10 Best Water-Based Things to Do in Palm Beach for First-Time Visitors Who Love Adventure
Palm Beach Florida is home to adventure, relaxation and good vibes! If you’re into jet skiing, wildlife tours, paddleboarding, or soaking up the coastline, this list is packed with the best outdoor and water-based things to do in Palm Beach for first-time visitors. If you’re visiting for a weekend or staying longer, here are 10 must-do experiences to make your first visit unforgettable.
1. Go Jet Skiing or Wake Boarding on the Intracoastal Waterway
I’m a big jet skier, absolutely loved it when I did it. Try your hand at jet skiing or any water sport for that matter!
Feel the thrill as you zip past mega-mansions, yachts, and palm-lined shores. Local rental companies offer jet ski tours that give you the perfect mix of sightseeing and adrenaline. Looking for a private rental? Book a group up to six people on this tour and try your hand at different water sports!
2. Book a Guided Boat Tour for Dolphin & Manatee Spotting
Palm Beach is home to incredible marine life. Hop on a small eco-tour boat and cruise the calm waters while keeping your eyes peeled for manatees, dolphins, and even sea turtles.
A trip that is perfect for families or anyone that loves to see wildlife!
3. Try Paddleboarding or Kayaking on an Eco-Tour
Explore Florida’s unique coastal ecosystems up close with a paddleboard or kayak rental. Try several of the rentals and go on your own to explore the vast ecosystems, or rent a clear kayak with a guide! We did the clear kayak tour and got to see everything right underneath us! Spotted manatees and even dolphins in the distance!
4. Snorkel at Phil Foster Park (Blue Heron Bridge)
One of the top shore snorkeling spots in the U.S., this underwater playground is filled with colorful fish, rays, seahorses, coral and more all just steps from the beach. Snorkeling is one of my favorite water activities, it’s fun for everyone, including families and kids!
Check out the link here for more info on booking a guided snorkeling tour!
5. Take a Sunset Catamaran Cruise
Chill out with drinks and sea breezes as you sail into the golden hour. Many local companies offer sunset cruises with music, snacks, and unbeatable views of Palm Beach from the water. It’s a great way to relax, unwind and take in the beaty of everything around you.
“West Palm Beach Sunset Cruise”
6. Go Deep-Sea Fishing for the Day
Whether you’re a pro or just curious, charter a fishing boat and try your luck catching snapper, mahi-mahi, or even sailfish. The Gulf Stream is close to shore, so you don’t have to go far for big action. It’s a totally unique experience and if you’re not in Florida that often it’s something you won’t be able to experience anywhere else!
Super easy to book a charter for half a day and relatively cheap as well! Click the link here to check it out “Half-Day Deep Sea Charter Rental”
7. Try Parasailing for Epic Ocean Views
Want a bird’s-eye view of Palm Beach’s turquoise water and coastline? Parasailing is surprisingly peaceful and completely unforgettable. However it still gives you the adrenaline rush you’re looking for if you’re a thrill-seeker like me!
Click the link to check it out! “Parasailing in West Palm Beach!“
8. Hop on a Seaplane Tour
For something totally unique, take off from the water in a seaplane and see the Palm Beaches from the sky. It’s fast, fun, and gives you a new perspective on the area. If you’ve seen some of my other stuff you’ll know I love seaplane tours. One of the best experiences I’ve ever had. I did one in Vancouver and it was incredible and I will absolutely do some more in Florida!
9. Visit Manatee Lagoon!
A local favorite, this educational center offers a unique opportunity to observe manatees in their natural habitat, especially during the cooler months when they gather near the warm waters of the adjacent power plant. With its blend of education, conservation, and natural beauty, Manatee Lagoon is a fantastic place to spend a few hours.
Perfect for kids, families or anyone for that matter! Spend a few hours learning about manatees and even seeing them up close! If you’re in the Palm Beach area, it’s definitely worth a stop! Not to mention it’s free! But of course they do take donations.
Click the link to learn more! “Visit Manatee Lagoon”
10. Relax on the Beach
Of course you’re going to beautiful West Palm beach, a little more tame that Miami Beach, you’ll want to relax and enjoy the beautiful beach and boardwalk while you’re done there. Soak up the sun, take a tip in the warm water and enjoy paradise!
Bonus Tour!
Done with the water for a day? Need a little break? Want something a little more cultured? Book yourself a food tour of West Palm Beach! Visit five of the best restaurants in the city, all while walking there and learning about the history and culture of the town!
Final Thoughts
Want to visit South Florida but don’t want to be near the craziness of Miami? Opting for West Palm Beach is a great option, especially if you’re with young kids or your family. With these 10 epic outdoor and water-based things to do in Palm Beach, as a first-time visitor, you will create a trip you will never forget!
Check out some of my other Florida articles here!
9 Best Brunch Spots with Amazing Views in Fort Lauderdale