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All things Siesta Key. Stories, news, and event information about Sarasota, Florida's beautiful beach.
Fun Beach Activities for Calm and Gentle Waves
With a simple recipe of sun, sand, and waves, there is so much to do and explore during an afternoon at the beach. Tall waves for surfing, boogie boarding, and skimboarding are fantastic and undeniably fun. Even if these types of watersports aren’t your thing, everyone can appreciate swimming in the ocean and jumping with the waves or diving into a big wave to avoid getting tumbled around, or worse, getting sand in your bathing suit. However, not every day will experience big waves, and not every beach offers a surf suitable for surfing. Your friends here at Best Western Siesta Key are sharing a few exciting yet relaxing beach activities that are perfect for beach days with calm surf and small, gentle waves.
Break Out the Snorkel Gear
Explore what’s under the surface with your flippers, goggles, and snorkel. Calm surf with minimal waves allows you to relax and stay calm while snorkeling and swimming around with the fish. There is a low chance you will get knocked around or end up with a snorkel full of water thanks to an oncoming wave. Siesta Key also has beautiful clear water that gives you the perfect views of everything under the sea.
Go Diving for Shark’s Teeth
Diving for shark’s teeth is a popular activity for beachgoers on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Near Siesta Key, scuba divers can find these prehistoric treasures and more exciting sights deeper in the water. Diving is an exciting activity alone and something you can get certified to do right here in Sarasota. With a calm surf, the experience of diving in the iconic turquoise water is something we once thought was only possible in dreams or movies.
Blow Up Your Pool Floats
Whether swimming or floating in the Gulf, the small waves and gentle motion mean you won’t be drifting too far away from your starting point. This provides an ideal opportunity to relax in a doughnut float and take in the beach views, chat with friends, and enjoy a cold beverage to keep you hydrated. Pool floats are also a fun way for kids to safely get into the water with you.
Balance and Cruise on a Paddleboard
There is nothing quite as spectacular as cruising along the coast on a stand-up paddleboard (SUP). Most beaches, especially on the Atlantic Ocean, are often too rough to utilize a SUP as it makes it difficult to both paddle and balance. Not only does the Gulf of Mexico have optimal surf conditions for paddleboarding, but it is also a magnificent opportunity to spot dolphins playing in the water around you.
Build a Sandcastle Near the Water’s Edge
Everyone knows that the best sand for building sandcastles is the wet, gooey sand at the water’s edge. However, the problem with building sandcastles so close to the water is when large waves come crashing down and wash away all of your amazing architecture and hard work. Here on Siesta Key, we not only have the best sand for sandcastles, but the calm waves prove to be no threat to your kingdom.
Fill your beach day with relaxation, adventure, laughter, and memories that will last forever. Whether digging your toes in the white sand with kids or swimming in the turquoise water with friends, Siesta Key beach is second to none, no matter the surf conditions. After a day of fun in the sun, return “home” to Best Western Siesta Key to rest and recharge before waking up to do it all again.