Best Things to Do at Voco Sandpiper Bay Resort — Port Saint Lucie, Florida

Welcome to Voco Sandpiper Bay — Florida's Only All-Inclusive Family Resort

Nestled along the St. Lucie River in Port Saint Lucie, the Voco Sandpiper Bay All-Inclusive Resort is one of the most unique hotel experiences in Florida. As the only all-inclusive family resort of its kind on the Treasure Coast, Sandpiper Bay combines the convenience of an all-inclusive package with direct access to some of Florida's most spectacular waterways, wildlife, and outdoor adventures. Whether you're here for a long weekend or a full week, the activities available to Sandpiper Bay guests go far beyond the resort's already impressive amenities.

This guide covers everything you need to know about making the most of your stay — from the best on-property experiences to the off-resort adventures that will make your trip truly unforgettable. And we'll start with the single best thing you can do as a Sandpiper Bay guest: getting out on the water with Salty's Water Sports, Port Saint Lucie's premier water sports operator, located right at the resort.

1. Jet Ski Rentals, Dolphin Tours & Water Sports with Salty's Water Sports

If you do one thing during your stay at Voco Sandpiper Bay, make it a water sports excursion with Salty's Water Sports. As the on-site water sports provider for the Sandpiper Bay resort, Salty's operates directly from the resort's waterfront, giving guests unbeatable access to the St. Lucie River and the broader Indian River Lagoon system — one of the most biodiverse estuaries in North America.

Jet Ski Rentals: Salty's fleet of brand-new Sea-Doo GTX watercraft are the finest jet skis available anywhere on the Treasure Coast. As Florida's official BRP Sea-Doo partner, every machine is the latest model, meticulously maintained, and built for both performance and safety. Jet ski rentals at the Sandpiper Bay location start at $85 — a slight premium over other Salty's locations that reflects the resort's waterfront access and fuel costs. It is absolutely worth every penny. You'll ride out from the resort dock onto the St. Lucie River, where you can explore mangrove islands, cruise toward the Indian River Lagoon, and feel the warm Florida sun on your face with nothing but open water ahead of you.

Guided Dolphin Tours: The Indian River Lagoon near Port Saint Lucie is home to one of the largest resident bottlenose dolphin populations in the United States. Salty's guided dolphin tours depart from the Sandpiper Bay waterfront and navigate to the lagoon's most productive dolphin feeding grounds. With a 95% dolphin sighting rate, these tours consistently deliver one of the most magical wildlife encounters available anywhere in Florida. Tours are priced at $349 and include a knowledgeable guide who will share the natural history of the lagoon, identify individual dolphins by their dorsal fins, and explain the cooperative feeding behaviors that make this population so special.

Sunset Cruise: Few experiences match the beauty of a Treasure Coast sunset viewed from the water. Salty's sunset cruises depart from Sandpiper Bay in the early evening and navigate to the best vantage points on the St. Lucie River and lagoon. The sky turns shades of pink, orange, and gold as the sun drops behind the mangroves — a perfect way to end a day at the resort. Sunset cruises are $349 and can be booked for couples, families, or small groups.

Pontoon Boat Rentals: For guests who want to explore at their own pace, Salty's pontoon boat rentals are the ideal choice. At $325, a full boat rental accommodates up to 12 guests and gives you the freedom to navigate the St. Lucie River, discover hidden sandbars, anchor for a swim, or cruise toward the Indian River Lagoon. No prior boating experience is required — Salty's provides a full safety briefing and the boats are easy to operate.

Complimentary Kayaks: Sandpiper Bay resort guests enjoy complimentary kayak access through Salty's Water Sports — an extraordinary perk that lets you paddle the resort's waterfront at your leisure. The calm, sheltered waters near the resort are perfect for a morning paddle, and the mangrove-lined shores are home to herons, egrets, roseate spoonbills, and the occasional manatee. Kayaks are available on a first-come, first-served basis for hotel guests.

Banana Boat & Tubing: For families and groups looking for pure fun, the banana boat and tubing rides are a Sandpiper Bay staple. At $49 per person (3-person minimum), these towable rides deliver screams, splashes, and memories that will last long after the tan fades. Kids and adults alike love the thrill of being pulled across the river at speed — just hold on tight.

