Northwest Florida Water SportsIf you love being in, on, or under water, Northwest Florida water sports will keep you active all year round. The region’s mild temperatures allow for what are usually summer activities to be enjoyed throughout the winter months. In fact some folks say the fall and winter are the best times for boating and fishing (the Destin Fishing Rodeo takes place the whole month of October).Kayaking, canoeing and other paddling can also be enjoyed year round. Wildlife is abundant on the bayous and inland rivers and streams and paddling is a great way to find it. Bald eagles are often spotted, as are dolphins and manatees. If you do traverse the inland waterways, remember that this is alligator country and these critters own it. They don’t necessarily hibernate here since the weather is warmer than in their more northerly ranges, so especially in summer, but even in winter, keep an eye out and don’t disturb and NEVER FEED an alligator. In addition, there are other popular above-the-waves modes of transportation. These include skim boards, sailboards, jet skis, water skis and even parasails. 
Although the gulf waves are usually pretty tame, surfing is gaining in popularity and several surfing tournaments take place along the beaches. Swimming is still pretty much confined to spring, summer and early fall when the water temperatures are warmer, but beachcombing is fun anytime. Keep in mind that even in January you can get sunburned, so have that sunscreen handy.Other Northwest Florida water sports include snorkeling and diving. Offshore reefs and wrecks are home to an amazing array of marine life and inland springs offer unparalleled cave explorations for the experienced diver. Wrecks such as the 911-foot USS Oriskany aircraft carrier and the 431-ft British tanker EMPIRE MICA, sunk by a German U-boat in 1942, attract divers from all over the world. 
Boating is an essential way of getting around for many folks in the region and you’ll see a wide range of models, from pretty little sailboats, to live-aboard yachts. In fact, if it's sailing that strikes your fancy, we have a whole section devoted to this ancient way of getting around on the water. Click here for our sailing and sailboat cruising pages.Fishing boats are everywhere, both private and charter. Destin is home to the state’s largest charter fishing fleet, and the docks in Panama City Beach, Pensacola, Port St. Joe, and Carrabelle offer even more charter fishing options for half day and full day deep sea fishing. 
Dolphin cruises, pirate cruises, dinner cruises, the list is endless for just sitting back and enjoying the ride. You can also hire small power boats, kayaks and canoes and chart your own course with dozens of marinas to serve your needs.So climb aboard matey. There are plenty of boating, fishing, and other Northwest Florida water sports to go around. return from Northwest Florida Water Sports |
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Northwest Florida Wine Tour
Print Edition
Did you know wine was made in Florida more than 50 years before the Pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock? Or that Muscadine grapes are native to the Southeast? You can learn about Florida wine and visit all the wineries in Northwest Florida with this unique travel guide.
If you like wine and you like wineries, this is the only guide that tells you where to find all of the Northwest Florida wineries, who are the wine makers and what wines they make. There's also a complete list of wine festivals so you won't miss any Northwest Florida wine events, recipes and cooking with wine, things to do and more.
You can buy the Northwest Florida Wine Tour print edition today and get it in time to take with you on spring break!
This is the only travel guide to the vineyards and wineries of Northwest Florida and it's an easy to use, comprehensive listing of attractions, B&Bs, shopping, state parks and historic sites, places to eat, annual wine festival events and more. You can use the book to make a daytrip, or plan a complete wine tour vacation. Best of all you can get it two ways, either as a downloadable e-book ($5.00) or in the popular print version ($11.95).
Go to the Northwest Florida Wine Tour page for more details or you can order the book now by clicking on the Add to Cart button above and start Exploring right now.
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