7 Eco-Friendly Florida Vacation Ideas for the Whole Family

Are you planning a trip to Florida with your family but aren’t sure where to start? Do you want to enjoy the sunshine while being environmentally responsible? Look no further! Here are seven eco-friendly Florida vacation ideas that will ensure you have an unforgettable trip.

1. Go Snorkeling

While in Florida, take the opportunity to go snorkeling. The Florida Keys have the only living coral barrier reef in the United States, spanning 120 miles. You can explore thousands of fish species in shallow reefs, perfect for inexperienced snorkelers, or deep reefs for more experienced individuals. It’s recommended to use mooring buoys instead of dropping anchors to avoid damaging any living creatures.

2. Go Searching for Ghosts

If you find yourself in Key West, don’t miss the chance to take the Key West Ghost and Mysteries Tour. Discover the hidden and haunted secrets of the Island with a team that has spent over a decade researching the city’s stories. The 90-minute tour is perfect for the whole family, but advanced booking is required.

3. Visit the Everglades National Park

The Everglades National Park is a must-visit destination in lower Florida. The park protects the Southern 20 percent of the original Everglades and covers 1.5 million acres of land. The park is home to hundreds of species such as bald eagles, birds, alligators, and deer. You can enjoy guided tours, canoeing, camping, geocaching, bird watching, and occasional special events.

4. Unwind by Golfing

If you need a break from your loved ones, unwind at the Key West Golf Club. Covering 200 acres, the course was designed by Rees Jones and offers 18 holes, including the challenging Mangrove Hole course spanning 143 yards. It’s also the only Caribbean golf course in the United States.

5. Head Out on the Water

Take advantage of the ocean and rent a paddleboard or kayak from Aquaholic Adventures in Key West. They offer affordable rentals, lessons, guided tours, and exercise classes – perfect for those not so comfortable on the water. You’ll even have the opportunity to join a paddleboard snorkeling trip. Rentals include a life jacket, so even if you fall overboard, you’ll be safe.

6. Experience a Jet-pack

If you’re feeling adventurous, try the JetLev R200 flight pack while in Florida. You strap the jet-pack onto your back and are tethered to a boat that propels you using seawater. You can control the jet-pack to take off, make turns, hover in place, and land. Before using the jet-pack, you may have to take a training class.

7. Participate in a Volunteer Effort

While in Florida, why not make your trip more meaningful by participating in a volunteer effort? As a diver, you can help in reef restoration and coral preservation, working alongside marine scientists. You’ll learn about the environmental impacts on coral reefs from lectures and dive missions to restore endangered staghorn and elkhorn corals. The ultimate goal is to re-establish mature coral colonies so that they can successfully reproduce and repopulate the reefs.

Final Thoughts

These eco-friendly Florida vacation ideas are just the tip of the iceberg. There are plenty of other activities you can enjoy while reducing your impact on the environment. When planning your next family trip, consider incorporating some of these ideas or discovering even more on your own. Share your eco-friendly experiences with us in the comments below!