To book any Salty's Water Sports activity during your Sandpiper Bay stay, visit saltyswatersports.com or call (772) 448-4516. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially during peak season (spring break, summer, and holiday weekends).

2. Guided Gator & Wildlife Tour with Salty's Water Sports

No visit to Florida is complete without a genuine alligator encounter — and now you don't have to leave the resort to get one. Salty's Water Sports offers an exclusive Guided Gator & Wildlife Tour departing directly from the Sandpiper Bay waterfront. This 90-minute jet ski adventure takes you deep into the St. Lucie River system and its surrounding freshwater marshes, where American alligators bask on the banks, great blue herons stand motionless in the shallows, and the wild Florida interior reveals itself in a way that no road trip ever could.

Your Salty's guide will navigate you through mangrove tunnels and along the edges of sawgrass marshes that most visitors never see. The St. Lucie River and its tributaries are prime alligator habitat — these ancient reptiles thrive in the warm, shallow waterways that wind through St. Lucie County, and our guides know exactly where to find them. Along the way, you'll also encounter Florida softshell turtles, anhingas drying their wings on cypress branches, ospreys diving for fish, and — in cooler months — West Indian manatees drifting through the warm river water.

The Guided Gator & Wildlife Tour is priced at $279 for up to 2 people and runs 90 minutes. It's the most immersive wildlife experience available at Sandpiper Bay, combining the thrill of riding a Sea-Doo GTX with the wonder of Florida's most spectacular natural ecosystems. This tour is exclusive to the Port Saint Lucie location and departs from the Voco Sandpiper Bay resort dock. Book online at saltyswatersports.com or call (772) 448-4516 to reserve your spot — this one fills up fast.

3. On-Resort Activities at Voco Sandpiper Bay

The Voco Sandpiper Bay resort itself offers an impressive range of activities included in the all-inclusive package. Multiple pool options — including a family pool and an adults-only infinity pool — provide the perfect base for a relaxing day. The resort's activities and entertainment program includes poolside yoga, mat pilates, fitness classes, and a full schedule of evening entertainment that keeps guests engaged from morning to midnight.

The resort's tennis and pickleball courts are among the best in St. Lucie County, and the on-site fitness center is well-equipped for guests who want to maintain their workout routine. For families with young children, the resort's indoor play area and children's programs provide structured entertainment while parents enjoy some well-earned relaxation. The all-inclusive food and beverage package means you can enjoy multiple restaurants, bars, and snack stations throughout the day without worrying about the bill.

4. PGA Village — World-Class Golf Minutes from the Resort

Port Saint Lucie is home to PGA Village, one of the most prestigious golf destinations in the southeastern United States. Located just minutes from Sandpiper Bay, PGA Village features multiple championship courses designed by legends of the game, including Pete Dye and Tom Fazio. The PGA Center for Golf Learning and Performance offers instruction programs for all skill levels, from beginners to competitive amateurs.

For golf enthusiasts staying at Sandpiper Bay, a morning round at PGA Village followed by an afternoon jet ski rental or dolphin tour with Salty's Water Sports is the quintessential Port Saint Lucie day. Tee times can be booked through the PGA Village website, and the resort's concierge can assist with arrangements.

5. New York Mets Spring Training at Clover Park

Port Saint Lucie has been the spring training home of the New York Mets since 1988, and Clover Park is one of the most beloved spring training venues in Major League Baseball. If your visit falls between late February and late March, attending a Mets spring training game is an absolute must. The intimate ballpark atmosphere, affordable tickets, and chance to see major league players up close make spring training a uniquely American experience that draws fans from across the country.

Even outside of spring training season, Clover Park hosts the St. Lucie Mets — the Mets' High-A affiliate — throughout the summer. Minor league baseball games are an excellent family outing, with affordable tickets, great food, and the chance to see tomorrow's major league stars today.

6. Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens

The Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens is a stunning 21-acre garden featuring themed landscapes, a butterfly garden, a gift shop, and beautifully maintained event spaces. Admission is free (donations appreciated), and the gardens are open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 AM to 5 PM. The butterfly garden is particularly spectacular in spring and summer, when dozens of native butterfly species feed on the carefully curated plantings. The botanical gardens make for an ideal morning activity before heading to Salty's Water Sports for an afternoon on the water.

