2 Perfect Days in Fort Pierce: The Ultimate Water Sports Weekend

Why Fort Pierce Deserves Two Days

Most visitors to Fort Pierce plan a single afternoon on the water and leave wishing they had booked more time. The Indian River Lagoon at Fort Pierce is unlike any other waterway in Florida — calm, clear, and teeming with wildlife, with the Fort Pierce Inlet just minutes away where the Atlantic Ocean flows in and creates some of the most beautiful, crystal-clear water on the entire Treasure Coast. One day is simply not enough.

The good news: Fort Pierce is easy to reach from anywhere on the Treasure Coast. It's just 15 to 20 minutes from Port Saint Lucie and Vero Beach, making it the natural hub for a full water sports weekend — close enough to be convenient, spectacular enough to be worth the drive.

Here's how to make the most of two days at Salty's Water Sports in Fort Pierce.

Day 1: Jet Skis, Dolphins, and a Full Fort Pierce Adventure

Start your morning at Salty's Water Sports at 601 Seaway Drive on Hutchinson Island, right on the Indian River Lagoon. Arrive at least 30 minutes before your booking with your credit card and a valid photo ID. If you need a Florida boating certificate, Salty's offers a quick 15-minute on-site test for $13.97 — no advance prep required.

Morning: Jet Ski Dolphin Tour — Book a guided jet ski dolphin tour on a Sea-Doo GTX, the most advanced personal watercraft on the market. Your Salty's guide will lead you across the lagoon's glassy surface to the resident dolphin feeding grounds near the Fort Pierce Inlet. With a 95% dolphin sighting rate, you're almost guaranteed an encounter with Fort Pierce's famous resident bottlenose dolphin pods. The calm, protected lagoon water makes this experience accessible to complete beginners — if you've never ridden a jet ski before, Fort Pierce is the perfect place to start.

Mid-Morning: Harbor Branch Oceanographic Aquarium — Directly across from Salty's, the Harbor Branch Aquarium is the perfect next stop. Kids can touch live sea creatures and learn about the same dolphins, manatees, and sea turtles they just spotted on the water. Low admission, easy parking, and genuinely educational — plan about an hour.

Afternoon: South Causeway Beach — A five-minute drive from Salty's and the aquarium, South Causeway Beach is the ideal place to decompress after a morning of adventure. Lagoon-side swimming, picnic tables, a boat ramp, and free parking. Pack a cooler, wade in the calm shallows, and watch the boats pass through the causeway. It's the perfect end to a perfect Fort Pierce day.

Evening: Downtown Fort Pierce — Head into historic downtown Fort Pierce for dinner. The waterfront dining scene is excellent — fresh seafood, local craft beer, and a relaxed Florida atmosphere. The Sunrise Theatre occasionally has evening performances worth checking in advance.

Day 2: Pontoon Boat, Hidden Islands, and Sandbars

Day 2 is all about exploration at your own pace. Rent a pontoon boat from Salty's and spend the day discovering Fort Pierce's boat-only accessible islands and sandbars — places you simply cannot reach any other way.

Morning: Pontoon Boat Rental — Our pontoon boats accommodate up to 12 guests and are perfect for families, groups of friends, and anyone who wants a relaxed, self-guided adventure. No boating experience required — the Indian River Lagoon's calm, protected waters are forgiving for first-time captains, and Salty's provides a thorough orientation before you depart. Fuel is not included; plan to fill up at the dock before heading out.

The Hidden Sandbars and Islands — Navigate toward the Fort Pierce Inlet and you'll discover a series of shallow sandbars and mangrove-fringed islands that are completely inaccessible by land. Drop anchor, wade in water so clear you can see the bottom, let the kids splash in the shallows, and fish for snook and redfish in the mangrove edges. The Fort Pierce Inlet's proximity means the water here is constantly refreshed by Atlantic tides — it's some of the most beautiful, clear water you'll find in Florida.

Afternoon: Fishing and Wildlife — The Indian River Lagoon near Fort Pierce is world-renowned for snook, redfish, trout, and tarpon. Bring your own gear and a valid Florida fishing license, and you'll have access to some of the best inshore fishing in the state. Keep an eye out for manatees — they're commonly spotted near the mangrove edges, especially in the morning hours.

Return and Sunset — Head back to the Salty's dock in the late afternoon, then drive up to the Fort Pierce Inlet State Park for a sunset walk on the beach. The view of the Atlantic from the inlet jetty at golden hour is one of the most underrated sunsets in Florida.

Day 3 (Bonus): National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum

If you have a third day or want a land-based activity, the National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum is a must. Fort Pierce is where the original Navy Frogmen — the predecessors to the modern Navy SEALs — trained during World War II, and this is the only museum in the world dedicated to their history. Packed with weapons, submarines, aircraft, and interactive exhibits. Plan 1.5–2 hours and bring the kids.

Practical Details

Getting there: Salty's Water Sports Fort Pierce is located at 601 Seaway Drive, Fort Pierce, FL 34949, on Hutchinson Island directly on the Indian River Lagoon. From Port Saint Lucie, it's approximately 15–20 minutes via US-1 or the Florida Turnpike to the Seaway Drive exit. From Vero Beach, it's also 15–20 minutes south on US-1. Free parking is available on-site.

What to bring: Photo ID, the credit card used for booking, a separate card for the security deposit ($300 for jet skis, $750 for boats), water shoes or Crocs (required — pairs available at the Salty's desk for $15), sunscreen, sunglasses, and a change of clothes. Arrive at least 30 minutes before your booking time.

Book in advance: Fort Pierce is Salty's busiest location, and weekends fill up fast. Book online at saltyswatersports.com or call (772) 448-4516 to check availability.