By Shayne Benowitz
From off-the-beaten-path to purely exhilarating
Looking for an unexpected and unique experience during your time in Greater Miami & Miami Beach? Here are some of the craziest and most adventurous activities around.
Experience holding an alligator
Hold a Baby Alligator
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be up close and personal with an apex predator that has existed for millions of years? For a fun, educational and memorable experience, head to Everglades Alligator Farm or Everglades Safari Park to check out their unique alligator shows and see if you have the guts to hold a gator in your bare hands. Don’t forget to take a picture.
Go Full Throttle On the Water
Hop aboard one of Aqua-Jet’s Flyboards and use the power of water to propel you 30 feet above the water. All you need is about 15 minutes of flight training before you can hit the waves at full throttle for 30 minutes.
Fly directly off a private beach or set sail on a luxury yacht and explore the waters of Biscayne Bay. Not for the faint of heart, there are a few height and weight restrictions —you must be between five and six and a half feet tall, as well as weigh between 100 - 290 pounds. A life vest and helmet are required.
Try tropical fruit wines at Schnebly Redland's Winery & Brewery
Drink Wine Made From Tropical Fruit
In Miami, we don’t limit our wine consumption to only grape varieties. We take full advantage of the subtropical flora at our fingertips to create one-of-a-kind wine made from star fruit, mangos, lychee and even avocado. And we do this at Schnebly Redland's Winery & Brewery in Miami’s agricultural area The Redland.
Peter Schnebly has been producing such wines since 2004 and a visit to his winery is a fun day trip. He added brewmaster to his repertoire in 2012, so you can also taste microbrews made with ingredients like coconut and key lime at his Miami Brewing Co. – all under the same roof.
Enjoy the view from a seaplane, hot air balloon or helicopter
Design A Custom, Over-the-Top Experience
If you really want to do something really outside of the box, there’s a company that can plan the ultimate adventure for you. Cloud Nine (now part of the Virgin family) specializes in arranging unique experiences, usually with a romantic component. For example, surprise your special someone with a Venetian Adventure package —a gondola ride and private dinner are arranged for you. They will also book your very own paparazzi who will discreetly (or not so discreetly) snap photos of your adventure to share on social media and with friends. Whether it’s a hot air balloon ride, helicopter tour or a seaplane adventure —you name it, and they can plan it for you.