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AERIAL
TOURS Get a bird’s-eye view on an aerial tour and you
will see why the Indian River Lagoon is North America’s most
diverse estuary system and an estuary of national significance. Here,
where salt and fresh water mingle, are more than 4,000 species of
plants and animals. Check with the New Smyrna Beach Municipal Airport
or Daytona Beach International Airport for current aerial tour operators.
BICYCLING
With miles of endless, hard-packed sand from Ponce Inlet to well beyond
the 27th street beach ramp, beach biking is not only a great scenic
tour of the oceanfront but a great workout as well! If the beach route
is not enough then you might want to cruise along North Atlantic Avenue
from Flagler Avenue to where the street meets with north Peninsula
and on to the Smyrna Dunes Park. The park has a great boardwalk but
- bicycling is not permitted.
Another great ride starts from Saxon Drive, just behind the beachside
Publix, where there is a bike path that runs south to the Indian River
Lagoon Preserve Park - or IRLP as it is sometimes referred to locally.
IRLP also has a number of hard-packed dirt paths that run under and
around majestic oak trees ending at a shaded viewing deck overlooking
the mangrove-lined lagoon waters.
For the hearty rider there’s the double-bridge challenge! Starting
from Flagler Avenue head west over the North Causeway bridge and continue
until you reach North Riverside Drive turning left at the corner of
the NSB Marina. Head two blocks south until you reach Canal Street,
then turn right until you reach the traffic signal at Live Oak where
you will then turn left and ride until you reach Lytle Avenue - also
known as A1A. You are now at the base of the South Causeway bridge
and if you approach from the left side there is a sidewalk which runs
east all the way back to Peninsula Avenue where you take a left ending
up at the start on Flagler Avenue. If this does not give your lungs
and legs a workout - nothing will!
If you have not brought your own bike you can rent from Beach Bicycle
and Kayak - just around the corner from A1A and Peninsula.
BICYCLE & KAYAK ADVENTURES, 553 Third Avenue, New Smyrna Beach.
Ph: 386-423-8123,
www.EcoGuideToTheWatersidecom/BicycleKayak.htm.
BOARD
SURFING If you are not a surfer you might want to try your
hand - or your body that is - at body surfing! Also known as boogie
boarding, which is actually a brand of body boards, body surfing is
easy and fun for all ages and can be accomplished wherever there are
breaking waves.
Body surfing requires the use of a small, mini-like surf board where
you basically lay your chest to waist on top of the board as you launch
in front of an oncoming wave. Avid body surfers will use short, duck-like
fins to aid in steering. Sometimes the waves break with such gusto,
that one is bound and determined to ride that wave. Keep in mind,
that when body surfing, you are actually in the wave, unlike board
surfers who ride atop the wave. Therefore when that wave crashes into
the hard ocean floor below it, so might you - unless the depth of
the water is sufficient to give you enough room to recoil from the
crashing wave without crashing into the bottom. We often forget the
incredible awesome power of the ocean.
CANOEING
Canoeing can practically be done from any place where there is (public)
access to the waterfront. Many of these access points are the same
locations used by kayakers (refer to the Kayaking section for locations).
If estuary canoeing does not interest you, you may want to consider
a leisure paddle up a creek! Cracker Creek is located on the original
20 acre homestead of Roland “Rollie” F. Johnson, caretaker
for the James Gamble Estate. The cabin he lived in along with the
home built in 1933 for his wife, Lela E. Miller, and nurse of James
Gamble, are located on the property. Canoes can be rented from Bicycle
and Kayak Adventures located south side of Third Avenue as you approach
beachside from the south causeway.
BICYCLE & KAYAK ADVENTURES, 553 Third Avenue, New Smyrna Beach.
Ph: 386-423-8123,
www.EcoGuideToTheWatersidecom/BicycleKayak.htm.
ECO
and SUNSET CRUISES Many of the ecotour guests are surprised
to learn that the Indian River Lagoon is North America’s most
diverse estuary system and has been designated as an Estuary of National
Significance. Here, where salt and fresh water mingle, are more than
4,000 species of plants and animals, including 35 listed as threatened
or endangered.
Mangrove plants line shorelines and provide habitat for many species
of animals and invertebrates. Birds such as osprey, pelicans, ibis,
herons, roseate spoonbills or even bald eagles are commonly seen.
In the estuary, bottlenose dolphins chase pods of bait fish, and manatees
charm us with their slow-moving gentle ways as they swim with their
newborns. Numerous species of fish live in the Indian River Lagoon,
including mullet that leap from the water and the predators that savor
them, such as saltwater trout and redfish. Sea turtles traverse the
River. Each outing is a new adventure as the estuary reveals its seasonal
treasures.
As your Captain skillfully navigates the backwaters of the lagoon,
you will experience first-hand the solitude and natural beauty of
this Florida treasure while learning of our efforts to ensure we preserve
its uniqueness for generations to come.
Nearly every day of the year you can enjoy one of the following tours
on board "Discovery" which enthrall visitors and residents
alike. Our vessels are United States Coast Guard inspected.
MARINE DISCOVERY CENTER, 162 N. Causeway, New Smyrna Beach. Ph 386.428.4828
Info@MarineDisscoveryCenter.org,
www.MarineDisscoveryCenter.org.
SEGWAY
TOURS There is a new twist to touring and it is called the
Segway. This is a great way to get the most mileage in the shortest
period of time - up to two hours - as you glide onto the beach and
float alongside the white sandy shoreline where you can see dolphins,
pelicans, turtles and other wildlife. The adventure then glides through
some of the lovely hidden neighborhoods and local parks with winding
nature paths, beautiful foliage, giant oak tress and gorgeous views.
SEGWAY OF VOLUSIA, 307 Flagler Ave, Suite 104, New Smyrna Beach. Ph
386.402.8992.
