By: Lisa Marie Carter
Well, we covered a great place to stay and things to do on the resort in part one, but you will undoubtedly want to get out and about to explore this little slice of paradise, so let’s go over a few options.
First, and probably one of the most fun, exhilarating adventures, was our Backwater Cat Adventure. The boats are fast, stable, fun, and remarkably safe. Most people compare our boats to go-karts on the water. If you are looking for one of the top attractions in Florida, Backwater Cat Adventure is the answer. It’s perfect for people of all age groups. The boats are a fun way to experience the history, beauty, and wildlife around these Florida waterways. Our guide, Bobby, knew the waters like the back of his hand and was full of great tidbits and historical knowledge of the islands and sights.
You drive your own 2-seat catamaran boat while a guide in a lead boat shows you the waters around Amelia and Cumberland Islands on a 2.5-hour trip. A Backwater Cat Adventure provides adventurous mini-catamaran tours through the waterways surrounding Amelia Island. New, upgraded boats are custom designed and provide endless fun for the whole family. This interactive 2.5-hour adventure tour led by an experienced tour guide will keep you and your guests safe as you weave through the marshlands and Amelia River.
Experience historic Fort Clinch from the water, majestic Cumberland Island (with its wild horses), and much more! And did we mention that you get to be the driver the whole time? Have no worries. During a brief training, the guides cover how easy it is to operate these adventure boats. Sit back and relax while you enjoy your sun-shining day and feed your inner adventurer! Simply the best way to see Amelia Island’s beauty and nature. This is a must for every water-loving, history-loving, nature-loving adventurer!
Another fun adventure was our sunset cruise with Her Money. Captain George goes above and beyond to make your trip relaxing, entertaining, and breathtaking. This was the best way to go to dinner while on Amelia Island via boat. Captain George has everything set up for you to sit and enjoy your trip to and from your dining spot. He has a wireless speaker so you can stream your favorite tunes, a cooler with water, and other non-alcoholic beverages that you can use to keep any adult beverages cold you choose to bring (as long as you are 21 or older). Captain George plans your trip perfectly so you get to catch the best possible sunset views on the water.
He suggested we try “Down Under,” a cute waterfront restaurant about 20 minutes via boat from our pickup spot at the Old Town Bait and Tackle dock in Fernandina Beach. Down Under is a fun and lively waterfront spot to grab a cold drink or bite to eat. There’s a great deck that overlooks the water and has ample large fans for the summertime to keep you cool and keep the bugs from annoying you. We went on a Saturday and enjoyed live music on the deck. We didn’t have reservations but could grab a seat at the bar. Their menu offers a great variety of seafood but has numerous options for the landlubber and the vegetarian.
To learn more about Backwater Cat Adventures, check out their website – https://backwatercatadventure.com
To learn more about Her Money boat tours, head to their Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/hermoneyfishingcharters or on Instagram at @hermoneyfishingcharters
To learn more about Down Under, check out their website – http://www.downunderfb.com