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Education And Adventure Go Hand-In-Hand On A Destin, Florida Snorkeling Trip
July 4th, 2010 by Stephen Daniels, under Travel and Leisure. No Comments
[youtube:sAvQvZ932qs;Pelican Adventures;http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sAvQvZ932qs&feature=related]
Snorkeling in Destin, Florida brings the traveler face-to-face with the wonders of Okaloosa County’s Emerald Coast. World-famous for impossibly white beaches and bright green waters, Destin also bills itself as “the world’s luckiest fishing village.” With only 11,119 residents living in the area – as of the 2000 census – the town heavily relies on tourism and fishing as its main sources of income, and there are plenty of snorkeling tours and fishing charters that cater to visitors of all ages.
There are plenty of discoveries to be made, including underwater wrecks that have been turned into artificial reefs. Man-made reefs like the Sand Dollar and the White Hill both allow aficionados to go on underwater adventures in the green seas. This is the place to meet up with the occasional loggerhead turtle, schools of tropical fish and even dolphins (but watch out for stingrays!).
If these reef tours sound a bit too difficult for the youngsters in the group, consider one of the many tours that are specifically geared toward children. Kids as young as 4 years of age can learn how to snorkel, feed some of the fish they meet and also spend time playing on one of the many stunning beaches. By hiring an experienced guide, the whole family gets to go out on a well-maintained boat and enjoy a three-hour tour along the most gorgeous spots and promising fish-sighting locales.
It is a good idea to practice snorkeling with the kids in a swimming pool beforehand. Once they are accustomed to wearing a diving mask and breathing through a snorkel, introduce the use of swim fins. This leisurely activity is generally safe for kids, but it is instrumental that they are comfortable with the gear and able to swim. Parents must be sure to keep a vigilant eye on their children, even if they are snorkeling in only shallow water. Perhaps the greatest risk – for smaller youngsters – is the loss of body heat. Make up for this by outfitting the children with a wetsuit and booking a vacation between March and October, when the temperatures are the warmest.
Consider a Destin snorkeling vacation to be a mix of leisure, adventure and education. Children will spend so much time playing on beaches and splashing in the water that they will not even realize that they are learning about the fragile reefs, local fish populations and proper snorkeling techniques. The latter, of course, will serve as a major stepping stone to scuba trips down the line.
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Stephen Daniels is an acclaimed NetBiz SEO 2.0 researcher. If you’re interested in snorkeling in Destin, Florida, he recommends Pelican Adventures. With their safety-trained crew, you can experience Destin’s best snorkeling spots and even interact with local marine life with fish feedings and onboard petting tanks.
Orlando Bound? Be Sure To Make Time For Beachcombing Too
June 24th, 2010 by Stephen Daniels, under Vacations. No Comments
Every year, thousands of travelers enjoy vacations in and around Orlando, Florida. Walt Disney World is one of the primary attractions in this area, so if you’re looking for vacation rentals in Orlando, it’s a fairly safe bet that there are kids involved. However, even the most hyperactive children sometimes need a break from the nonstop excitement of Orlando’s theme parks, so it’s fortunate that some of America’s favorite beaches are close at hand. A day at the beach can provide kids with just as much fun as what they might find at Disney World. They can swim and hunt for seashells – and they don’t have to stand in line to do it. More importantly, beachcombing gives mom and dad a break without draining the vacation fund.
To start, renting a villa or condo is a great way to enjoy the city’s central location to the local beaches, and there are a number of Orlando vacation rentals to choose from. These rentals offer all the comforts of home, from complete kitchens to full-sized washers and dryers. They’re a perfect option for visitors who want to be able to come home to a family atmosphere after a long day at the beach.
Some of Florida’s beaches are busy places lined with shops, restaurants and jet-ski rentals, while others are remote spots that are often nearly deserted. The Atlantic coast has the closest beaches, located just to the east of Orlando at Cocoa Beach and the Canaveral National Seashore. Take State highway 528, a toll road also known as the Beach Line Expressway, and you’ll be there in no time. The eastern coast can be reached within an hour’s drive, while the Gulf of Mexico is only a little further.
A short distance to the north is Daytona and the surrounding towns. This area is easily reached by taking I-4 east for about an hour and a half. Billed as “the most famous beach in the world,” Daytona Beach is a popular destination that is almost always busy with water sports and seasonal events. If you seek a quieter location with better beachcombing, try the less crowded New Smyrna Beach south of Daytona or Ormond-by-the-sea to the north. A short drive down highway A1A south leads to Ponce de Leon inlet, where the state’s tallest lighthouse can be found.
Florida’s Gulf Coast also has its share of lovely beaches. Start off by taking I-4 west, then take I-275 south towards St. Petersburg. Before you reach the city, follow the local signs to find the Gulf beaches. Madeira Beach is the popular spot here, with lots of souvenir shops and attractions. Keep heading north on Gulf Boulevard if you’d rather visit secluded Redington Shores or Sand Key, one of the top 10 beaches in the U.S. The shell deposits at these seldom-visited spots should be great. If not, try Treasure Island; it’s also located on Gulf Boulevard., just south of Madeira.
Whatever your preference, Orlando is the perfect starting point for visiting a wide variety of beaches throughout the Sunshine State. Looking into one of the many vacation rentals in Orlando can add a great deal of convenience and comfort to your trip.
Reproduction permitted only when all active hyperlinks are included. 2010 All rights reserved.
Stephen Daniels is an acclaimed NetBiz SEO 2.0 researcher. For affordable Orlando vacation rentals near Walt Disney World and local beaches, he recommends Villa 4 Less. In addition to rentals, they offer concierge services like shopping and transportation, and luxury amenities including heated private pools and spas.