Miami is a vibrant city seemingly created with the purpose of creating excitement. A pulsating nightlife, diverse population, and numerous beaches all add to Miami's allure. Miami makes it easy for healthy-minded individuals to enjoy an active lifestyle. The city offers a wide variety of stimulating activities that promote fitness.
Windsurfing
The five-mile-long barrier island of Key Biscayne, situated six miles off the coast of Miami, has steady winds which make it an attractive place for windsurfing. Key Biscayne's water is usually warm but a wetsuit may be required from October through February. Key Biscayne provides windsurfers with views of Biscayne bay, Coconut Grove and Downtown Miami.
Crandon Park Beach is one area within Key Biscayne where windsurfing boards and equipment can be rented. Outside of of Key Biscayne, Miami's South Beach is another suitable area for windsurfing with board rentals provided next to some of the hotel resorts.
Scuba Diving
According to Miami's official travel website, there are 10 artificial reefs offshore for scuba divers to explore in the Miami area. One artificial reef was created December 30, 2009 with the sinking of a 205-foot freighter off the coast of Key Biscayne.
The sinking of the "Ophelia Brian" freighter has enhanced the abundance of marine life in Key Biscayne. Another freighter, the DEMA Trader, was sunk in 80 feet of water 3.5 miles off Key Bisbane in 2003. According to Dive Spot's website, large openings were cut in the sides of the freighter to allow diver entrance into the former galley and cabin areas.
Indoor Rock Climbing
Miami's only facility for indoor rock climbing is the X-treme Rock Climbing gym. According to the gym's website, X-treme Rock Climbing has over 14,000 square feet of climbing facilities. Climbing routes are changed frequently allowing climbers to experience something new every time they visit. Routes are set by nationally certified route setters. The gym is open daily during various hours between 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Daily access to the gym is $15.
Swimming with Dolphins
The Miami Seaquarium, on Key Biscayne, allows visitors to enter their dolphin tank and interact with dolphins. Guests can choose to swim with a dolphin in deep or shallow water. Swimmers also have opportunities to touch, feed, play with and ride a dolphin across the pool. Rates for the aquarium's dolphin encounters range from $99 to $199. The sessions provided are all unique based on the reactions of the guests and dolphins to each other.
Mountain Biking
Six miles of off-road single tracks can be found at Miami's Oleta River State Recreation Area. The park's trails are designed for one-way traffic and mountain bikes only. This allows mountain bikers to ride swiftly without worry of oncoming cyclists or hikers. Bikers are charged admission fees of $3.00 per biker or $5.00 per car.
Skateboarding
M.I.A. Skatepark is Miami's only indoor and outdoor skatepark. It has as a half-pipe, funbox and ledges outside. Inside it has vertical ramps and quarter pipes. Ladies skate for free while guys are charged between $7 to $10 for admission. The park is open daily and is located in the Miami suburb of Doral.
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