By Shayne Benowitz
Looking for an unexpected and unique experience during your time in Miami? Here are six of the craziest and most adventurous activities around.
1. 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 — the alligator? For a fun, educational and memorable experience, head to Miccosukee Indian Village, 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!
2. Fly To New Heights On Biscayne Bay
Ever dreamed of joining the circus? Here’s your chance. The Flying Trapeze School offers classes to those who want to soar through the air like the professionals.
Located near the waterfront in Downtown Miami’s Maurice Ferré Park, the school offers the “Try n’Fly” (one turn on the flying trapeze to give it a whirl) and the “Flying Trapeze Class (focusing on teaching the essentials and tricks of the art). For the hardcore enthusiasts the “Hold Your Set!” program is by invitation only and is reserved for the serious high flyers.
3. Fire an Automatic Weapon in the City
You wouldn’t think the two go hand in hand - a shooting range and Miami’s preeminent arts neighborhood. But believe it or not, there’s a place in Wynwood where you can fire automatic weapons and it’s totally legal.
Enter Lock & Load, a 14,000-square-foot facility with 24 firing lanes and 25 different varieties of firearms to choose from. Get one-on-one professional guidance as you fire away in a safe and controlled environment.
4. Go Full Throttle On the Water
Hop aboard one of Aqua-Jet’s Flyboards or strap on the Jetpack 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 for hours at full throttle.
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 and 330 pounds.
5. 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.
6. Design A Custom, Over-the-Top Experience in Miami
If you really want to do something interesting and outside of the box, there’s a company that can plan the ultimate adventure for you. Cloud Nine 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. Owners Slava and Julia Di also specialize in lavish marriage proposals. Whether it’s a hot air balloon ride, helicopter tour or a seaplane adventure—you name it and they can plan it for you. Packages start at $549.