WHAT ARE BOAT TOURS? A GUIDE TO BOAT TOURS IN VERO BEACH
One of the many benefits Vero Beach offers is that our “parks and recreation” lifestyle extends from the land to the water.
Did you know that living near bodies of water contributes to quality of life. Research proves it, and one doesn’t need to live on the water.
Taking a boat tour will give you the same advantages.
Relaxation. Lowered stress. Increased creativity. Overall mind and body benefits.
(from the book Blue Mind, by Wallace J. Nichols.
https://traveltips.usatoday.com/pontoon-boat-tours-vero-beach-florida-60657.html)
A boat tour is the ideal way to see and experience Vero Beach. Vero Tackle & Watersports offers daily boat cruises for up to six persons (adults and/or children), and our open-air boats feature completely unobstructed views. The small group setting allows for a more educational tour, and our guides provide local history as well as insider information on all points of interest.
Boat tours from Vero Tackle & Watersports operate year-round, and our U.S. Coast Guard certified captains lead the way so you can enjoy the ride. Our boats are maintained to the highest standards, and each captain has a minimum of a OUPV certificate from the Coast Guard (Operator Uninspected Passenger Vessel), the most common captain license for this area (river or off-shore). You can be comfortable knowing you’re in good hands.
The Indian River Lagoon marine ecosystem is alive and thriving! And a great way to experience it is on a boat tour. At any point on the tour you may find a pod of dolphins or fish swimming and jumping alongside the boat. Or manatees gracefully bobbing along in the water.
You’ll get up close to the shoreline where you’ll experience the world of mangroves and thousands of plant species. In among the marine vegetation live turtles, otters, birds and more.
It is truly a world all its own.
Vero Beach has a rich history including sunken ships and buried treasure. Today Vero Beach is a top tourist destination, yet it remains true to its roots. The city’s motto is “Sunrises, not High-Rises,” for its protection of the environment, beaches, rivers and overall quality of life.
What can you expect on a boat tour? Let’s take a closer look.
Ready …
Congratulations, you’ve decided to take a boat tour!
You’ve selected the day and time (morning, afternoon or evening). Now it’s time to start getting ready on what you can expect to see, and what to take on board. Depending on the time of day and season, each tour is truly unique.
First, plan to wear comfortable yet sun-protective clothing. We also recommend wearing a full-brimmed hat, UVA/UVB sunglasses, and sunscreen, including SPF lip balm. The reflection off the water can be intense so you’ll want to be well-prepared. A water-proof bag for your mobile device, and a camera (and an extra battery pack) to catch some amazing photos are also good ideas. There will be some bottled water on-board, but you may want to bring extra. Guests are welcome to bring snacks and non-alcoholic beverages on board.
For sunset boat tours in the fall and winter, we recommend bringing a light jacket or sweater.
Our Tackle Shop at the Marina also has these items, just in case you need to pick up anything last minute.
Set …
Upon arrival at the Vero Beach Marina, park your car and leave the rest to us.
It’s that simple.
Our captains will greet you on the dock and will get everyone seated on the boat. Once settled, it’s time to launch!
This is your boat tour, and our captains are eager to learn what appeals most and what is on your wish list to see.
Interested in learning history, or exploring the marine ecosystem lush in greenery? Or pulling out your camera for a photography experience like no other? Just tell the Captain and he will customize your tour.
Points of interest include the Veterans Memorial Island Sanctuary, the Merrell Barber and Alma Lee Loy bridges, Royal Palm Pointe Park, Bethel Creek, Jungle Trail, Round Island and Pelican Island, the nation’s first National Wildlife Refuge as dedicated by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1903.
Go!
It’s time to enjoy the beauty of the Indian River and the Lagoon!
Look up to see blue skies and lots of birds flying overhead, or below to see mammals and sea life. All around, there are sights to see and sounds to hear.
We hope you’ll share you photos on our social media pages, too!
Signing up for a Vero Beach boat tour is quick and easy. Click the button below to book your Indian River Lagoon wildlife boat tour, and be sure to call in advance if you have any questions. Our reliable staff can help you decide which time of day is best for you depending on your needs and what you’d like to see.
Parking is free at the Vero Beach Marina and just steps away from our dock. Vero Beach Tackle and Water Sports is located at the southeast end of the Merrill Barber Bridge, right next to the Riverside Café.
Book Online today, give us a call or stop by our Tackle Shop and Marina for more information!
Vero Tackle and Watersports
3321 Bridge Plaza Drive
Vero Beach, FL 32963
(772) 234-9585