Students listen to Dan Nunan.
Florida is one of the most popular places in the world to visit on a cruise, a paradise of pristine beaches, natural beauty, and iconic theme parks. But there is far more to Florida than meets the eye. It is also a wild, fascinating, and unique place, a world of wonder and weirdness, with an astonishing about to explore and discover just off the beaten track.
For adventurous cruisers, Florida offers a huge range of amazing under-the-radar shore excursions and
glorious hidden gems. So whether you are sailing down the East Coast or
boarding a Florida cruise to the Caribbean, here are some of the best and most unusual things to see in the Sunshine State.
Kayak the Everglades
The Florida Everglades might not be a hidden gem per se, but this vast subtropical wilderness definitely qualifies as off the beaten path. Paddling a kayak through the mangrove tunnels is an extraordinary experience, a chance to step away from modern life and embrace the serenity and magnificence of nature, surrounded by exotic plants and amazing wildlife of this unique ecosystem.
Discover Dry Tortugas National Park
Situated off the coast of Key West, flung out into the Gulf of Mexico, Dry Tortugas National Park might not be dry, but it is incredibly beautiful. This underwater nature reserve is remote and unspoiled,
a paradise of vibrant coral reefs
, colorful tropical fish, and the massive coastal fortress of Fort Jefferson. It is an amazing spot for nature lovers, one of the best places in Florida for snorkeling and scuba diving, as well as bird watching and beachcombing.
Swim with Manatees in Crystal River
The crystal-clear waters of
the natural springs of Central Florida are one of the state’s most impressive natural wonders. They are also home to some of Florida’s most charming residents, freshwater manatees. These gentle giants migrate to the warm waters of Crystal River during the winter, and there are guided tours that allow you to snorkel and swim alongside them, interacting with these friendly, bizarre, magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
Go Caving in Florida Caverns State Park
The Florida Panhandle is often overlooked in favor of the more glamorous locations in Southern Florida, but it has more than its fair share of amazing places to visit. Florida Caverns State Park is one of these, an incredible network of underground caves, tunnels, and caverns filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and limestone rock formations. Heading down to explore this subterranean world is an amazing experience and one that isn’t on all the popular Florida itineraries.
Explore the Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park
A stone’s throw from Gainesville, the Devil’s Millhopper is an extraordinary natural geological experience. An enormous sinkhole, this natural park contains a miniature rainforest with a curious microclimate and offers amazing and unique hiking experiences, descending into the vast, bowl-like cavity via a series of stairs and boardwalks.
Hike Black Bear Wilderness Loop
The best of Florida comes from its natural beauty, so it is unsurprising that this list is dominated by the great outdoors. Our final entry is an amazing hike, the Black Bear Wilderness Loop near Orlando, which offers a different perspective on Florida’s wild natural majesty. This impressive trail covers everything from grasslands, wetlands, and cypress forests, and offers an amazing opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the most amazing creatures in the state, from alligators to otters, as well as a huge variety of bird species.
Stepping away from the traditional tourist attractions gives adventurous cruisers the chance to explore a different side of Florida, and to appreciate the Sunshine State in all its glory. These amazing off-the-beaten-track shore excursions offer unforgettable experiences and will leave you with a deeper appreciation for Florida’s diverse, captivating landscapes.
