Looking for an adventure only minutes away from Orlando? West Volusia, Florida has some that you might not have thought of before. Here is a list of some unique off the beaten path adventures in West Volusia.
Skydive Deland
Since 1982, SkyDive DeLand has been introducing, teaching and enjoying the sport of skydiving with new and experienced jumpers alike. One of the top Drop Zones in the world, SkyDive DeLand provides training for first-time jumpers on up to word-class competitive athletes.
One of West Volusia’s leading tourist attractions, Skydive DeLand is located just off of I-4 and is centrally located to many other attractions in the Central Florida area.
First jump? SkyDive DeLand offers different training options. Start with a tandem jump or go right into the freefall training program, known as AFF. These training methods are practiced throughout the world and both were actually developed in DeLand! Already a licensed skydiver? Some of the most prominent coaches in the world call Skydive DeLand their home.
DynoClimb
The area’s newest attractions, DynoClimb, is an indoor climbing gym. The gym gets its name as a play on “dinosaurs” (which are painted on the wall) and “dyno,” a term climbers use for an aggressive style of climbing tactic using a dynamic movement.
It’s not uncommon for Florida climbers to travel out west or go north to have better access to outdoor climbing and more indoor gyms. But DynoClimb offers this up-and-coming sport right down the street from DeLand’s historic main street.
Climbing is about to get a lot more attention as a 2020 Olympic Toyko sport and the indoor climbing industry is experiencing a growth spurt. In addition to classes and events, Dynoclimb also offers yoga and fitness classes.
Smooth Waters Wildlife Park
Everyone wants to see an alligator when they come to Florida. At Smooth Waters Wildlife Park, a growing Zoo and Crocodile Park located in DeLeon Springs, you can do just that. And you can even hold one and have your photo made with one!
Dedicated to education, conservation, and “Fun, Smiles, & Crocodiles” Smooth Waters offers interactive programs and experiences that are entertaining engaging and exciting.
In addition to the ever-popular alligator, the park is home to indigenous Florida flora and fauna and many exotic species, including Siamese Crocodiles, West African Nile Crocodiles, and Burmese Brown Mountain Tortoise.
Reptile Discovery Center
The Reptile Discovery Center in DeLand exposes visitors to a wide variety of reptile species. In the Center’s Serpentarium, dozens of the world’s most dangerous and exotic snakes are on display, including a thirteen-foot king cobra and a fourteen-foot Burmese python. The outside nature trail features alligators, lizards, tortoises and other reptiles which can be seen up close in their natural environments.
The Center is also home to Medtoxin Venom Laboratories. Medtoxin is a commercial venom production facility. Medtoxin collects venom from a wide variety of snakes, which is shipped around the world for making anti-venom and for use in pharmaceuticals and medical research. The Reptile Discovery Center is one of only a handful of facilities in the United States and around the world where venom extraction can be viewed safely in a comfortable setting. Only safety glass separates the viewing public from expert handlers and some of the world’s most dangerous snakes. The live venom extraction program — given at 11:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday — is guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat!
We hope you enjoy your off the beaten path adventures in West Volusia. If you can’t get them all in on this visit, well, there is always next time!