Visiting the beach is a rite of summer  – sun beaming on your face, waves crashing against the shore and sand between your toes. The beach is never a bad bet, but I know you’re yearning to add more excitement to your summer to-do list. You can make the most of these hot, sweaty days by cooling off in the water. Whether you’re searching for an adrenaline rush or a more relaxing and calming experience, Jacksonville offers a variety of outdoor water adventures perfect for anyone eager to shake things up. 

Jax Jet Ski Rentals 

Come experience the “thrill of driving on water” when you visit Jax Jet Ski Rentals.  Perfect for both newbies and certified experts, Jax Jet Ski Rentals offers a fun opportunity to explore Jacksonville’s Ortega River. They are open on Wednesday through Sunday and because tours are not guided, you can go at your own pace. Jax Jet Ski Rental: 3326 Lakeshore Blvd, Suite #6, Jacksonville, FL; jaxjetskirentals.com // @jaxskirentals 

All Wet Sports 

Not only is this the ideal place for renting water sports gear, but they also have plenty of activities ideal for all age ranges and fitness levels. As “your local fresh water specialists,” All Water Sports offers lessons in stand up paddle boarding, a more laidback activity that’s great for those looking to get their feet – and body – wet; windsurfing, a combination of surfing and sailing where you “skim across the water with nothing but a breeze”; and lastly, wakeboarding, a more extreme water sport style that involves gliding across the water as you’re pulled along by a boat. You can also rent a kayak to take a relaxing float down Big Pottsberg Creek. All Wet Sports: 8550 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL; allwetsports.net // @allwetsports

Amelia Island Paddle Surf Company

As if you couldn’t tell by the name, Amelia Island Paddle Surf Company specializes in all things paddle boarding. Just roughly 40 minutes outside of Jacksonville, this company offers various paddle boarding activities stretching across the scenic routes of Amelia Island. Enjoy regular lessons for the curious beginner, check out their various paddle boarding options such as an Eco Tour to explore the “wildlife and natural beauty of Amelia Island and the surrounding areas” or practice some yoga on the water if you’re searching for an intimate encounter with nature. Amelia Island Paddle Surf Company: 1630 Scott Rd #5642, Fernandina Beach, FL; ameliaislandpaddlesurf.com // @amelia_island_paddle_surf

Back Water Cat Adventure – Amelia’s Island

If you want a unique water experience that requires less athleticism, then you should try Back Water Cat Adventure’s boat tour. This activity lets you take the lead by driving your own two-man catamaran while being guided by an experienced tour guide. The tours are one to two and a half hours long, the distance depends on what tour you choose and they all include “beautiful scenery, wildlife [and] sea life [appearances] on some very unique and fast boats.” When touring through the scenic backwater and marshlands of Amelia Island, you are sure to see some dolphins, wild horses and remarkable architecture. Back Water Cat Adventure – Amelia’s Island: 3 South Front Street Dock E, Amelia Island, FL; backwatercatadventure.com // @backwatercatadventurehhi

Adventure Landing

After over 20 years of providing family fun, this beloved Jacksonville attraction is closing its doors in October. Whether you’re a Jacksonville native or a visitor, summer is a great opportunity to visit this gem of an amusement park. Adventure Landing has something for everyone: go-karts, miniature golf, laser tag and Shipwreck Island Waterpark, for anyone who wants to avoid the mess of the beach but still enjoy a fun day in the water. The Island features Little St. Johns River (a lazy river), Typhoon Lagoon, a half million-gallon wave pool, 4Xtreme slides like The Rage or The Eye of the Storm and a Pirate Play Slide Complex with water cannons and waterfalls. So, get the family ready to take a splash one last time before they bid farewell to the Jax community. Adventure Land: 1944 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach, FL; jacksonville-beach.adventurelanding.com // @adventurelanding

St. John River Taxi & Tours

If you’re one to steer clear of getting in the water, St. John River Taxi & Tours is the activity tailor-made for you. This low impact water activity will allow you to explore various parts of the St. Johns River , and stay dry, with informative tours such as the Dolphin & History, Learning on the River and a Riverside History tour. You can also take advantage of their Text the Taxi program offered Wednesday through Sunday, 1- 8:00pm. Simply text 904-860-8294 and the taxi will come pick you up from one of the six docking locations available. This feature is perfect for game days or just cruising around town. St. John River Taxi & Tours: 245 Riverside Ave. Ste. 250, Jacksonville, FL; jaxrivertaxi.com // @rivertaxiandtours