Under open skies, travelers will enjoy experiences of a lifetime.
Thanks to limited distractions and a shared sense of adventure, outdoor experiences unite groups and create lasting memories. But outdoor activities aren’t just for the most daring travelers; tours exist to accommodate every traveler’s skill level, whether they’re on a slow-paced stargazing tour under brilliant night skies or navigating river rapids in the Appalachian Mountains.
From its beaches and backwaters to its lush forests and parks, the landscapes of the South are waiting to be explored. Here are five exceptional outdoor experiences for groups of all ages and activity levels.
Swimming with Manatees
Crystal River, Florida
Known for their gentle temperaments and large, slow-moving figures, manatees are affectionately called “sea cows.” They’re the ocean’s largest herbivores, often measuring nearly 14 feet long and weighing up to 3,000 pounds. Though these gentle giants are no longer considered endangered, they are still a protected species. In addition to the danger they face from boat strikes, they are susceptible to the cold, so in the winter months they migrate to the consistently temperate waters of Kings Bay and Three Sisters Springs in Crystal River, Florida. This small community is the only place in the U.S. where it’s legal to swim with manatees, allowing travelers to check off a unique item on their travel bucket lists.
Many outlets in the Crystal River area facilitate manatee experiences, including Plantation on Crystal River Adventure Center, which can accommodate groups of up to 48. Tours begin with instructions on safely interacting with manatees; “passive observance” lets guests come face to face with the manatees while obeying the law, though if they’re lucky, some guests might be approached by a curious or playful manatee. Groups will then don their wetsuits and snorkel gear and head out on Kings Bay. Tour guides will point out the manatees. A few dozen manatees stay in the area year-round, but during colder months, the waters might be home to hundreds of these fascinating creatures.
If they don’t want to swim, Plantation on Crystal River Adventure Center also offers scenic cruises with just as many manatee sightings.
Horseback Riding on the Beach
North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Horseback riding on the beach is an experience that’s both relaxing and cinematic. It’s undoubtedly one of the most beautiful ways to experience the sand and the surf, and it’s remarkably well-suited to beginner riders because of the broad, flat terrain of the beach. While beach rides are offered at various outlets along the East and Gulf coasts, few places are as ideal for groups as Inlet Point Plantation in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, thanks to its location near a private barrier island and its abundance of horses. These tours are sure to add an adventurous flair to any trip to the Myrtle Beach area.
The plantation has a long history dating back to the Revolutionary War, though it was also significant during the Civil War and may have even played host to a few infamous outlaws. It’s adjacent to Waites Island, the 1,400-acre private island along the North Carolina-South Carolina border. Guided beach horseback tours take guests to the pristine shores of the island, either for sightseeing or sunset tours. These rides last approximately an hour, and no prior riding experience is required — individuals will be matched to horses based on temperament and skill level. The plantation is home to nearly 50 horses, including Tennessee Walkers and Appaloosas. Nature-loving groups will also appreciate the island’s diverse wildlife and natural beauty.
While they’re trotting on the beach, groups will hear tales of the plantation’s storied past and learn about the ecology of the area. Inlet Point Plantation also offers shaded strolls along the nearby Intracoastal Waterway. These tours offer shadier stretches than the beach rides, which can be a great alternative during warmer months, though guided horseback tours are offered both on the beach and the Intracoastal Waterway year-round.
Whitewater Rafting
Hartford, Tennessee
Adventurous and active groups love the heart-pumping thrill of riding the rapids while white-water rafting. In addition to getting one’s adrenaline flowing, it’s a fun, easy-to-learn activity that doubles as a sightseeing trip and a workout. It’s also a great way for group members to bond with one another, thanks to the team nature of rafting. Eastern Tennessee has many rafting outlets near the Smokies and closer to Chattanooga, but one that’s especially well-versed in groups is Smoky Mountain River Rat, which can be found not far from Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the nation’s most visited national park, as well as charming towns like Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.
Its location in Hartford, Tennessee, offers rafting trips along the Pigeon River that range from “mild” to “wild.” The most mild trips are perfect for all ages and involve class I and II rapids, while the most wild trips involve class III and IV rapids. Each trip begins with a safety talk, and each raft has an experienced guide at the helm to teach groups the rafting basics. Rafts have a capacity of seven, but groups can take multiple rafts per trip to accommodate groups as large as 80. Discounted pricing is available for groups of 20 or more.
For something a bit gentler than white-water rafting, Smoky Mountain River Rat also has an outlet in Townsend specifically for tubing. Both locations offer bus parking, on-site lunch options, picnic areas and changing rooms, and the rafting site also offers hot showers.
Astronomy at Stephen C. Foster State Park
Georgia
Situated just north of the Georgia-Florida border, Georgia’s Stephen C. Foster State Park is the primary entrance to the Okefenokee Swamp, a shallow wetland comprising more than 430,000 acres. The swamp is the largest blackwater swamp in America and is home to the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, a protected habitat for animals such as alligators, black bears, deer, and a wide range of birds, amphibians and reptiles. It’s even home to a few rare and endangered species, including the indigo snake and the red-cockaded woodpecker.
Stephen C. Foster Park offers a variety of activities for outdoor adventure-seekers, from fishing to kayaking, but another incredible opportunity can be found simply by looking up. The park is a certified International Dark Sky Place by DarkSky International; it was the first place in the state of Georgia to receive accreditation as part of the International Dark Sky Places Program and remains the only dark sky park in the Southeast. DarkSky International aims to combat light pollution and minimize its negative effect on natural ecosystems. As a result, parks that receive the designation are frequently stunning wildlife habitats, and Stephen C. Foster State Park is no exception.
Amateur stargazers and astronomy experts alike will delight in some of the best night sky views on the East Coast. To experience the beauty of the stars within the park, groups of 25 or more can arrange a private, one-hour guided astronomy experience led by park staff. Groups can also join prescheduled programs, such as full-moon hikes or sunset swamp tours, where they’ll get another chance to see the park’s beautiful night skies. Groups will get to see stunning views of the Milky Way and might see familiar constellations in a whole new light after spying them through the lens of a telescope.
Honey Island Swamp Tours
Slidell, Louisiana
In eastern St. Tammany Parish, near Slidell, Louisiana, Honey Island Swamp awaits outdoor enthusiasts. Considered one of the most pristine swamplands in the country, the 70,000-acre swamp was named for an abundance of honeybees. It’s known for a beautiful landscape of moss-draped cypress trees and lots of wildlife, from deer and small woodland mammals to alligators, turtles and waterfowl. Honey Island Swamp Tours, a tour operator dedicated to educating visitors about the ecosystem since 1982, offers interpretive boat tours.
Groups will glide through shallow and deep portions of the swamp. In warmer months, they’ll be surrounded by the lush greenery of abundant plant life, while the landscape turns otherworldly — though no less beautiful — in the winter. Year-round, they’ll see alligators sunning themselves on logs or enjoying a marshmallow at their tour guide’s discretion. They can also see feral hogs, otters, beaver, mink, blue herons, snowy egrets, bald eagles and a range of other fauna.
Private tours can be arranged for groups of 16 or more on covered or uncovered boats. These narrated tours last about two hours and educate passengers about Louisiana’s landscapes. They’re perfect for nature photography and birding. Transportation to and from New Orleans hotels is offered by the operator.
