This is an educational jewel and important conservationist part of the community…read more They offer useful and meaningful educational opportunities as well as perform vital behaviors and conservation work that helps preserve the natural habitat and creatures/life that is native to the area in ways that provide for friendly sustainable actions.

**INITIAL REVIEW**…read more When it comes to the Treasure Coast, Indian River County is often considered the county with the least to do compared to the other two counties south of them. This includes family-friendly and educational locales for kids, parents, and their loved ones. Ergo, I love that the Treasure Coast made three different legs of the Treasure Coast Kids Quest, in which they found such locales in each county to enrich the learning of our children whilst providing educational entertainment which at times could be free. One of the locales in Indian River County is the Enironmental Learning Center, or the ELC. Though small, it is quite mighty in what they provide. But is it truly worth the visit? Well... the answer is yes, but are you willing to spend the money to up the experience? That is something you'll need to figure out. Though an address if provided, the ELC is located on Wabasso Island. First and foremost, it is a preserve, so all of its activities are based on preservation, consevation, and the protection and education of the island's ecosystem. Parking is free and you'll first enter the area with buildings known as the "ELC Village." This is your welcome center that provides visitor and administration support. Take note that enterting the ELC is $10 per adult, $5 per child, and free for children two years and younger. There are specific areas that feature specific animals for patrons to learn about alongside numerous boardwalks and paths. Make sure to check out the Lagoon Center which has a children's immersive and interactive room. The touch tank will allow children to touch lagoon critters (safe to touch) such as small horseshoe crabs, starfish, and other animals. Take note, this is what children need to do who are partaking in the Indian River county leg of the Treasure Coast Kid's Quest. The aforementioned is the core base of what patrons can do at the ELC. However, if you want to add more adventure to your adventure, such as boat tours, then you'll need to pay. There are both childrens and adult programs in which the price varies. This includes school field trips and parties. The ECO-boat tours vary in price depending if it is a pre-paid tour or a private tour. If you want to pay for their regular boat tours, they range from $25 to $40 taking into account the time of day. Both tours are around and about Pelican Island. In conclusion, the ELC is a fine place to grow when it comes to knowing and understanding our Floridian environment, which is technically dying knowledge despite how connected we are these days. I learned so much here, and though you have to pay these days, I understand and it is for a good cause. Pertaining to scavenger hunts, one of the TurtleTrax turtle statues is located at the ELC, specifically at the entrance. There are also a couple of geocaches on location, too. ELC is a solid four out of five star experience. Only reason I will give it less than a perfect score is that it can be a "one and done" for tourists. Besides that, I would suggest people check it out at least once, and if you have the money for it, give them support if you can.

We had the best time kayaking today on Turkey creek. We saw many birds and turtles. It was so much…read morefun! We got 3 hours and a map to explore the creek. It was amazing.

We took the tour of Turkey Creek with Julie as our guide. We had never kayaked before and Julie…read morehad the patients of Job with us the tour was 2 hours and moved at a relaxed pace. For a 73 yo and a 71 yo we had no problems. Great tour: 3 gators and numerous turtles. Totally enjoyable afternoon for my wife, son, and I.

I am so glad we opted to go with this shop for our adventures! On the first day we rented some…read morebikes and they explained about all the bike paths and gave us a map! At first I thought we wouldn't follow the map However it really gives you a super nice, easy ride. We biked to Jetty park and stopped at a few places along the way. The second day we rented kayaks and joined a guided tour with Randy. I can't say enough good things about how lovely our experience was. Any stress just melted away! We saw some dolphins too! I highly recommend A1A Outdoors for your adventuring. They are so friendly and welcoming and took the time to help us out in a caring and thoughtful way! 10/10 recommend When we stopped by the shop parking was super easy!

Amazing time had Eric for guided kayak tour highly recommend super chill and knowledgeable! - staff…read morewas super friendly this was like the third time I rescheduled and was finally able to make it out they were super flexible and understanding. Found them on Groupon they priced matched the coupon from Groupon good price for 2 people kayaks. Saw manatees up close one in lifetime experience -- if ur iffy I would just do it highly worth it !

