Grande Lakes Orlando, comprised of The Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott properties, is expanding its adventure program at a new hub for all things adventure on property: Grande Lakes Sports. Located on a sweeping 500 acres at the headwaters of the Florida Everglades, Grande Lakes incorporates the resort’s natural surroundings into its activity offerings. The Grande Lakes Sports program now comprises all of the resort’s outdoor activities, from kayak eco-tours and safaris to the just-launched mountain bike trail and seaplane expeditions. The Hidden Lake bike trail offers guests 13 and older a 2-mile mountain bike route on the property’s new SCOTT bicycles. Guests can venture on the trail at their own pace or embark on a guided ride led by the hotels’ resident “trail boss,” who will point out the best places to catch a glimpse of wildlife along the way.
Also available are seaplane excursions. The Ultimate Fishing Adventure takes guests on a 30-minute flight on the resort’s private seaplane to the upper reaches of the historic St. John’s River, Florida’s longest freshwater river and a region accessible primarily by airboat. Once there, guests will enjoy three hours of guided fishing from the shore. A private seaplane sightseeing aerial tour of Orlando excursion is also available. The 45-minute flying adventure includes views of the Orlando theme parks and is available for up to four people. The seaplane departs and lands on one of the 12 lakes located at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes.
In addition to biking and seaplane excursions, the Grande Lakes Sports program includes a Sunrise Safari led by professionally certified Florida master naturalists, during which guests have the chance to spot whitetail deer, bobcat, North American river otter, fox, raccoons, alligators and a host of birds ranging from great horned owls to roseate spoonbills. Safari-goers will also stop at the property’s 18,000-sq.-ft. Whisper Creek Farm, which features a chicken coop and a vegetable and fruit garden that provides fresh ingredients used in culinary offerings throughout the resort. The Grande Lakes Sports program includes two complimentary bikes per day for the bike trail. Eco tours on Shingle Creek and fishing excursions are an additional charge. Rates at the JW Marriott Orlando start at $139 per night. Rates at The Ritz-Carlton start at $249 per night. For more information, call (407) 393-4531 or visit grandelakes.com.
