Best Rafting And Tubing Near South Florida

South Florida is popular for many things, namely water activities. From snorkeling to parasailing to water tubing and rafting, locals and visitors take to the surrounding bodies of water to enjoy an aquatic adventure. Tubing and rafting are usually most popular in areas with large rivers; however, there are quality opportunities in and around the area to have a fun time on a water raft or tube. The options are not only plentiful, they're also diverse. You can ride a raft or tube in an enclosed water park or take to the open waters of the Intracoastal Waterway or even a local river.

Rapids Water Park

6566 N. Military Trail
Riviera Beach, FL 33407
(561) 848-6272
www.rapidswaterpark.com

Widely known as South Florida's largest water park, Rapids has become a local travel destination. The park offers a wide variety of water activities, particularly tubing and rafting, for any level of fun you want to have. For big thrill seekers, you can ride the Big Thunder or Riptide Raftin', two rides that are fast and furious, giving you an exhilarating ride on a water tube or raft. Tubin' Tornadoes and Big Red are a little less intense, but will get your adrenaline pumping nonetheless. If you're looking to just kick back and relax, the Lazy River is an excellent choice. A large inner tube allows you to float aimlessly down the winding river at the park; all you have to do is let the water take you where it will.

Sun Splash Family Waterpark

400 Santa Barbara Blvd.
Cape Coral, FL 33991
(239) 574-0558
www.sunsplashwaterpark.com

This family-friendly water park is a multi-faceted, fun-filled aquatic experience just 2.5 hours west of Miami. A number of water rides at the Cape Coral water park use single- or double-person inflated tubes. Take the Main Stream River Tube Ride. Similar to the popular Lazy River, it's a 1/4-mile river inside the park that meanders around the property with calming water currents that float tubers around. For a more high-impact experience, the 30-foot-high platform of the Cape Fear ride shoots riders in inflated tubes through a darkened tunnel, stretching 215 feet in length.

Biscayne Bay

1275 N.E. 79th St.
Miami, FL 33138
(305) 754-9330
www.miamidade.gov

Located right at the beginning of the 79th Street/John F. Kennedy Causeway, Pelican Harbor Marina is one of Miami's most popular spots for boaters. Its central in-city location gives you great access to go tubing along Biscayne Bay; there's also convenient access to the Atlantic Ocean via Haulover Inlet to the north and Government Cut to the south. Biscayne Bay is a noticably wide body of water, leaving plenty of space for boaters and tubers to rip the waves. Boat ramps are open 24 hours, which leaves the opportunity open for a tubing adventure at sunrise, an afternoon of ripping the water in the blazing midday heat or a for some tubing fun right before sundown.

Key West Bight Marina

201 William St.
Key West, FL 33040
(305) 809-3983
www.keywestcity.com

With access to both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, tubers can get in some ocean fun. In a city known for its prime coastal location and in big demand by small craft boats and cruise ships alike, Key West's Bight Marina is the most popular spot for water sports enthusiasts looking for a great location to enter the water. In addition to water tubing, you can find opportunities for parasailing, diving and kayaking. Once you've had your fun on your water tube, you can get cleaned up at the marina's onsite bath, shower and laundry facilities.

Related: Best Kayak Tours In South Florida

For nearly 20 years, Shawanda James has been actively involved in creative writing in Miami, Florida. In addition to her work as a freelance writer, she is actively seeking publication for her debut novel and collection of poetry. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.