The Florida Keys Offer Many Water Sports Activities

The Florida Keys Offer Many Water Sports Activities

It only makes sense. The Florida Keys is a series of over 1700 islands. Therefore, it only makes sense that the variety of water sports offered in the Florida Keys would be tremendous. In some places the islands are only a mile wide that separates the Gulf of Mexico from the Atlantic Ocean. This convenient division allows vendors to offer a wide variety of different water sport activities, which are perfectly suited for either environment.

First, the most popular water sport of all in the Florida Keys is sport fishing. Whether you are someone who enjoys chartering a boat and deep sea fishing for larger varieties of fish or if you enjoy sitting quietly on shore as you cast your line; the Florida Keys can offer you the perfect fishing experience.

Nearly a thousand of the islands are uninhabited and unexplored. This ensures that the waters in and around these islands, called the backcountry are perfect fishing grounds. Take your own small boat out or charter a boat and quietly explore the backcountry while fishing for tarpon, bonefish, grouper or snapper. If you wish to try your hand at deep-sea fishing, head out into the Gulf Stream and enjoy the hunt for some of the Gulf's craftiest, such as marlon or sailfish.

Nearly every weekend, at least one of the towns in the Florida Keys holds some sort of fishing tournament. Many of these tournaments are open to the public. For instance, there is “Fish ‘Til You Lose It”. This competition has the participant fishing for the elusive bonefish in and among the mangrove trees roots. The twist of this competition is that once you lose your original lure you are done fishing. The competitor who catches the most fish with a single lure wins.

Although fishing is by far the most popular water sport in the Florida Keys, it is not the only one. On almost every beach, in every town and near every recreational area you will find locations where you can rent a variety of water sports equipment.

Because of the natural coral with which the Florida Keys are made up, snorkeling and scuba diving are the next most popular water sports in the Florida Keys. The beauty that lives just under the surface of these clear, blue waters is breathtaking. Many people who do not wish to scuba dive elect to snorkel instead. This is a great way to see the underwater beauty without having to take the training classes and suffer the feelings of claustrophobia that scuba diving may cause. It is also much less expensive.

Along with fishing and diving, there are many other water sports that you could enjoy. You could rent a Jet Ski or WaveRunner for a few hours and zip around the islands with the wind in your face. If you still love the wind in your face, but would like something a little quieter, you could windsurf. There are many businesses that rent the equipment and also offer beginner and advanced lessons. The average price to take windsurfing lessons is about $75 an hour.

Yet another water sports activity offered in the Florida Keys is kayaking or canoeing. This is a great way to explore the backcountry and observe nature as you quietly paddle your way around. You can also try your hand at parasailing and get a bird's eye view of the beach and islands. There are so many water sports to enjoy while you are staying at the Florida Keys that you may never see the inside of your hotel room!