It’s summer on the Space Coast and you know what that means

sweltering heat and stifling humidity. Luckily, between the Atlantic Ocean, the Indian River Lagoon, Turkey Creek and more, there are plenty of opportunities to cool down. Plus, with an abundance of local rental and tour opportunities, you don’t have to own your own boat, kayak or paddleboard to get your toes wet.

321 Boat Rentals & Club

There is a seemingly infinite number of bars and restaurants lining the coast of the Indian River Lagoon in Eau Gallie, and 321 Boat Rentals & Club makes sure you won’t miss out — even if you don’t own a boat. Offering both boat and jet ski rentals, 321 Boat Rentals allows individuals to enjoy the river without restrictions, said General Manager Steve Payet (as long as renters practice safety precautions, of course).

321 Boat Rentals & Club is located at 96 E Eau Gallie Blvd and can be reached at (321) 507-5400.

Paddling Paradise

For those looking to explore Turkey Creek, including all its manatees, dolphins and birds, Paddling Paradise offers both hourly and full day kayak and stand up paddle board rentals. And if you’re looking for more guidance, you can also book a tour!

Paddling Paradise is located at 4220 Dixie Hwy NE and can be reached at (321) 258-4492.

A Day Away Kayak Tours

According to co-owner Austin Mahan, A Day Away Kayak Tours aims to immerse individuals in Florida’s natural wildlife —

including dolphins, manatees and alligators (from which, Mahan says, tour leaders practice social distancing “much more than six feet”). Although they have a total of seven to eight launch locations used throughout the year depending on the season, their most popular spots are located in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. There, kayakers can explore the unique nighttime experience of paddling in clear kayaks above bioluminescent dinoflagellates, single-celled organisms that glow when the water is agitated so that the water lights up below kayakers’ oars.

Contact (321) 268-2655 for more details or to arrange a tour.

Maya Mojica

My name is Maya Mojica, and I am a 20-year-old junior at Northwestern University with majors in journalism and creative writing and a minor in gender & sexuality studies. I grew up in Melbourne Beach, Florida, and was a competitive Irish dancer for 10 years. I have an unhealthy obsession with my cat (whose name is actually just “Cat”) and would eat sushi every single day for the rest of my life if I could.