Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(
772-794-0601;
www.mckeegarden.org
; 350 US 1; adult/child $12/5;
10am-5pm Mon-Sat,
noon-5pm Sun; )
In Vero's early-1920s tourist heyday Waldo Sexton (of the eponymous Waldo's) and Arthur
McKee joined forces to open the 80-acre McKee Jungle Gardens, which delighted visitors
for decades until Disney stole the show in the 1970s. Much of the land was sold off for de-
velopment, but passionate locals managed to save 18 acres of tropical garden, which now
grows thick with native plants, palms and lily ponds.
Adventure Kayaking
KAYAKING
( 772-567-0522;
www.paddleflorida.com
; adult/child under 12yr $45/25)
Vero native Steve Cox runs daily Indian River kayak tours to Round and Pelican Islands,
Sebastian River and Blue Cypress Lake. Multi-day camp-and-kayak tours ($275 to $350)
are also offered on Indian River and further afield to the Everglades.
Sail Moonraker
BOATING
( 772-696-2941;
www.sailmoonraker.com
; Vero Beach Marina, 3611 Rio Vista Blvd; 2-6hr cruises for
up to 6 guests $425-750; )
Captain Bruce offers customized dolphin-watching, swimming and sunset cruises in Indian
River Lagoon, excellent for children, grandparents and everyone in between, aboard his
40ft catamaran.
Environmental Learning Center
OUTDOORS
( 772-589-5050;
www.discoverelc.org
;
255 Live Oak Dr; adult/child under 12yr $5/free;
10am-4pm Tue-Fri, 9am-noon Sat, 1-4pm Sun; )
This 51-acre reserve, dedicated to educating folks about the fragile environment of the In-
dian River estuary, offers hands-on displays and a boardwalk through the mangroves.
Check the website for details on
EcoVentures
, guided nature trips including canoe and
pontoon boat trips and nature walks.
Orchid Island Bikes & Kayaks
BICYCLE RENTAL
( 772-299-1286;
www.orchidislandbikesandkayaks.com
;
1175 Commerce Ave; bikes per day/week
$19/54, kayaks s/tandem per half-day $69/99)
