Unforgettable Outdoor Florida Experiences to Gift Someone (2024 Guide)
If you’re searching for a last-minute gift for that adventure-loving family member or friend, or want to plan an experience they’ll never forget, an outdoor adventure is the way to go! From heart-pounding thrills to awe-inspiring nature, these four Florida experiences are my top picks for 2024 — sure to create lasting memories well into 2025, as featured on Great Day Live.
Test your limits at FLG X Florida in Brooksville
Push your limits at FLG X Florida in Brooksville, just north of Tampa. This aerial adventure course is designed to test your skills, bravery, and endurance — and it’s not for the faint of heart.
The course features four circuits that get higher and more challenging as you progress. You’ll encounter a dynamic mix of obstacles and zip lines that will have you climbing, balancing, and soaring through the air. Whether you're an experienced adventurer or looking to step out of your comfort zone, FLG X offers excitement at every turn.
After watching a safety video and reviewing the basics with a guide, you’ll set off to navigate the course at your own pace. Guides remain on the ground to offer support and advice, or to help if you decide to stop partway through. This happens more often than you might think — only about 10% of people complete the entire course!
The main adventure course is open to adults and teens ages 12 and up. There’s also a kids’ course for ages 9 to 11, which features 35 aerial obstacles scaled for younger adventurers, and a Little Ninja Course for ages 5 to 8!
FLG X Florida is located at 6440 Cedar Lane in Brooksville. The cost is $55 per adult for the adventure course and $39 per child for the kids’ course. For more information, visit flgxfl.com.
Sift for shark teeth in the Peace River with Fossil Recovery Exploration
If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind adventure that combines thrills, history, and natural beauty, the airboat ride and fossil hunting 5-hour public tour with Fossil Recovery Exploration in Arcadia, just 90 minutes southeast of Tampa, is the perfect choice.
For $150 per person, this experience — available from October to June — takes you through the backwoods of the Peace River by airboat. All the fossil-hunting equipment is provided, so all you need to do is dig and sift. Nothing compares to the excitement of discovering a shark tooth or fossil. The expert guides will be in the water with you, offering support and helping you identify your finds. Just bring water, snacks, and an adventurous attitude.
Starting in 2025, Fossil Recovery Exploration is expanding to a second location in northern Hardee County, right in the heart of the legendary Bone Valley region, making even more fossil-filled adventures possible. Keep an eye on their social media accounts for updates.
Swim with manatees with Waterfront Adventures in Crystal River
Swimming with manatees is a one-of-a-kind adventure, and there’s no better place to experience it than in Crystal River, Florida. In fact, it’s the only place in the state — and one of the few in the world — where you can swim alongside these gentle giants. Every winter, hundreds of manatees are drawn to the warm springs of Citrus County, seeking refuge from water temperatures that dip below 68 degrees, which they cannot tolerate for long periods.
For an unforgettable experience, Waterfront Adventures at PaddleTail Lodge offers guided tours that make the most of your time on the water. The knowledgeable team will share fascinating manatee facts and teach you how to passively observe these sweet sea cows in their natural habitat. A USCG Master Captain operates the boat, while an in-water dive professional is there to help ensure you have a respectful and enjoyable encounter.
The tours last about three hours, with prices at $75 for swimmers and $45 for observers. The experience includes everything you need: 5 mm wetsuits, masks, snorkels, towels, and even hot coffee to warm up afterward. All you have to do is show up ready to enjoy this unique adventure!
Enjoy a private charter with Vercoe Yacht Rentals
If you’re looking for an unforgettable (and somewhat relaxing!) adventure on the water, Vercoe Yacht Rentals in Clearwater offers an experience you won’t want to miss. This family-owned business, run by husband-and-wife duo Luana and Andres, provides private charters aboard their 65-foot Princess V65 — the largest yacht available for rent in the area.
Whether you’re planning a fun-filled day, a romantic sunset cruise, or an overnight stay, the professional captain and crew take care of everything. Enjoy stunning views of Clearwater Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, with stops at secluded beaches like Caladesi Island and One Tree Island. Dolphins are a common sight, so keep an eye out as you cruise.
The yacht offers plenty of space to relax, from the sun-soaked bow and outdoor deck to the dining room with a retractable sunroof. Below deck, there are four comfortable cabins for winding down after a day of adventure.
Visit vercoeyrs.com for booking details and let them know Sarah sent you!
