Lucky for groups looking to take a breather while spending a few days at meetings at the convention center or theme parks, Central Florida's flora and fauna are conveniently located nearby. These four excursions are geared toward corporate groups looking for a day trip outside of Orlando.
1. Earlier this year, St. Cloud's Florida EcoSafaris launched Zipline Safari, a guided zip line tour 55 feet above the ground that gives participants a birds-eye view of the Pine Flatwoods, wetland areas, and native creatures like herons and whitetail deer. During the two-and-a-half-hour experience, guests sit in harnesses and glide along high-tension cables rigged above the treetops. The outing includes a visit to the company's wildlife interaction area, which includes a relative of the endangered Florida panther and other animals. Pricing is $85 per person or $76.50 for groups of 10 or more.
2. Boggy Creek Airboat Rides has teamed up with Florida Dolphin Tours to offer a 30-minute airboat tour plus transportation to and from area hotels for $50 per person. The tour of the Central Florida Everglades takes place at Kissimmee's Southport Park, where guests can see alligators, turtles, and cypress trees. Hotel pick-ups are available throughout the International Drive and Disney attraction areas. Private group tours are available.
3. About a two-hour drive from Orlando, Crystal River-based Florida Manatee Tours offers the Homosassa manatee premium tour, which allows guests to view or interact with manatees. Available from November to March, the three-hour boat trip departs from the Seagrass River Resort Pub & Grill and takes guests to a manatee-populated area near Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park. Pricing is $65 per person and includes breakfast and lunch at Seagrass River, as well as wetsuits and snorkeling gear for those who want to get in the water. Private excursions are available.
4. Aquatic Wonders Boat Tours offers a chance to see bald eagles and other native birds in their natural habitat. Groups up to six can take a two-hour boat excursion on the Eagle Ray, a covered pontoon boat. The tour takes guests around Kissimmee's Lake Toho, a scenic area known for bird watching. Pricing is $21 per person and custom charters are possible.