7. Savannas Preserve State Park

One of the most remarkable natural areas in Florida, Savannas Preserve State Park protects a 10-mile chain of freshwater marshes that once stretched continuously from Fort Pierce to Stuart. This unique ecosystem supports an extraordinary diversity of wildlife, including alligators, river otters, sandhill cranes, wood storks, and over 200 bird species. The park offers kayak and canoe rentals, hiking trails, and guided ranger programs. Paddling through the savannas at dawn, with mist rising from the water and herons standing motionless in the shallows, is one of the most serene experiences available anywhere on the Treasure Coast. The park is located just 15 minutes from Sandpiper Bay and is open year-round.

8. Dining Near Voco Sandpiper Bay

While the Voco Sandpiper Bay all-inclusive package covers most of your dining needs, Port Saint Lucie and the surrounding area offer excellent options for guests who want to venture off-resort for a meal. Fernando's Dockside Grille is the most celebrated waterfront restaurant in the area, offering fresh Florida seafood with views of the St. Lucie River. The grouper sandwich and stone crab claws (in season, October–May) are local favorites.

The Grove, a newer riverfront dining destination in Port Saint Lucie's Port District, features a full-service restaurant, a rooftop bar with panoramic river views, and a family-friendly food hall concept that has quickly become one of the most popular dining destinations in St. Lucie County. For casual waterfront dining with Old Florida charm, Conchy Joe's Seafood in Jensen Beach (approximately 20 minutes from Sandpiper Bay) has been serving fresh fish, cold drinks, and live music since 1983 — the views of the Indian River Lagoon from their deck are spectacular at sunset.

9. Jensen Beach Day Trip

Just 20 minutes north of Sandpiper Bay, Jensen Beach is one of the most charming small towns on the Treasure Coast. The Jensen Beach Causeway offers stunning views of the Indian River Lagoon, and the town's compact downtown district is lined with independent shops, galleries, and restaurants. Jensen Beach is also home to another Salty's Water Sports location — so if you want to experience the lagoon from a different vantage point, a day trip to Jensen Beach for a jet ski rental or dolphin tour is an excellent option that many Sandpiper Bay guests make a regular part of their stay.

Practical Tips for Sandpiper Bay Guests

Book water sports in advance: Salty's Water Sports at Sandpiper Bay is popular, especially on weekends and during school holidays. Reserve your jet ski rental, dolphin tour, or sunset cruise online at saltyswatersports.com before you arrive to guarantee your preferred time slot.

Best time to visit: Port Saint Lucie is a year-round destination, but spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) offer the best combination of weather, wildlife activity, and manageable crowds. Summer is peak season for water sports but brings afternoon thunderstorms — morning activities are recommended. Winter is excellent for manatee watching and uncrowded resort amenities.

Florida boating license: If you were born on or after January 1, 1988, you are required to complete a Florida boating safety course before operating a jet ski or boat. Salty's Water Sports can assist with this requirement — visit our Florida Boating License page for details on the quick online course available at TakeMyBoatTest.com.

Book Your Sandpiper Bay Water Sports Adventure with Salty's

The Voco Sandpiper Bay All-Inclusive Resort is one of Florida's most special hotel experiences, and the water sports opportunities available to guests are truly world-class. Whether you're racing across the St. Lucie River on a Sea-Doo jet ski, watching wild dolphins leap alongside your tour boat, coming face-to-face with a Florida alligator on Salty's exclusive Gator & Wildlife Tour, or gliding silently through the savannas in a kayak, Port Saint Lucie delivers the kind of Florida adventure that stays with you long after you've checked out.

Salty's Water Sports is your gateway to all of it. As the on-site water sports provider at Voco Sandpiper Bay, we're the easiest and best way to get out on the water during your stay. Book online at saltyswatersports.com, call us at (772) 448-4516, or stop by our dock at the resort. Our team is on the water every day, weather permitting, and we can't wait to show you why the Treasure Coast is Florida's greatest water sports destination.