little different. The excellent American roads enable travelers to reach every spot, without too much difficulty.

The Best Spots

South Beach - Miami's most renowned beach has also become a firm favorite for the local surfers. This spot can become a bit crowded at times, but the locals are reasonably amicable. South Beach is great for beginners because the waves are small and surfing lessons are often given here. If you are looking for some bigger swell, then you have to wait for a storm, or move onto a beach a little further north.

Harbor House - This spot lies just north of Miami Beach and it's perfect for a beginner, but can become a little annoying for someone who has been surfing for a while. The small waves in this area make it a perfect beach for an amateur to learn. If you are desperate for an overhead swell, then it's best to wait for a cyclone or surf elsewhere.

Dania South Beach - Drive just past Fort Lauderdale and find Dania South Beach. This lesser known gem has been known to throw up some excellent almond-shaped barrels from time to time. The spot is a little fickle, so don't feel disheartened if you find the surf flat. The spot is relatively uncrowded during the week, but be prepared to hustle for waves over the weekend.

Spoils - This spot is strictly for experienced surfers and it is therefore generally uncrowded. Whereas all the other spots have a sandy bottom, this one features the rocks and coral reef. The spot breaks very far out and you have to be a good surfer if you even want to try and surf here. The take off wedges and becomes very steep - you could easily end up landing face-first on the reef if you don't know what you are doing.

Picking up lessons

There are various sites on the net that offer surf lessons in the Miami area. You could either book before your arrival; or, just stroll along the beach and find someone surrounded by surfboards. The Miami locals are renowned for their friendliness, so don't ever hesitate to ask someone.

Do something a little different

Surfing is just one of the activities that you can participate in. There are a wide range of excellent opportunities that can meet the desires of every traveler. When you visit Miami, you should try to open your mind and experience as much as possible. There are so many things to see in Miami and you should never let your fears stop you from enjoying a fulfilling experience. Use your Miami holiday to reacquaint yourself with your inner-daredevil.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Damien_Venuto

Florida Manatees the Gentle Sea Cow

By La Rita L. Shroy

Florida manatees, the gentle sea cow, are shy and harmless marine mammals. The manatees are large and weight close to a ton. They reach a length of almost 15 feet. Since their bodies are shaped like an elongated oval with a paddle-shaped tail, it provides them with effective propulsion.

A female manatee will mature in about five years and a male requires nine years to mature. When they mature they'll be capable of reproduction. The gestation period is about 13 months. Single births are most common. However, there have been recorded records of twin births but this is rarer. Babies are born weighing between 60-70 pounds. Calves remain with their mothers and nurse for as long as two years. They can live up to 60 years of age.

The gentle sea cows find havens in the canals and rivers. They favor the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico during the cooler winter months.

They cluster in and around the waters of Citrus County in the city of Crystal River and Homosassa. The water is warm and comes from the springs with an average temperature of 72 degrees. There have been up to 476 manatees found herding in these waters. If there is a sudden severe cold snap and the water temperature drops severely, it can kill them.

The manatees survive in salt or fresh water. They are totally vegetarian and adults eat 10 to 15 percent of their body weight each day or about 100 pounds of watery aquatic vegetation. Since they spend about half their time sleeping, it's a wonder that they are awake enough to eat so much vegetation.

They drift down to the bottom in shallow waters and sleep. They are air-breathing mammals and take a breath at intervals as long as 20 minutes. They rise to the surface, exhale noisily through the nostrils located on the tip of their snot, take a deep breath and sink back down to resume their nap.

Their most dangerous enemy is from human activity. The fast-moving motorboat with a propeller, spinning like a saw, cuts through their hide. Therefore, there are strict regulations enforced for boat operators. Operators of motorboats need to obey the slow speed, idle or no wake speed when the areas are known to have manatees. Boaters are not allowed into the forbidden zone. There are warnings posted in the sanctuaries.

One way to know if there are manatees in the boating area is to look for a swirl at the surface of the water or there may be the back of the mammal sticking out of the water.

Since the sea cow is by nature gentle, this encourages people to swim in waters where they gather, touching them and offering lettuce or other greens. It is illegal to feed manatees or harass them in any way. If a person is caught they could face paying a large fine.

These mammals also get caught in water-control systems or in nets and lines intended to catch fish and crabs. Their most serious threat comes from a loss of their habitat.

Fortunately, the manatees are protected in the United States under federal law. Florida passed the Manatee Sanctuary Act in 1978. Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1983.

