• SCUBA diving is one form of water sport in Florida.divers image by Paul Wright from Fotolia.com
  
  Florida's year round mild temperatures and warm, clear blue waters make this state a haven for those who love being out on or in the water. Though Florida's biggest claim to fame might be Walt Disney World Resort, there are miles of beaches to be strolled, offshore waters to be fished and underwater reefs to be explored.
  
  

Fishing

• Fishing in Florida can be either a deep sea adventure or fly fishing on a quiet lake or the inshore waters of western Florida. Close to shore, anglers can hook tarpon, redfish, trout and snook, some of trophy proportions. Out in deeper water, the day's catch can include kingfish, grouper, mackerel, snappers and cobia.
  
  If you are vacationing in Florida, it's best to go out with someone who knows the area. There are private charters, throughout the state and guided fishing tours and guides available for hire. Fans of fly or flats fishing may want to try the waters off of Sarasota. Charters for deep sea fishing can be found in Daytona Beach, Hernando Beach or Clearwater, Florida, among others.
  
  Reel Dreams
  2416 Hibiscus Street
  Sarasota, FL 34239
  941-366-8992
  fishsarasota.com
  
  

Water Skiing

• The exhilaration of being pulled along the water by a high speed boat is addicting. Water skiing is one of the most popular water sport activities in Florida and is enjoyed on the various inland waterways and lakes as well as on the calm waters of the Intracoastal Waterway.
  
  First time water skiers or those not familiar with Florida's waters can take lessons or charter a skippered boat from one of the many firms specializing in water sports. One of note is Sammy Duvall's Watersport Centre, founded by the professional water skiing champion of the same name. Located at Walt Disney World Resort, guests can take to the water on traditional skis, take slalom lessons, or even try wake boarding or tubing.
  
  Sammy Duvall's Watersports Centre
  4600 North World Drive
  Orlando, Florida 32830
  407-939-0754
  sammyduvall.com
  
  

SCUBA Diving

• SCUBA diving lets you explore Florida's warm clear waters from a different perspective. Get up close and personal with schools of fish or even explore a sunken ship that over time has become an artificial reef. Off the coast of southeast Florida there are 60 wrecks to be explored, most within reach of the novice diver. Those interested in underwater photography will have plenty of sea life to aim their lenses at.
  
  Between late July and March, combine your SCUBA dive with a hunt for spiny lobster. Spear fishing, legal in Southeast Florida, requires a salt water fishing license and knowledge of the local laws. Dive boats can drop fishermen in special areas so their lobstering does not interfere with other divers exploring wrecks or reefs.
  
  Those who don't have a PADI (Professional Association of Dive Instructors) or another type of diving certification can take lessons and get certified as part of their diving vacation.
  
  Force E, South Florida Dive Centers
  2181 N. Federal Highway
  Boca Raton, FL 33432
  561-368-0555
  force-e.com