Watching as a 10-story “gantry” crane swings containers like an acrobat from ship to shore is something most members of the public rarely get to see close up, or even at all. But at Florida’s marine terminal and airport tours, visitors can see the inner-workings of ports, where typical mega-cranes might move 30 containers an hour.

“This gives the members of the community an opportunity to see the port and see what it does,” says Anne O’Roake, spokeswoman for Port Manatee, the Manatee County Port Authority. “They can see the ships that are in that day.” Tours at Port Manatee, which sits south of Tampa and north of Bradenton, are given every Monday and Wednesday from October 29 to May 14. These are free public tram tours, which O’Roake says are popular with snowbirds. Tours are led by a veteran broadcaster; guests can sit down while the guide gives “color commentary” on the port at work.

Like marine ports, airports also offer tours of their inner workings and some even hold special open houses.

What work it is. Tour topics include Del Monte’s fruit import operations and a conservation spoil island created with dredge material. A highlight for this fall is a new, $3.9 million crane, delivered just in time for melon season.

Like marine ports, airports also offer tours of their inner workings and some even hold special open houses. Each November, Page Field General Aviation Airport in Fort Myers holds an Aviation Day that features fire and police demonstrations and kid-friendly visitors like Jay Jay the Jet Plane. Details about the event may be found at www.flylcpa.com.

Airports and ports across the state offer tours. Here are but a few:

• The Miami International Airport offers daily tours by reservation. Call 305-869-3877 or visit online at
www.miami-airport.com

• Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport offers tours that include public art programs, history and safety. Information on the tours is at www.broward.org/airport

• Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport offers tours by appointment. Call 941-359-2770 or visit
www.srq-airport.com

• Jacksonville’s JAXPORT offers a 45-minute bus tour of one of Northeast Florida’s most important economic engines.To arrange a free tour call 904-357-3080 or visit www.jaxport.com