Was able to book a spot that same day. Adrena (spelling?) took care of us and she was a great…read moreguide. Patient and funny - showed us around and my family and I had a great time. The waters out there was so beautiful, just as beautiful as I remembered when I went for my first time in Jamaica. Kayaks were clean and newish - navigation thru the waters was easy. My 5 year old daughter had a blast. It was super cool to see the fish swimming under water, at one point they were jumping up and out the water creating beautiful splashes and a few even jumped into other people's boats! The weather was perfect, the night was clear and off in the distance there was lighting strikes which made the whole experience and scenery that much more amazing. 100% recommend doing this during the season where you can see the bioluminscents!

incredible views of birds, dolphins and many manatees just inches away. they were happy to see us…read moretoo. no other distractions only nature and pure silence. I gave it a 4 rating cause the ad I had said 20 dollars per kayak but we were charged 20 each in one kayak.

We had an AMAZING time with sobe surf, my kids and I did a group private lesson at cocoa beach…read more They were flexible to work with after we had to change our plans because our flight got cancelled. (oh colorado and its snow :( ) We got a new date and time and location planned. and it worked out really well. None of us had ever surfed before and honestly we have not spent that much time at the ocean. We have super tiny and petite yet tall, tall and muscly and then normal in our group They were able to accomodate us all as far as wet suits went as well. Our teacher was fantastic! And this ended up being all of our absolute favorite thing that we did while in Florida. We tried to get back in for another lesson but in Miami on the last couple of days of our trip and unfortunately for us they were all booked up. Highly recommend!!!! And dont forget to bring a little cash to tip your teacher/instructor at the end of your lesson. It is a service job :)

Don't let outside appearances fool you! This little shop located in an industrial area of Merritt…read moreIsland is fantastic! I had previously been to SoBe Surf Shop with a friend after we took a SUP lesson by the shop's owner, Girard, after she purchased her board from him. When she purchased her board, it included a free lesson and she was able to bring a friend. I was so glad she let me go along because even though we had both been paddling for several months, we both knew our technique could use some work and Girard's instruction definitely helped! Our lesson took place a couple of miles from his shop at the Brevard Vererans Memorial in a little Cove just behind the memorial. The lesson itself was great - there were only three of us so after giving us a brief lesson, Girard took the time to watch our paddle technique and make suggestions for adjustments so we were able to practice and immediately get constructive feedback. Girard was very patient and clear in his instruction and by the end of our session I was able to fix the issues with my paddle technique. The shop itself isn't anything fancy, but it serves its purpose. He has a number of different stand up paddleboards in stock, and carries high quality brands ar various price points so you should be able to find one that is perfect for you. My friend and I had both done quite a bit of research on the type of board we wanted and what features were important to us. Girard is incredibly knowledgeable and great at explaining the differences in the boards and how they affect it's use. He carries boards that are perfect for touring, racing and yoga. He is not a pushy salesman at all, which I loved. He also carries different accessories like leashes, paddles, waterproof cases, car racks, apparel, and even ukeleles!! After my friend purchased her SUP, I was pretty sure I wanted the exact same one and Girard was great answering any of my questions either by phone call or text messages. He was always quick to respond. Once I was ready to purchase my board, he let me put a deposit down (using my credit card) on the SUP I wanted. I had also talked to him about my need for a soft rack pack for my car and he ordered one to keep in the shop, but said there was no pressure to purchase it. My board package came with a leash, carbon fiber paddle, and cover bag. I also ended up purchasing the soft rack pack for my car. Girard was so helpful, teaching me how to install the racks and load my board safely and securely. I got home via highway roads with no concerns or issues about the safety of my board on my car while driving 70mph! Check out the shop's website for more information about his tours and lessons as well as information on SUP techniques. The website is very useful. https://sobesurf.com Based on my personal experience with Girard on the lesson and purchasing a new SUP from him, I definitely recommend contacting him if you're in the market for a SUP, want to take a guided tour, or a lesson. I live in Winter Garden, FL and making the road trip to purchase a board and lesson from him is well worth the drIve!!!

