Vero Beach 2014 Information & Adoration Thread

[PammyK]

I have read that you can do a guided tour with kayaks. Is this right at the resort or somewhere nearby? Has anyone done this and if so, was it worth it? Also, does anyone know if they offer stand up paddle boarding?

Thanks for any info....we leave in 10 days !

There is a guided kayak excursion offered through the resort. Last time I checked I believe it was $40/person for members and $45/person for non-members. I did this once and besides nearly giving myself heat stroke, I really enjoyed it. You'll meet at the resort and hop in a van. When I went several years ago, we drove south on A1A for a while before arriving at the launch site. We paddled south in the Indian River Lagoon to an island where we rested and enjoyed some snacks before heading back to the boat ramp. Best part for me was getting back to the ramp we were greeted by a few manatees who almost seemed to be trying to help us back to shore.

I'd definitely recommend being in decent shape (unlike me) as it can be somewhat strenuous, especially if you've never kayaked before. The hardest part for me was working the rudder pedals with my feet inside the kayak. I also strongly recommend wearing light colored clothing AND a light colored hat and applying a liberal coating of sunscreen on all exposed skin. There is no shade out on the lagoon, so if there are no clouds you'll be in direct sunlight the entire time, with reflections off the water and you want light colored clothing to reflect the radiant energy rather dark clothing that will absorb it. Also, get yourself well hydrated before setting out on the kayaks as you will sweat out in the sun.

Regarding stand up paddle boards, Sea Breeze just added a pair to the beach rental options this summer. They didn't have them when I was there for Memorial Day, but when I went down for Tour de Turtles, they were available.

 

[Lakee911]

I think it's available through the resort but it's off site. I've heard good things about it.

 

[MrsH42608]

Hanover I saw that Groupon for Squidlips but was a little unsure of what you could get off the menu. What can you use it for?

We ate there last time and enjoyed it.

I just got one the Groupons! Thanks for mentioning it, we'll be there 4wks from today. The one I bought is for 2 appetizers & 4 entrees for $55.

 

[FormrCastMbr]

Yes, there is a guided kayak your through the resort. It's offsite but they shuttle you. It's in the fort pierce area. Just wanted to add, we did it last year and it's lots of fun! Amanda who work I recreation and a lifeguard was our cm and we were met by a gentleman from the kayak tour. We saw lots of manatees!

 

[Gillyrose779]

Hello and great thread!

We will be staying at Vero Beach for the first time this 11/26-11/29.

This will be during Thanksgiving as well as our 10 year anniversary. It will be us and our two young boys.

I know there is a Thanksgiving buffet but is there anything else to know? Does anyone have any ideas for something special I can do for my husband?

 

[Hanover]

I just got one the Groupons! Thanks for mentioning it, we'll be there 4wks from today. The one I bought is for 2 appetizers & 4 entrees for $55.

You are welcome.

That's the one we also chose.

Have fun and enjoy!

 

[Hanover]

I have read that you can do a guided tour with kayaks. Is this right at the resort or somewhere nearby? Has anyone done this and if so, was it worth it? Also, does anyone know if they offer stand up paddle boarding?

Thanks for any info....we leave in 10 days !

When I checked last week the kayak tours were $40 per person and offered on Tuesday and Thursdays from 8:45-12:45.They also had a 10 mile bike tour for $10 per person but I can't recall the days/times. They had fishing lessons too.

Every day you could meet a turtle watch biologist on the beach at 7AM. We never got up that early, so we didn't get to do this event.

The camp fire sing alongs/s'mores were Mon/Wed/Fri/Saturday.

 

[RLRDA]

There is a guided kayak excursion offered through the resort. Last time I checked I believe it was $40/person for members and $45/person for non-members. I did this once and besides nearly giving myself heat stroke, I really enjoyed it. You'll meet at the resort and hop in a van. When I went several years ago, we drove south on A1A for a while before arriving at the launch site. We paddled south in the Indian River Lagoon to an island where we rested and enjoyed some snacks before heading back to the boat ramp. Best part for me was getting back to the ramp we were greeted by a few manatees who almost seemed to be trying to help us back to shore.

I'd definitely recommend being in decent shape (unlike me) as it can be somewhat strenuous, especially if you've never kayaked before. The hardest part for me was working the rudder pedals with my feet inside the kayak. I also strongly recommend wearing light colored clothing AND a light colored hat and applying a liberal coating of sunscreen on all exposed skin. There is no shade out on the lagoon, so if there are no clouds you'll be in direct sunlight the entire time, with reflections off the water and you want light colored clothing to reflect the radiant energy rather dark clothing that will absorb it. Also, get yourself well hydrated before setting out on the kayaks as you will sweat out in the sun.

Regarding stand up paddle boards, Sea Breeze just added a pair to the beach rental options this summer. They didn't have them when I was there for Memorial Day, but when I went down for Tour de Turtles, they were available.

I think it's available through the resort but it's off site. I've heard good things about it.

Yes, there is a guided kayak your through the resort. It's offsite but they shuttle you. It's in the fort pierce area. Just wanted to add, we did it last year and it's lots of fun! Amanda who work I recreation and a lifeguard was our cm and we were met by a gentleman from the kayak tour. We saw lots of manatees!

Thanks for the replies! I have gone kayaking a few times in the past so I know what to expect but I don't recall having to operate a rudder (just paddling). We will definitely check out the specifics once we get there as well as the paddle boarding (which is a request of DS15).

 

[RLRDA]

When I checked last week the kayak tours were $40 per person and offered on Tuesday and Thursdays from 8:45-12:45.They also had a 10 mile bike tour for $10 per person but I can't recall the days/times. They had fishing lessons too.

