The people of FloridaRecreation and PlacesLand and Climate History
There are a series of 50 rivers and waterways throughout the state that have been designated the Florida Canoe Trail System. River floating or tubing particularly on the Alafia River and at Ichetucknee Springs is a popular activity. Complete equipment for snorkeling, scuba diving, boating and water skiing is available along the coasts and most large lakes.
On the Atlantic side, surfing is popular, where the waves are higher than on the Gulf side. Beaches ranging from firm white powder to red coquina shell offer a variety of activities. Beaches on the Gulf Coast from Cedar Key to Cape Sable offer seashell collecting.
Approximately 600 varieties of fish can be found off the shores and saltwater fishing is very popular. Marinas in most cities can provide bait, equipment and deep-sea or offshore charters. Licenses are required and may be purchased at bait and tackle shops, sporting goods and discount department stores like K-Mart and Walmart as well as at county tax-collector's offices. Freshwater fishing can also be rewarding with record size specimens recorded. It also requires a fishing license.
The Florida Trail offers more than 950 miles of hiking trails throughout the state. In addition to the Florida Trail, hikers have more than 1,300 miles of developed trails to choose from. Many bicycle trails can also be found throughout the state.
State parks and historical sights cover 231,793 acres in Florida. Picnicing and camping are permitted in many state recreation areas, (some charge entrance fees for non-campers). State parks are open 8 a.m. to sunset 365 days a year. However, many visitor centers, historic sites and museums are closed two days a week and their hours may vary.
| Gate Price | AAA Member Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Busch Gardens, Tampa - Adult | $35.95 | $30.25 |
| Child (3-9) | $29.95 | $25.25 |
| Church Street Station, Orlando | $16.95 | $10.35 |
| Cypress Gardens, Winter Haven - Adult | $29.50 | $22.50 |
| Child (6-12) | $19.50 | $14.10 |
| Senior (55+) | $24.50 | $18.40 |
| Edison/Ford Estates, Fort Myers - Adult | $9.43 | $7.60 |
| Child (6-12) | $4.72 | $3.75 |
| Sea World, Orlando - Adult | $38.63 | $32.50 |
| Child (3-9) | $31.98 | $26.95 |
| Sea World/Busch Gardens, 2-day combo - Adult | $74.58 | $60.75 |
| Child (3-9) | $61.82 | $50.25 |
| Silver Springs, Ocala - Adult | $27.95 | $20.95 |
| Child (3-10) | $18.95 | $14.10 |
| Splendid China, Kissimmee - Adult | $26.99 | $19.95 |
| Child (5-12) | $16.99 | $12.50 |
| Universal Studios, Orlando - Adult | $39.75 | $33.50 |
| Child (3-9) | $32.00 | $26.80 |
| Walt Disney World/EPCOT/or MGM Studios, Orlando - Adult | $39.75 | no discount |
| Child (3-9) | $32.00 | no discount |
| Weeki Wachee, Weeki Wachee - Adult | $16.95 | $12.75 |
| Child (3-10) | $12.95 | $ 9.70 |
| Wet 'N Wild, Orlando - Adult | $24.95 | $19.95 |
| Child (3-9) | $19.95 | $15.95 |
French Reef -
About 4 1/2 miles S-SE of south cut off Key Largo, or about 1 mile NE
of steel tower on Molasses Reef. The area is marked by a black piling.
Buoys F1-10.
Eagle Wreck -
4 miles southeast of Islamorada. This is my favorite wreck dive! The
Eagle is a freighter 287 feet long, sunk in 110 feet of water on
December 19, 1985 as an artificial reef. Sea life abounds in and
around this wreck. Large schools of barracuda hang out here, and I've seen huge,
6 foot tarpon taking refuge near the ship as well. No spearfishing is
allowed. The bow of the Eagle points north, and she rests on her
starboard side. The ship's structure rises over 40 feet off the
ocean bed and it takes only a 65 foot dive to reach it. Light
streams inside two large cargo holds, through portholes and the large
holes where the hull was blown open during the sinking. Large schools
of smaller fish are found inside the wreck.
Duane and Bibb CGC -
Two coast guard cutters 1/2 mile apart. The Duane lies about 1 mile
south of the Mollasses light tower. The Bibb is 1/2 mile north of
the Duane. They were sunk November 27, 1987 to become artificial
reefs. These are both DEEP dives, not recommended for those not
having deep wreck diving experience! To keep the huge hulls of
these 327 foot long cutters from
being a hazard to navigation, they sit in
about 120 to 130 feet of water. The Duane rests upright with a slight
starboard list. She faces southwest. Her deck is 90 feet deep with a
crow's nest extending to within 50 feet of the water surface. The Bibb
is deeper and lying on her starboard side with her bow facing north.
It requires a 95 foot dive to reach her port gunnel railing.
Although visibility can exceed 100 feet, currents can create serious problems. These ships are further out to sea than the reefs, and the Gulf Stream has a greater influence here. Please take this into consideration when planning a dive. Generally the current will be of little concern, but on some days the water can rip with such force that safe diving may not be possible. *Always* descend on the anchor or mooring line and explore against the flow. Don't expect to see the whole ship in one dive. I much pefer the Duane to the Bibb, because of it being upright and closer to the surface with more to explore. The hulls are closed off for safety.