Tinho and Susie are wonderful instructors and fun-loving too! Even one hour with either of them…read morecan take your windsurfing technique to another level. I can't wait to go back because I had the best time!

I did a 3 hour lesson with Christine and she was an amazing teacher! She makes it so fun and gets…read moregenuinely excited to see you getting new skills. We went back with the whole family a few months later and did a windsurfing/ sailing camp. The instructors are all very good but learning from Susie and Tinho is a real treat! Tinho is the master, on the cover of lots of windsurfing magazines and books and will make you fall in love with the sport. Their passion for the sport is contagious and he has a way of making the kids believe they can do anything! Love that! Had all three of my kids hanging off the side of the sailboat in harnesses and loving it. And by the end of the camp, they felt very comfortable on the board and begged for more... cheering when we told them we purchased a board for the summer. Highly recommend Calema!

A+ Excellent business and customer service from Scott at Shark Bait Rentals…read more Came home for the holiday weekend and last minute had the urge to get some paddle boards to head out and take advantage of the clear waters just off the coast to the boiler shipwreck near Waldo's. Scott, even though short handed without hesitation, had two paddle boards, vests, and paddles available within an hour of the phone call. Very pleasant to speak with over the phone and easily coordinated all aspects of the rental process. Will definitely be using Shark Bait again for any rental needs beach side and will recommend to all family, friends, and visitors.

I've had good experiences with Sharkbait so this isn't what I wanted to do but…read more.. I've rented from them before and it went great. I've rented from them and not been able to make it to the beach and I was still charged in full. I didn't like it but didn't make a deal of it. For April 11 2023 I rented a fly and 3 chairs ($67). The weather wasn't great but I had company in town so we went to the beach. Sharkbait was a no-show. We walked to the Costa de Esta and explained the situation and they gave us three beach chairs for nothing. Very nice. When I got home I wrote to SB asking for my refund. No answer. I wrote again. No response. And then again. No response. I did tell him that if I didn't hear from him I would write this review for every social media site and then go to the BBB. So here I am. I hate so much to do this - I understand keeping my money when I can't be there but to keep my money when they aren't there? That is dishonest.

We bought the two mirage drive kayaks!! Wonderful buying experience! We love them…read moreAnd we are so happy to have purchased them From our friends at "Kayak by Bo"!

Awesome place run by some really wonderful people. A nice selection of kayaks and equipment,…read morepleasant atmosphere. No pushy sales people, just friendly help. It began by renting kayaks then they decided to sell them. Several brand name water sports equipment as well as paddling gear and accessories including racks, loaders etc. they take you out for demos so you know you are getting what is best for you. Always a pleasure to stop in there. I have my eye on one I want to sign up to go for a demo. If your looking for water sport related items I strongly recommend you stop in and see them. Closed on Mondays. I think Demos are Thursday, Friday & Saturday, call or stop in to make sure sign up is required in advance

I booked a night-time bioluminescent tour for the 1st of June. Unfortunately, due to a storm, the…read moretour had to be canceled the day of. Totally understandable, no one wants to get hurt. Tom told me he would refund me for the tour the same day and it would take 3-5 business days to come through. It is now June 19 and I still don't have a refund. I have emailed every 2-4 days asking for an update and continue to be strung along with the "any day now" or "I'll ask my booking plor simply not answered at all, which is even more frustrating. I was hoping to rebook this tour or another tour in January when we are back in town, but with the lack of communication and my refund taking more than double the amount of time to be returned to me, I don't think I would risk booking here again.

Due to the pandemic, we missed out on our chance to go kayaking a couple years ago. But this year…read morewe returned to the area and decided to give Go Kayaking Tours a go. Neither of us had ever kayaked before, but our tour guide Tom was great at showing us the basics and getting us comfortable on the water. It was only the two of us, so we had our own private tour of Turtle Creek Sanctuary. I've always wanted to see a manatee and we caught a glimpse of two right after we launched into the water. While paddling through the sanctuary we saw 5-7 gators, lots of turtles, a blue heron and an osprey. Tom was very knowledgeable about the plants and wildlife which made the tour educational too. We had a wonderful day on the water and we had a chance to try kayaking. Looking forward to doing it again.