BROCHURE copy written for Space Coast Office of Tourism

Port Canaveral offers many fun diversions
      

Port Canaveral gets up early with the sound of crying seagulls and lapping water and stays up late with the strains of guitar licks and the uproarious laughter of vacationers and locals returning to their cars.

With a multitude of activities going full tilt throughout the day it’s no wonder our port is called “Florida’s Fun Port.”

As the morning light breaks small and large charter boats ready to take novice to veteran fishermen on full-day and half-day deep-sea fishing trips. Several of the larger charters, including Miss Cape Canaveral and Obsession II, cater to families as well as adult groups.

Private boat owners who trailer their boats to the Space Coast are welcome to access the port and Atlantic Ocean from boat launches at the Freddie Patrick Park and Port’s End Park. Captain Jack’s Bait & Tackle and Fisherman’s World are available for needed fishing supplies.

Several restaurants in The Cove, including Grills Seafood Deck & Tiki Bar, serve breakfast to fuel fishermen and other patrons who want to enjoy the early morning sights and sounds of the bustling port.

As the day heats up Sterling Casino and SunCruz feature gaming cruises. Sterling’s Ambassador II, the largest gaming vessel at the port, departs at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. day. The SunCruz XII, which provides a more intimate gaming experience, sails each day at either 11 a.m. or 7 p.m. depending upon the day. While the gaming vessels are popular with those who want to try their luck, they also offer excellent venues for just taking in the Atlantic Ocean and port’s attractions.

For a more up close and personal view of the port’s natural environs Space Coast River Tours offers pontoon boat tours of the port, port locks, Barge Canal and the Banana River. Husband and wife team Captain Mark and Michele share their love for the area’s wildlife on each tour featuring dolphin, alligator, manatee and a myriad of water bird sightings.

Beachgoers, fishermen and campers alike favor the port’s Jetty Park, which caters to all three groups. Jetty Park is also one of the county’s prime viewing locations for rocket launches.

The park’s 1,200-foot pier makes for excellent fishing and is also a picturesque place to walk and take in the fresh salt air. An attractive new two-story park pavilion features a bait-and-tackle shop, food service, air-conditioned and outdoor dining, and restrooms. Beach wheel chairs are available by request.

On cruise departure and return days, those at Jetty Park and Cove restaurants are treated to the spectacle of giant Disney, Royale Caribbean and Carnival cruise ships moving through the port, their waving throngs adding to the general excitement level. Daily gaming vessel and other private and cargo ship departures are also part of the sights and sounds of the port.

Lunch or dinner at one of the many seafood restaurants like Rusty’s Seafood & Oyster Bar, Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grill, or Grill Seafood Deck & Tiki Bar or Ron Jon’s Cape Caribe Resort shouldn’t be missed, especially by seafood lovers. Seafood is catch-of-the-day fresh and made even more delicious by the marine environment.

For those who want to take some fresh catch home without taking up rod and reel, suppliers like Seafood Atlantic and Wild Ocean Seafood Market, can fit the bill.

Because seafood isn’t for everyone, the Cove also offers alternatives such as Frankie’s Wing & Things and Mickie’s Deli & Subs.

The port also offers a bit of shopping. Those who want to purchase a memento or two shouldn’t miss Captain Neal’s Ocean Treasures or Kyle’s SeaKrafts.

Late afternoon and nightly entertainment is featured at Grills, Fishlips, the Red Head Martini Bar & Cigar Bar and Copperhead Salon. While the Red Head offers a sophisticated cosmopolitan ambience, the Copperhead is country oriented. Both offer tasty appetizers and light fare.

Grills and Fishlips tend to be for those who like to rock the night away in an open-air setting. Grills tends to attract well-heeled Harley-Davidson’s to its parking areas, especially on Sunday afternoons and evenings, so motorcycle fans are sure to enjoy the show. Fishlips features a second-floor sports bar for high-definition game viewing.

Vacationers who want to rub elbows with space program employees should visit Grills, Fishlips and other happy hour Cove retreats on TGIF late afternoons as that is where many of the engineers and technicians congregate.

An unusual nightly entertainment the port also offers is shark fishing via one of its many charter boat operations.

            For more information about all the port has to offer, visit www.portcanaveral.org/funport/