Stopped into the Environmental Learning Center on a whim after driving past it many times, and now…read moreI'm wondering why I waited so long. This place is one of those hidden little Treasure Coast gems that almost hides in plain sight. The boardwalk trails through the mangroves were peaceful, scenic, and surprisingly immersive. Every turn felt like a mini nature documentary. Within a short walk I spotted a ribbon snake cruising through the water, an orb-weaver spider that looked like it came straight out of a sci-fi movie, and plenty of birds and wildlife along the way. Bring a camera because you'll use it. Bonus points for the rare opportunity to admire a spider web without immediately walking face first into it. The grounds are well maintained, educational without feeling overly touristy, and just plain relaxing. There's a nice balance between nature preserve, learning experience, and quiet escape from the everyday rush. Also appreciated that you can spend 30 minutes here or easily lose a couple of hours wandering the trails and slowing your brain down a notch. We didn't try the kayak rental this time but made a mental note for the future. If you live in or visit Vero Beach and enjoy nature, photography, kayaking, wildlife, or just finding peaceful spots that don't involve crowds and traffic, this place is absolutely worth a stop.

We came here while visiting the area and really enjoyed the learning center!…read more We only stayed for a few hours but there was definitely a lot more to see and do here. We got to see a lot of fish and native Florida wildlife! There were a lot of walking trails, kayak/canoe launches, and tons of information posted around about native Florida habitats! There was also a play area for kids as well. We spent a lot of the time in the aquarium room (and yes it's a room not a super huge space) since it was air conditioned and our daughter really enjoys seeing the fish. They have a touch tank that's open for a few hours throughout the day, but we noticed that if the tank isn't open, there was no staff in the space. The facilities seemed a bit older but overall well maintained. There were summer camps going on while we were there, and felt like they sort of overtook some of the spaces we were in from time to time. Not a super huge deal as we were able to go explore other parts but it did feel somewhat chaotic as a large group of 8 year olds ran into the area. You do have to pay admission, there is a pass available as well if you plan to visit more than once. Parking was not plentiful so be mindful when planing, to come early or during a more "off" time. Overall this was a neat place to go to if you enjoy learning about Florida wildlife and nature.

Great experience having my beloved bicycle repaired with a brake adjustment and the installation of…read morea new bottom bracket. I am a long time customer, and a local here, and appreciate the great staff that made all this happen, Mark, Theresa, Shea, and, of course, the excellent mechanic, RJ. I highly recommend.

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!

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 such an amazing experience with Adrena. She was so knowledgeable and with her guidance we…read moresaw SO much wildlife! (manatees, dolphins, many different types of birds, turtles, horseshoe crabs, and more). Highly recommend this tour and Adrena. Would do this tour again and definitely want to try the bioluminescence.

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