Miami and South Florida have become a national and international reference for adventure sports: Kite surfing, paddle boarding, biking… there are hundreds of stores, routes, training academies and championships that make them more attractive every day for sport tourism. In this post you will find some of the best places for practicing them in these amazing destinations. Feel free to write your experiences and recommendations in the comment section below!
Image courtesy of M.G.N. - Marcel at Flickr.com
Kite surfing
Islamorada is an outstanding place for being close to nature in one of the remaining natural beaches in the Florida Keys. It has a whole area of seven square miles. Most part of it is dry land and the rest is water. The riding area is popular for its calmness, fresh air and clear water. Skilled riders and amateurs can perfectly enjoy its amazing launch area. In Islamorada –in Spanish: “Purple Island”, also named “Island Home”– is highly recommended for beginners to use foot protection. If you are trying to find some peace, try not to go on weekends because there is always a high amount of visitors!
Key West is also known as the “the Kitesurfing Capital”, and if you visit, you will know why! Its location is one hundred twenty-nine miles southwest of Miami, and almost one hundred-ten miles northeast of Cuba. “The southernmost city in the continental United States”, as it is known, is a target for several ships. Winds and water are perfect for surfing amateurs (especially children) but it is also visited by skilled riders. You can find good Kite surfing schools for all ages and places for having vacation, such as the Key West Flats.
Islamorada is an outstanding place for being close to nature in one of the remaining natural beaches in the Florida Keys. It has a whole area of seven square miles. Most part of it is dry land and the rest is water. The riding area is popular for its calmness, fresh air and clear water. Skilled riders and amateurs can perfectly enjoy its amazing launch area. In Islamorada –in Spanish: “Purple Island”, also named “Island Home”– is highly recommended for beginners to use foot protection. If you are trying to find some peace, try not to go on weekends because there is always a high amount of visitors!
Key West is also known as the “the Kitesurfing Capital”, and if you visit, you will know why! Its location is one hundred twenty-nine miles southwest of Miami, and almost one hundred-ten miles northeast of Cuba. “The southernmost city in the continental United States”, as it is known, is a target for several ships. Winds and water are perfect for surfing amateurs (especially children) but it is also visited by skilled riders. You can find good Kite surfing schools for all ages and places for having vacation, such as the Key West Flats.
Image courtesy of Adrien Sifre at Flickr.com
Biking
Old Cutler Trail is a very popular and well-known trail of Miami. You will see some of the most beautiful mansions in town and you will go through dreamlike paths, all covered with trees and copious shadows, which makes the trip more comfortable for those who are not used to Florida’s sun. The ride is not completely flat, so it is more like a bumpy adventure. It is a perfect place for making pictures and stops (also picnics!).
Commodore Trail is a perfect trail for beginners, and the good news is that there are not so many visitors and yet is safe for riding. It gets thin in some morsels, but it is quite easy to follow to the end. This trail will take you along some historic places around Miami and it is worth the visit, especially museums and parks.
Shark Valley Trail is one of Miami´s most interesting places for biking. If you are a nature lover, you don’t mind to be bitten by mosquitos and you enjoy fresh air and peace, this is the place for you. The danger is that you probably won’t wish to come back to civilization. This trail will take you into the beautiful wilderness of the everglades zone. Yes, sometimes you may find alligators, iguanas and other species of the South Florida fauna.
Old Cutler Trail is a very popular and well-known trail of Miami. You will see some of the most beautiful mansions in town and you will go through dreamlike paths, all covered with trees and copious shadows, which makes the trip more comfortable for those who are not used to Florida’s sun. The ride is not completely flat, so it is more like a bumpy adventure. It is a perfect place for making pictures and stops (also picnics!).
Commodore Trail is a perfect trail for beginners, and the good news is that there are not so many visitors and yet is safe for riding. It gets thin in some morsels, but it is quite easy to follow to the end. This trail will take you along some historic places around Miami and it is worth the visit, especially museums and parks.
Shark Valley Trail is one of Miami´s most interesting places for biking. If you are a nature lover, you don’t mind to be bitten by mosquitos and you enjoy fresh air and peace, this is the place for you. The danger is that you probably won’t wish to come back to civilization. This trail will take you into the beautiful wilderness of the everglades zone. Yes, sometimes you may find alligators, iguanas and other species of the South Florida fauna.
Image courtesy of Karol Franks at Flickr.com
Paddle boarding
Paddle boarding in The everglades maybe doesn’t sound like a safe plan, especially if you are a CSI-Miami or Dexter fan (you know what I mean!). For much people, it is not the kind of place they dream to visit for paddle boarding, but the truth is that boarding there is an amazing experience. Don’t be afraid of alligators, because there are not so many in the paddle boarding areas. Nevertheless, this is not a place for beginners. A previous experience in paddle boarding is needed, because the trip can get hard at some points. Don’t forget your camera (not cellphone, if you are a professional photographer!) because you will find perfect pictures you will never find in other places of Florida.
Coral Gables Hammock is an excellent ride for beginners. It is an urban park just south of Coral Gables, in metropolitan Miami. You can get there easily on the Gables waterway, in a five miles’ paddle. It is also a wonderful destination for taking pictures and enjoying a good time of peace. If you love animals, this is perfect for you, believe me: giant iguanas, manatees, Egrets and a crazy amount of birds are common visitors of the amazing landscape.
Crocodile alley is another top-ten place for paddle boarders. Don’t feel intimidated by the name, please. Even though there are mosquitos, snakes and possible alligators on the shores, there are always available guides and experts that know the zone very well and will help you to have an amazing nature experience. It is not recommended for beginners, only for those who already have some skills, especially for those who like to compete in national championships.
Paddle boarding in The everglades maybe doesn’t sound like a safe plan, especially if you are a CSI-Miami or Dexter fan (you know what I mean!). For much people, it is not the kind of place they dream to visit for paddle boarding, but the truth is that boarding there is an amazing experience. Don’t be afraid of alligators, because there are not so many in the paddle boarding areas. Nevertheless, this is not a place for beginners. A previous experience in paddle boarding is needed, because the trip can get hard at some points. Don’t forget your camera (not cellphone, if you are a professional photographer!) because you will find perfect pictures you will never find in other places of Florida.
Coral Gables Hammock is an excellent ride for beginners. It is an urban park just south of Coral Gables, in metropolitan Miami. You can get there easily on the Gables waterway, in a five miles’ paddle. It is also a wonderful destination for taking pictures and enjoying a good time of peace. If you love animals, this is perfect for you, believe me: giant iguanas, manatees, Egrets and a crazy amount of birds are common visitors of the amazing landscape.
Crocodile alley is another top-ten place for paddle boarders. Don’t feel intimidated by the name, please. Even though there are mosquitos, snakes and possible alligators on the shores, there are always available guides and experts that know the zone very well and will help you to have an amazing nature experience. It is not recommended for beginners, only for those who already have some skills, especially for those who like to compete in national championships.