Looking for something different in the midst of Orlando? Check out all the waterfront fun at Buena Vista Watersports at Paradise Cove.
Amidst the tangle of highways, hotels, souvenir shops, and restaurants, and multiple theme parks and attractions that comprise the tourist mecca of Orlando exists a hidden little piece of laid-back heaven. With Key West as the inspiration, right down to the white wrap-around verandas, the aptly named Paradise Cove is situated on Lake Bryan and features a white sand beach, a variety of palm and cypress trees, tropical foliage, and a sun-washed pier with a covered seating area. Altogether, it quite literally forms an oasis that is mere seconds from Interstate #4.
It’s the perfect backdrop for a wedding or special event, it’s a photographer’s dream come true, and it’s the ideal location for Buena Vista Watersports. This place offers the kind of on-the-water fun that’s much different from the local theme parks. With pontoon and kayak rentals, paddle boarding, tubing, wakeboarding, and jet ski rentals, there’s no shortage of things to do.
For novice jet skiers that are perhaps a bit wary of the roughness of the ocean, Paradise Cove/Buena Vista Watersports is an excellent place to start. For starters, Lake Bryan is small enough that it’s impossible to get lost, there isn’t much water traffic to worry about, and the ride is fairly smooth but for a few small waves made by other jet skiers. And no matter where the rider is on the lake, they can be seen by the Buena Vista representatives on the beach. If any trouble occurs, help is there within minutes. That said, the lake is still big enough to get a good run on a jet ski and feel the freedom of a wide-open space… which is something that is rarely found at the crowded theme parks of the area.
For those that are new to wakeboarding and water skiing, Buena Vista also offers instructors. And with every rental package, beach access and beach volleyball are included in the price.
Unlike most watersports locations that offer price points and packages based on an hour or more, it’s a nice change of pace that Buena Vista offers 15-minute and half-hour packages as well, for visitors looking for just a small taste of an activity. And for friends and family that don’t wish to participate, there’s no better place to observe than from the colorful Muskoka chairs on the white sand beach.
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- Paradise Cove
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- Buena Vista Watersports
We found the staff to be friendly and helpful, not to mention quick to respond to any issues. The jet skis were well maintained and the beach and surrounding area are kept very clean. We were impressed with the number of watersports available, the reasonable pricing, and how quickly “Orlando” seemed to fall away as we headed toward the tropical and laid-back setting.
So if you’re looking for a change of pace and a relaxing getaway from the traffic-packed highways, the line-ups of theme parks, and the monotony of souvenir shops and restaurants, then be sure to visit Paradise Cove and Buena Vista Watersports. It will feel like you’ve kicked back for a day in the Florida Keys… and you won’t be sorry that you did.