The refuge is for the protection of the endangered West Indian Manatee. The refuge preserves the last unspoiled and undeveloped habitat in Kings Bay. The bay forms the headwaters of the Crystal River. The warm water springs are havens that provide a critical habitat for the populations that migrate to this area each winter. It is home for more than 25 percent of the nation's population.

Do you want to swim with the manatees? Snorkeling is an excellent way to meet them up close and personal. Usually, you'll need to hire a guide or use a tour company that can instruct you how to carefully swim with these gentle creatures. They will provide you with a snorkel, snorkel mask and wet suit.

You'll need to swim with as little splashing as possible, enter the water slowly and quietly. Don't swim after them. Instead, let them come up to you and they'll let you take their picture. Don't poke or probe them at any time with any object, and that includes hands, arms or feet. Don't separate a cow from her calf or an individual from a group.

Florida manatees, the gentle sea cow, is an endangered species but you can still have a memorable experience while protecting them.

For more information on these amazing mammals and swimming with manatees, click here... Florida Manatees

Things to Do in Florida: Airboat Rides

By Wayne Gilbert

Florida is well known for a lot of things; it's famous for wild spring break parties, for its pristine beaches, and for its fine, white sand. It's also known for its humongous theme parks and resorts such as Universal studios, Walt Disney World, and of course, Sea World. However, if there's one thing that cannot be ignored about this place is it's unique wildlife that you simply cannot find anywhere else in the world.

If you want to make your Florida getaway more fun and extremely memorable, you should go ahead and explore its swamps. After joining a huge crowd of people in theme parks and on beaches, this is the best way to have some peace and quiet while appreciating nature. And there's no better way to do this than riding in airboats. These are wildlife-friendly boats that run on a huge fan instead of traditional water propeller. Because of this, airboats do not disturb the aquatic wildlife and allow tourists to skim across the surface of the water to easily spot turtles and alligators.

Although the main reasons why people go to Florida is to visit theme parks and pristine beaches, over the years airboats and swamp exploration are growing in popularity especially now that they're made for the whole family (there's no age limit as long as everybody's wearing a life vest). It's also made convenient. People who are spending at least 2 nights in an Orlando resort can easily take an airboat trip that can be as quickly as 1-2 hours.

Airboat rides are tailor-fit to the specific needs and demands of tourists. For people who just want to try it out, they can sign up for a half-hour trip. Reservations for this trip aren't needed. Tourists can just hop on anytime of the day. However, for those people who really want to get a glimpse of the wildlife, a day trip would be more suitable. Night tours are also available as most swamps wildlife is nocturnal.

The best time to go on an airboat ride is during summer when the sky is very clear and at night when the alligators feed. As mentioned before, there are no age limits so the whole family can go. Included in the fees are hearing protection and life vests. Although you'll be with a guide who'll take care of you, it is still highly recommended that you exercise caution. Keep your eyes open, as you'll never know when an alligator or other wildlife animals might be a few feet away.

Aside from airboats and aside from exploring the wildlife, other things that you can do in Florida is going to the beach. You can swim all you want, enjoy the white sand, and try water sports and other activities. You also don't want to miss the Everglades, which is the 3rd biggest national park in the US. It's a 10,000 square mile area of subtropical marshes, tree islands, mangrove forest, and prairies where you can find different wildlife animals and amazing species.

Wayne Gilbert is a Florida native with over 30 years of outdoors experience. His website Airboat Rides is one of the most popular Florida Everglades attractions.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wayne_Gilbert

So Many Adventures at the Everglades

By Justin A Stockdalez

The Florida Everglades is one of the many attractions in Miami. Tourists from all over the world come to Miami to enjoy the Miami Everglades Tours. You are able to ride on a fan boat and check out the various animals that inhabit this unique ecosystem.

A few places that can be toured while on an Everglades tour Miami are listed below:

The Everglades Alligator Farm: Tourists can take the Everglades shuttle and come to this farm that is located just outside the Everglades National Park. It is one of the oldest alligator farms in southern Florida. Tourists may travel from Miami to the Everglades to become amazed by the thousands of alligators that live in the farm. Over the years, cameras crews and visitors have come to this place to tour the unique habitat and understand its many mysteries. A visit to this farm will allow you to check out a variety of exotic snakes, rare species of crocodiles, and of course lots of alligators!

o Tourists can also avail of an airboat tour across the river of grass. You are able to board an Everglades airboat and glide through the shallow waterways to different places in the Everglades. This is not only an alligator tour. You are also able to see other animals such as raccoons, bob cats, and birds, etc. during the airboat tour. After the trip, you can check out an animal show at the farm. It is quite exciting. The audience is also allowed and encouraged to participate in such shows. Do not miss it!

