Mangrove-tunnel kayaking

Those in the St. Petersburg area may already know about it. Kayakers nationwide have probably heard of it. But for those who haven’t, go experience it. Conservation policies and tourism interests merge nicely in the Weedon Island Preserve, on Tampa Bay. It’s one of several county wildlife conservation zones that welcome visitors. Experience kayaking on trails through forest canopies of mangrove trees, and bring a fishing rod along for a snook, trout or redfish. Visit www.clubkayak.com/cfkt/trips/weedon_island.html.

Vacation volunteering in Florida

If you schedule your Florida vacation just right, you can join other volunteers helping to protect and restore the wetland environments of Tampa Bay. The volunteer activities are organized by Tampa Bay Watch, Inc. Help rebuild oyster reefs, or plant seagrasses vital to the estuarine environment. Be a part of protecting Florida’s largest open-water estuary, and have fun with it. Visit www.tampabaywatch.org.

Floating school for skippers

Want to become a skipper? Florida Sailing and Cruising School invites students to live on the yacht while they learn to skipper. At this unique live-aboard school, students work with a licensed captain by day, hit the books after dinner, and let the boat gently rock them to sleep at night. The school offers boat-handling lessons on sailboats, trawlers and powerboats, and is an American Sailing Association Certification Facility (ASA), as well as one of the leading powerboat schools in the country. Visit www.flsailandcruiseschool.com.

--News briefs were provided by the AuCoin Report.