Every day you could meet a turtle watch biologist on the beach at 7AM. We never got up that early, so we didn't get to do this event.

The camp fire sing alongs/s'mores were Mon/Wed/Fri/Saturday.

Great info, thanks! Might be worth it to set the alarm one day for the turtles...I can always take a nap on the beach later.

I'm looking forward to a low key vacation with some fun things mixed in.

 

[lcataldimay]

Good morning. I am currently at Vero and have some bread, lunchmeat, milk, and cheese that I would like to give to someone. Please private message me if you are interested.

 

[PammyK]

Great info, thanks! Might be worth it to set the alarm one day for the turtles...I can always take a nap on the beach later.

I'm looking forward to a low key vacation with some fun things mixed in.

While you can't guarantee any nearby nesting or hatching activity to survey on any given morning, IMO it is still worth it to set the alarm and get out to meet the Disney's Animal Programs Cast Member one morning. Give yourself a few extra minutes and you'll also be able to enjoy sunrise on the beach.

if early morning doesn't work, on Tuesday evenings, the Animal Programs Cast Member gives a turtle presentation in Community Hall. It is usually at 7pm.

 

[bbn1122]

While you can't guarantee any nearby nesting or hatching activity to survey on any given morning, IMO it is still worth it to set the alarm and get out to meet the Disney's Animal Programs Cast Member one morning. Give yourself a few extra minutes and you'll also be able to enjoy sunrise on the beach.

if early morning doesn't work, on Tuesday evenings, the Animal Programs Cast Member gives a turtle presentation in Community Hall. It is usually at 7pm.

Thanks for your insight. We will be there next Sunday for 4 nights. I am hoping to get my middle son, the animal lover to get up with me one morning and meet the biologist.

 

[Hopefully]

We are planning our October visit today and I have a few questions. I should know, as this is our 3rd Vero visit, but I plead ignorance
I think I read that they have discontinued the Thursday evening seafood buffet. Is that correct?
I have now been diagnosed with moderate to severe COPD and am on supplemental oxygen, as needed (More than I like). I am trying to problem solve walking/getting to the beach (to be with DH who loves the beach) Can I reserve a beach lounger, umbrella and chair for the 6 days we will be there. The value for me is getting a chair/lounger right at the bottom of the stairs. I know I will be short of breath and I am trying to manage.
Thanks for your help

 

[PammyK]

We are planning our October visit today and I have a few questions. I should know, as this is our 3rd Vero visit, but I plead ignorance
I think I read that they have discontinued the Thursday evening seafood buffet. Is that correct?
I have now been diagnosed with moderate to severe COPD and am on supplemental oxygen, as needed (More than I like). I am trying to problem solve walking/getting to the beach (to be with DH who loves the beach) Can I reserve a beach lounger, umbrella and chair for the 6 days we will be there. The value for me is getting a chair/lounger right at the bottom of the stairs. I know I will be short of breath and I am trying to manage.
Thanks for your help

Unfortunately, you can't pre-reserve for all 6 days at once. That said, the Sea Breeze guys are really accommodating and once they know your needs/preferences, they'll try to keep you in the same spot everyday. It is usually the same couple of guys, so they get to know the guests pretty quickly.

 

[FormrCastMbr]

We are planning our October visit today and I have a few questions. I should know, as this is our 3rd Vero visit, but I plead ignorance I think I read that they have discontinued the Thursday evening seafood buffet. Is that correct? I have now been diagnosed with moderate to severe COPD and am on supplemental oxygen, as needed (More than I like). I am trying to problem solve walking/getting to the beach (to be with DH who loves the beach) Can I reserve a beach lounger, umbrella and chair for the 6 days we will be there. The value for me is getting a chair/lounger right at the bottom of the stairs. I know I will be short of breath and I am trying to manage. Thanks for your help

We were just in vero last week and guests were reserving spots the night before.

 

[bbn1122]

For anyone at VB now or recently, how warm is the ocean water? And how was your weather. We will be there this Sunday.....thanks?. And how was the surf?

Also someone mentioned the wave runner rentals were one vehicle at a time. Meaning you could rent two at one time to go out together. Is this true?

 

[FormrCastMbr]

We were there 7/31 - 8/4 and the weather was beautiful most of the time. Some rain at night a a sprinkle on a couple day for no longer than 15 minutes. The surf was rough one day but the others were normal.

I only saw one wave runner going out at a time. Not sure if this is the norm. They only had 2 running and one was used for the banana rides.

 

[Hopefully]

We were just in vero last week and guests were reserving spots the night before.

Thank You for your reply. I really am worrying about this. Needing the supplemental oxygen is new to me and I am learning to cope. Not having to walk too far to get to the stairs is important. I'm hoping and praying I can still do it. I will be short of breath going up the stairs, but I don't want to be short of breath when I reach the stairs.
One other question. How is the beach? Is there a "Cliff" in the sand to get to the water. A few years ago, after a major storm, there was an 8 foot cliff to climb from the ocean up to the rest of the beach. I know I won't be able to do that if it is there now.
Thanks in Advance

 

[Hopefully]

We were just in vero last week and guests were reserving spots the night before.

Duplicate Sorry

 

[Belle & Ariel]

Thank You for your reply. I really am worrying about this. Needing the supplemental oxygen is new to me and I am learning to cope. Not having to walk too far to get to the stairs is important. I'm hoping and praying I can still do it. I will be short of breath going up the stairs, but I don't want to be short of breath when I reach the stairs.
One other question. How is the beach? Is there a "Cliff" in the sand to get to the water. A few years ago, after a major storm, there was an 8 foot cliff to climb from the ocean up to the rest of the beach. I know I won't be able to do that if it is there now.
Thanks in Advance

The cliff was gone when we were there in May.