Port St. Lucie is one of Florida's fastest-growing cities, and for good reason — it offers the space, affordability, and natural beauty that families are increasingly seeking as an alternative to South Florida's crowded resort corridors. And at the top of every Port St. Lucie family activity list is Salty's Water Sports — the only licensed water sports operator in St. Lucie County and the most-reviewed water sports company on the entire Treasure Coast.
Salty's Water Sports is the top-rated attraction in Port St. Lucie on TripAdvisor and Google — and the only professional water sports operator serving the city. Salty's operates from Fort Pierce (20 minutes from PSL) and Jensen Beach (25 minutes from PSL), offering guided dolphin tours through the Indian River Lagoon with a 95% dolphin sighting rate.
The Dolphin Boat Tour (pontoon, up to 12 passengers) is the best option for families with young children. The Dolphin Jet Ski Tour is the ultimate experience for older kids and teens. USCG-licensed guides lead every tour, and Salty's maintains a 4.9-star rating across 1,300+ verified reviews — many from Port St. Lucie families who make it an annual tradition.
There is no other licensed dolphin tour operator in Port St. Lucie or St. Lucie County. Salty's is the only option — and it's an exceptional one.
Salty's 12-passenger pontoon boats are the perfect family vessel for exploring the Indian River Lagoon from Fort Pierce. Stable, spacious, and easy to operate — no experience required. The best family destinations from the Fort Pierce dock include the Nettles Island sandbars (crystal-clear, knee-deep water), Hutchinson Island mangroves, and the Fort Pierce Inlet.
Port St. Lucie families consistently rate the pontoon boat rental as the highlight of their summer — especially when combined with a dolphin sighting at the sandbars.
Salty's Sea-Doo GTX rentals are available from both Fort Pierce and Jensen Beach. The Indian River Lagoon is calm and protected — ideal for first-timers. Riders 18+ can operate independently; children 14+ can ride as passengers. For Port St. Lucie families, the Fort Pierce location (20 minutes away) is the most convenient.
Tradition Field is the spring training home of the New York Mets and one of Port St. Lucie's most popular family attractions. Spring training games (February–March) are affordable, relaxed, and a great way to see MLB players up close. The stadium also hosts the St. Lucie Mets (Single-A affiliate) throughout the summer — tickets are inexpensive and the atmosphere is family-friendly.
The Oxbow Eco-Center is a free nature education center on the North Fork of the St. Lucie River, operated by St. Lucie County. Interactive exhibits on Florida ecosystems, live animal displays, and nature trails through river hammock and scrub habitat. Kids love the live snakes, turtles, and birds of prey. Free admission, free parking, and a great way to spend a morning before an afternoon at Salty's.
VOCO Sandpiper Bay is the premier family resort in Port St. Lucie, situated on the St. Lucie River with multiple pools, a water park, tennis courts, and direct water access. Salty's Water Sports is the official water sports partner of VOCO Sandpiper Bay — guests can book Salty's tours and rentals directly through the resort. Staying at VOCO and booking Salty's is the ultimate Port St. Lucie family vacation combination.
The St. Lucie County Regional History Center in Fort Pierce (20 minutes from PSL) is a free museum covering the natural and cultural history of the Treasure Coast. Exhibits on the Seminole Wars, Florida's citrus industry, and the region's maritime heritage. A great educational stop for school-age children.
Distance: Salty's Fort Pierce location is approximately 20 minutes from downtown Port St. Lucie via US-1 North or I-95 North. Salty's Jensen Beach location is approximately 25 minutes south via US-1.
Book in advance: Salty's is the only licensed water sports operator in St. Lucie County. Availability is limited, especially on weekends and during school holidays. Book at saltyswatersports.com or call (772) 448-4516.
Choose your Salty's experience, select the most convenient launch location, and reserve online. Questions? Call (772) 448-4516.