Gatorland: It is situated around seven miles south of the Florida Mall. Tourists can visit the website of this park to obtain more information, as well as proper directions. The park initially opened as a roadside attraction in the late 1940s. Since then, it has grown to become the alligator capital of the world. It is not only a park, but also a wildlife preserve that is spread across 110 acres. Tourists to Gatorland will notice that the park is a unique combination of old world charm and modern entertainment options. The park comes with a breeding swamp for the alligators. Patrons can climb the observation tower and check out the baby and mother alligators, and so on (you do not want to go near the mother alligator). Additionally, you will also come across other awesome tourist sights such an aviary, Gator Gully Splash Park, restaurants, and a gift park. Tourists will also be able to enjoy the best train ride in all of Florida, at this park.

The Everglades National Park: It is one of most visited tourist attractions in the state of Florida. The park is a protected section of the Florida Everglades and offers a number of excursions for the tourists. In addition to tours of the wetlands aboard an Everglades airboat, visitors to the park can also engage in other activities such as biking down various trails, ranger-led hikes along the sawgrass marshes, camping in the wilderness, canoeing and boating expeditions, fishing, and several such outdoor adventures. You need to visit the Ernest Coe center at the park to acquire detailed information about the different activities that are on the menu.

http://www.halfpricetourtickets.com/endless-adventures-at-various-parks/

Places You Need to Visit on Your First Trip to Tampa

By Abuzar Mir

Your first trip to any new destination can be very overwhelming and tricky to plan. Although a lot looks appealing, you don't know whether you're doing the planning rightly so until you finally experience it. However, that shouldn't stop you from traveling.

Tampa is a spectacular destination to travel to. With so many amazing attractions to visit, you'll be spoilt with choices. Here are some places you need to visit on your first trip to Tampa.

Busch Gardens
Anyone who has ever heard of Tampa's spectacular attractions would definitely know about the Busch Gardens. If you are traveling with family or a large group, this amusement park will turn out to be the perfect day out in Tampa. There are endless adventures for tourists of all age groups at the Busch Gardens.

A project of SeaWorld Entertainment, the themed rides and adventures are one of a kind and so are the live shows. From perfect places to eat out and shop, there are plenty of joys to experience at the Busch Gardens.

Museum of Science and Industry
If you hold an interest for science, technology and industry, this is a museum not to be missed. The museum's gigantic size makes it a very fulfilling experience that would be of an interest to people of all age groups. There's endless to explore in the museum with plenty of hands-on activities, both for the kids and adults. Children are particularly amused when they make their way to the functional planetarium and the science demonstrations.

The Museum of Science and Industry is an ideal place for a family day out. With the wide choice of activities to choose from, you'd not even realize how quickly your day will pass by!

The Tampa Riverwalk
One of the reasons Tampa is very famous among the tourists is its waterfront. To experience that in the best manner, you need to make your way to the Tampa Riverwalk. This is a pedestrian path that acts like a bridge and connects Tampa's downtown to the waterfront. It runs along the Hillsborough River and is the scenic gateway to plenty of hotels, attractions, dining places and other entertaining options. The Tampa Riverwalk is packed with tourists all the time and is the part of Tampa that is never missing its hustle and bustle.

Lowry Park Zoo
If you've animal lovers in your family, Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo offers the perfect entertainment to them. It has all the joys of any functional zoo and beyond. What's most interesting when you make your way there is to witness how to the zoo protects unusual creatures that are seldom found anywhere else.

The zoo is a great home to over 1300 creatures, some of which include Florida panthers, chimpanzees and koalas of Queensland. The zoo has done incredible efforts to protect the endangered animals. From educational experiences to entertainment, Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo is an incredible place to be!

These best Tampa travel tips will be all you need to make your trip a joyful one!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Abuzar_Mir/2147566

Busch Gardens Tampa Review - From Endangered Species to King Tut, and Everything in Between

By George Buyers

Busch Gardens Tampa, like its sister park in Virginia, has a special theme. Whereas the latter has a classic European theme, however, the former has an African theme. At the park in Tampa, guests will get to come face-to-face with endangered and exotic animals straight out of Africa. It's the next best thing to actually being on an African Safari.

It's also a cheaper alternative. And, thanks to online discounts, you can get a great deal on tickets. You can choose between a single day ticket, fun pass, and multi-park pass which includes other parks in the area, such as Adventure Island and SeaWorld.

Just take a look at all of the admissions options and vacation packages and choose the one that is ideal for you. There are a variety of packages available tailored to groups, couples, and families.

