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 Visit St. John's River |
2075 Palm Avenue Orlando, FL 32765 United States +1 407 977 3214 / +1 877 977 3214 http://www.airboating.com |
Owner, Captain Bill Daniel is a U.S. Coast Guard-licensed seaman, a conservationist, and a river historian. Who better to take you and your family on a tour of Florida's pristine St. John's River? The 90-minute tour includes backwaters and marshland, where you'll almost certainly get an up-close view of some of Florida's famous wildlife. Encounter alligators, bald eagles, otters, manatees, osprey and deer, to say nothing of indigenous cypress trees. Tours leave from a variety of Central Florida venues; by appointment only. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Tour Boggy Creek |
2001 E. Southport Road Orlando, FL 34746 United States +1 407 344 9550 http://www.bcairboats.com |
Naturalists often refer to Boggy Creek wetlands as, 'The Central Florida Everglades'. Take one of these air boats or swamp buggy rides for an up-close look at exotic birds, turtles and omnipresent Florida gators in their natural habitat. Boats cruise at speeds of up to 45 mph, giving passengers some mild thrills. Tours run from a half hour to one hour night rides, and no reservations are necessary. To know more, call ahead for admission and other details. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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A great preserve |
South of Orlando, at the headwaters of the Everglades Orlando, FL United States +1 407 935 0002 http://nature.org/ |
Two powerful environmental concerns have come together here, with the Nature Conservancy and Walt Disney World joining forces to preserve and protect this 12,000-acre ecosystem. In this region are the headwaters of the Everglades, that "shallow river of grass" so eloquently described by author Marjorie Stoneman Douglas, whose efforts helped save this vast swampland from destruction. Water from this region in the center of Florida flows inexorably south, covering much of the land down the center of the state and into southern Florida before flowing into the sea. At this vast preserve, you can get a look at pristine plant communities, wildlife, and waterways. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Michael H. Parker, Chalfont, PA |
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Tame Mount Gushmore |
1500 W Buena Vista Dr Orlando, FL 32830 United States http://disneyworld.disney.go.c... |
Need to cool off? Look no further than Disney's Blizzard Beach, a water park inspired by snow and winter sports. At the heart of the park is Mount Gushmore which plays host to numerous chutes and slides including the Summit Plummet, the world's largest and fastest free-fall body slide. There are attractions for all ages with Tike's Peak, a water play area for young children and Ski Patrol Training Camp, an area designed for pre-teens. Relax while floating down a tube on Cross Country Creek or take a dip in the pool of Melt-Away Bay. If you like water, you'll love Disney's Blizzard Beach. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Surf's Up! |
1995 E Buena Vista Drive Orlando, FL 32830 United States +1 407 939 6244 http://disneyworld.disney.go.c... |
Disney's Typhoon Lagoon is a dynamic water park with much more than just water slides, although it has those in abundance. At Shark Reef, if you dare, you can snorkel in salt water with real sharks and tropical fish. Go early or stay late to learn how to surf in one of the world's largest wave pools. If you are searching for a more classic water park, Typhoon Lagoon has these attractions as well. Take a ride on the slow and relaxing Castaway Creek, let the little ones play in Ketchakiddee Creek, or go for the big thrills with speed slides or a water coaster! Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Florida 's fauna on display |
11801 US Highway 441 Orlando, FL 32778 United States +1 352 343 4337 |
Alligators, osprey, a host of birds and an occasional land critter make an appearance as if on cue as you sail aboard this pontoon boat through shallow waters. Traveling through the Dora Canal, the boat is covered so you won't swelter in the Florida sun. The rates are reasonable, and the cruises depart at 11a and 2p daily, lasting about 90 minutes. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Great bird watching |
14248 Camp Mack Road Orlando, FL 33853 United States +1 863 696 1112 http://www.floridastateparks.o... |
Guests visiting this 6000-acre park will enjoy fishing, picnicking, camping and bird watching, as well as 13 miles of winding hiking trails. Fish for bass, catfish or other fish, or relax in one of 60 campsites. With over 200 species of birds and 50 species of plants, this park offers great outdoor relaxation. All campsites offers electric and water hookups. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Peter Smith |
 Photo: Blinn Cushman |
 Photo: Paula Kasparik |
 Photo: jesus420monkey |
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Nature study |
7305 US Highway 27 Orlando, FL 34714 United States +1 352 394 3969 http://www.floridastateparks.o... |
One of 13 lakes connected by the Palatlakaha River, Lake Louisa sits in a 4,000-plus-acre park that also contains the Green Swamp. The various environments offer a variety of nature activities. Swim, hike, bird-watch, picnic, fish, canoe or take part in the nature-study events offered. Wildlife is abundant, so keep your eyes open during your travels. If you own a horse, you're welcome to bring it along; the park boasts a number of equestrian trails. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Trevor Walker |
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Cruise through history |
433 North Palmetto Avenue Orlando, FL 32771 United States +1 407 321 5091 / +1 800 423 7401 (toll free) http://www.rivershipromance.com/ |
Think stained glass lamps, plush seating, air-conditioned comfort, and all around you the beauties of the historic, north-flowing St. Johns River. A refurbished 1940's-style Great Lakes Steamer, Rivership Romance is used for both business meetings and leisure travelers. Departing from Sanford from Lake Monroe Marina, daily luncheon cruises and weekend evening dinner cruises are offered, both with entertainment. Check the website for rates and schedules. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Snorkel in a spring |
1800 Wekiwa Circle Orlando, FL 32712 United States +1 407 884 2008 http://www.floridastateparks.o... |
Florida's fresh water comes from underground springs that rush through the state's underlying limestone base, or aquifer. Often, those springs bubble to the surface. You can see how it all works at this 7,000-acre park where the waters are crystal clear and stay at a comfortable 72 degrees all year. At this scenic spot, (the headwaters of the Wekiwa (pronounced wahk-EYE-vah) River), you can hike, camp, fish, go canoeing and, if you're lucky, spot some wildlife. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Michael H. Parker, Chalfont, PA |
 Photo: Gregory Bartlett |
 Photo: Luis Perez |
 Photo: dvillajulia |
 Photo: Anant Vemuri |
 Photo: t sweeney |