Segway@SegwayOfVolusia.com,
www.SegwayOfVolusia.com.
FISHING
Anglers at nearby Mosquito Lagoon have set international records with
giant redfish catches. Deep-sea charters leave daily, giving offshore
fishers an easy way to wet a line in the beautiful Atlantic Ocean.
A new fisheries facility is in the planning stage for the repopulation
of redfish that are the most popular catch in the lagoon.
KAYAKING
The Indian River Lagoon has dozens of kayak areas from south of Port
Orange to Oak Hill but the only marked kayak trail is off the IRL
Park managed by the Marine
Discovery Center.
Mosquito Lagoon is a favorite place for many paddlers and is truly
one of Florida's treasures - des-cribed as "one of the top 10
places to paddle in the U.S."
There are multiple places to launch but most frequented are:?the National
Seashore Park, the Indian River Lagoon Preserve Park, the third Ave
and Peninsula launch, the Marine Discovery Center and the Spruce Creek
launch.
Low tides expose mud flats and oyster bars that in fall, winter and
spring attract a wide variety of wading birds and shorebirds; American
oystercatchers are fairly easy to find. Dolphins and manatees are
commonly seen in the deeper waters of the intra-coastal waterway.
Throughout the lagoon you can stop on islands with white, sandy beaches
- areas that are protected because of shallow water. Motorboats are
unable to negotiate them, leaving them virtually untouched. Numerous
wading birds, including roseate spoonbills and wood storks, shorebirds,
ospreys, cormorants, brown pelicans and, in winter, white pelicans
should be seen. Bald eagles are a good possibility. Look for a stunningly
handsome, black-and-white shorebird with a big reddish-orange bill.
Oyster bars in Mosquito Lagoon are likely places to see American oystercatchers.
Look down in the water and you may see horseshoe crabs, redfish, mullet
and stingrays
There are many backwater areas where there are few visuals for positioning
- thus the potential of getting turned around in a tight mangrove
lined waterway that can quickly turn into a maze.
If you are not familiar with the area, it is highly recommended that
you contact one of several kayak operators: the Marine Discovery Center,
Beach Bike and Kayak or JB’s Fish Camp.
BICYCLE & KAYAK ADVENTURES, 553 Third Avenue, New Smyrna Beach.
Ph: 386-423-8123,
www.EcoGuideToTheWatersidecom/BicycleKayak.htm
INDIAN RIVER LAGOON PRESERVE PARK, off Saxon Drive on Sandpiper Ave.
Ph 386-428-4828.
info@IRLPPark.com, www.RLPPark.com.
JB’s FISH CAMP KAYAKS, 859 Pompano Avenue. Ph 386-427-5747.
info@jbsfishcamp.com, www.jbsfishcamp.com.
SAILING
and BOATING Going sailing for a day on the ocean in a catamaran
is sure to challenge the most avid thrill seeker. There is almost
always a brisk wind off the water to get you cruising along the waves
at a fair speed. You are the "cruise director," so to speak,
depending on how you adjust the sails. Be prepared for salt water
spray, windblown hair, bands of dolphins and other sea life.
SURFING It's a well known fact that the strip of ocean off the coast
of New Smyrna is one of the best surfing spots in Florida. Rock ledges
4-5 miles offshore cause excellent wave breaks and protect swimmers
from dangerous under tows. Not only can accomplished surfers rip up
New Smyrna's waves, but beginners can learn the sport in safe waters.
No matter your level of expertise, surfing gives you a rush like no
other.
Every summer, the American Professional Surfing Association holds
one of its premier contests here. Rookies and veterans from all over
the country compete for the titles being given in several categories.
A number of locals have gone on to make names for themselves in the
surfing world. South side of the Ponce Inlet is a mecca for locals.
JIMMY LANE SURF CAMP, jdmlane@aol.com,
www.Surf-Lane.com.
SCUBA
DIVING Scuba diving is as popular here as in the Keys, but
the difference is here, we are at the most northern reach of the coral
reef system. There are corals but more so, tons of limestone rock
crevices, ledges and holes.
A few decades ago the Ponce Inlet Port Authority began an artificial
reef program that today boasts a dozen wrecks - mainly tug boats,
barges and other derelick vessels that are located 10-25 miles east
of the Ponce Inlet. There are, however, a few massive structures such
as the 400’ WW II liberty ship the Mindanao and the 217’
Rio Yoma and the 167’ Antillies Star.
SEA DOG DIVE CENTER, 111 Flagler Ave, New Smyrna Beach. Ph 386.424.1644.
seadogdiver@aol.com, www.SeaDogDiver.com.
WALKING TOURS New Smyrna Beach is graced with so many great self-tour
walking paths. The Smyras Duns Park, located on the North Peninsula,
is 73 acres of protected habitat for turtles, birds and reptiles surrounded
by an elevated boardwalk.
The newest location is the Indian River Lagoon Preserve Park, located
off south Saxon Drive, has both paved paths - handicap accessible
- and sand paths that run throughout the pristine giant oaks and sawgrass
prairies. The IRLP Park is a
favorite location for watching lagoon sunsets.
And for those wanting to experience the majestic Atlantic Ocean venue,
the National Seashore Park is home to thousands of plant and hundreds
of bird species. It is not uncommon to see the occasional loggerhead,
green or leatherback sea turtle clammoring to get onshore to lay their
eggs.
MORE READING
Nature's Wonder - The Indian River Lagoon |GOTO|
State of the Indian River Lagoon |GOTO|
Aquatic Sports and Adventures |GOTO|
Welcome EcoTourists to Our Nature |GOTO|
A Word With Surf Guru - Jimmy Lane |GOTO|
Directory of Merchant Sponsors |GOTO|
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