There is a lot of excitement to be found at Busch Gardens Tampa. As mentioned above, there are many exotic animals that live in the park: cheetahs, hyenas, meerkats, elephants, etc. At the Edge of Africa, you can encounter all of these animals - and more - in naturalistic habitats. You'll be able to set your own pace as you wander around and explore.

One group of animals you don't want to overlook is the peacocks. These gorgeous birds can be found roaming just about everywhere at the park. You might also find them around the Bird Gardens area.

Speaking of Bird Gardens, this area is the home of 500 or so tropical birds from all around the world. Watch a variety of species fly around in the free-flight aviary. There are many bright, colorful birds there, including a flock of flamingos.

If you're looking for an adventure, how about visiting King Tut's Tomb? This is an exact replica of the infamous 1920s archaeological discovery of the boy king who lived and died in Egypt some 3,000 years ago. Guests are allowed to dig for replicas of the artifacts that were uncovered during the actual dig. King Tut's Tomb is an exciting attraction for the entire family. You'll especially want to bring your kids to this exhibit. It will be a fun, educational experience for everyone.

These suggestions will only get you started. There are many other exhibits, rides, shows, etc, including Critter Castaways, Iceploration, and Serengeti Railway. There are also restaurants and concession stands, which are conveniently located throughout the park. Be sure to take advantage of any Busch Gardens Tampa discount tickets you come across so that you'll have extra money for shopping.

You can go ahead and get started right now if you want. Even if you're still unsure about when you want to go, you should still check out Busch Gardens Tampa discount tickets so that you'll be able to plan your budget. You might actually be surprised at how affordable admission to this park can be - especially with annual passes.

To find out more about SeaWorld coupons, discounts, and special offers, visit George's website - http://www.gripbuy.com/Tickets/seaworld-tickets.html

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=George_Buyers

The Other Orlando Attractions

By Ronald LaRue

The Orlando attractions available during a trip to the City of Magic are plentiful. Theme parks and water adventures are but a small portion of the Orlando, Florida attractions. International Drive (I-Drive to the locals) houses many fine dining and dancing venues as well as a variety of museums and other places of wonder to visit. Unfortunately, tours in Orlando are primarily of the self-guided nature. Families and couples find the freedom within the huge variety of Orlando Attractions is best left to the free spirit to explore.

On I-drive, one will find a trolley for great transportation up and down the very busy and long avenue. I-drive is both a local favorite and a vacationer's area for great wonderment. From automobile museums to the upside down mansion one finds midway, it never ceases to amaze. Then, as the sun sets and a couple strolls along the busy street, a stop in one of the many lounges is a beckoning call beyond denial. A stop in for a cool drink with beautiful music in the background, it is all too easy to become lost in another's eyes. Orlando magic is sure to come true every time.

Off I-drive are also many locations to explore. Orlando Florida. Attractions are not outdone by the world famous fishing in close proximity to the city. Indeed, an exploring individual can easily find many rather small 10 to 20 acre ponds to slip away upon for sunrise or sunset angling. Of course, a car would be required to find them and gain access, often hidden amongst the dense brush that is the forest/swamp land found throughout the state. The St. John's River is also nearby and there are many public areas to fish. Kissimmee is a fishing destination of world renown also. Did I say explore? Well, an adventurous spirit is a necessity for these types of small journeys. Do not waste your time if you are not willing to "push the envelope" of comfort and it is wise to have a partner. The choice always is available to find a local guide to take you on a private adventure. Many highly skilled captains know right where to go and find the big bass, if you are willing to spend the money! Absolutely do not forget, if there is water in Florida there are gators.

There are gator parks, in fact. Gator parks allow one to see alligators feed and attempt to feed upon the carcasses of the crazy individuals that make their money wrestling these ancient creatures for the amusement of the Florida traveler. Guaranteed to create queasiness in the strongest stomach, a gator park truly is a "must do" activity whenever visiting any section of Florida.

When visiting Orlando attractions on your next visit, look at the many other possibilities available for your idea of fulfilling enjoyment; self-tours in Orlando can be quite fulfilling to the adventurous heart or extremely calming to the gentle soul. The full spectrum of emotional enjoyment waits all around Orlando, Fla. Attractions. Creating memories is the finest asset found in the Sunshine State; nowhere else will you find this true more than with Orlando Attractions.

Visit Tickets to Airlines Travel for discount eTickets on tours. A travel shopping experience with extensive Florida Travel options, Universal Studios Resorts and Orlando Attractions are among the many items listed for you to explore.
Visit, Shop, Travel, Be Happy every time as you always "Make an Informed Decision and Travel Wise."

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ronald_LaRue

Busch Wildlife Sanctuary

Lion Country Safari

Macarthur Beach State Park