LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY
No experience needed
TRIP ORIGINATION
Orlando International Airport
NEXT TRIP
February 8, 2009 to
February 18, 2009
GROUND TRANSPORATION
Yes
PRICE
$1,300 per person $700.00 per person |
Trip Overview
Come paddle the natural wonders of Central Florida. Immerse yourself in this one-of-a kind subtropical wonderland. On this trip, you'll experience the magical Florida waterways that enchanted the early explorers. We will kayak several scenic bodies of water inhabited by dolphin, manatee, and alligators. Cool, spring-fed rivers and primeval forests offer outstanding opportunities for swimming, exploring, and playing in pure rejuvenating water bursting from the aquifer.
Each waterway offers its own challenges and charms. Every evening we will return to our highly rated, Florida-style inn shaded by century-old oak trees. This two-story log home is a perfect place to spend the evening exchanging memories of the day and to enjoy a rocking chair on the expansive porch.
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7 Day Itinerary
DAY 1 Airport pick up. Settle into our lodge, happy hour and enjoy our first group meal together. Afterwards we will walk down to the river and receive basic instruction on kayaking.
DAY 2 Shuttle to Rock Springs run, snorkel, swim, and explore the large springs. An Adventures in Florida Leader will teach basic kayak instruction, then we will make our way down the spring run to the confluence of the Wekiwa River. Keep an eye out for alligators, otters, wild hog, and swimming deer.
Lunch is served picnic style at the sight of an ancient Indian midden.
DAY 3 New Smyrna and Canaveral National Seashore. The day will be spent paddling the many islands in the lagoon and hiking on the still undeveloped beaches.
DAY 4 An exciting day for wildlife viewing! We will make our way into the Lower Wekiwa river basin and meet up with the St. Johns River, which is rich with wildlife – so have your camera ready. Turtles and large alligators, sunning on logs or the riverbanks, can be observed at distances determined by the strength of your nerves or the power of your binoculars. In addition, we will have the opportunity to observe heaps of wading birds.
Our take out for the day will be at Blue Spring State Park. At this time of year, not only can we view the wintering manatees, but we can also snorkel in the same waters with them. Last year we spotted over 110 manatees in the spring run alone!
DAY 5 Short shuttle to our location, then back into our kayaks for another day on the beautiful Wekiwa River. At this time of year the Wekiwa is exploding with color and the movement of life. The river is edged by arching sabal palms and other trees. Islands of lush green water plants float in the stream and wild asters dot the landscape with purple. The trained eye will spot clumps of orchids mingling with resurrection ferns and draping Spanish moss. On occasion, deer hide near the river's edge for a drink, bears are seen amongst the palmetto, and river otters dance through the clear water.
DAY 6 We are off to Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. This is the greatest place in Florida for birding and wildlife viewing. We will be feet away from rosette spoonbills, glossy ibis, reddish egrets, wood storks, bald eagle, and countless species of migrating ducks. There is so much, it just seems too easy.
DAY 7 After a morning hike and a huge breakfast, we will make our way back to Orlando International Airport. We should arrive at the airport by 1:00 p.m.
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3 Day Itinerary
DAY 1 After a noon pick-up from your hotel or the airport we stop at our inn just long enough to shower and eat before we grab our kayaks and make our way to the Lower Wekiwa River basin. You will be amazed how remote you feel and overwhelmed by the sheer amount of wildlife you will encounter. On the way back to the inn we can stop at Wekiwa Springs proper for a snorkel and a swim.
DAY 2 Wake up early to a huge southern breakfast that will keep you fueled up for a major day of fun. What awaits us is an exciting day at Blue Spring State Park. At this time of year we can snorkel and kayak in the same waters where manatees winter and raise their babies.
After a picnic lunch we board our kayaks for a paddle on the St Johns River. Have your camera ready, turtles and large alligators sunning on logs or on the riverbanks can be observed at distances determined by the strength of your nerves or the power of your binoculars. In addition we will have the opportunity to observe heaps of wading birds.
DAY 3 It’s not a holiday without a trip to the Beach! We will travel to the best birding hot spot in Florida, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Wood storks, ibis, heron, hundreds of migratory ducks, rosette spoonbills, hawks, eagle, and every wading bird imaginable makes its winter home here.
Lunch will be on a wilderness beach that offers no buildings, crowds, amusement parks, or rides. Nothing to look at but sand, surf, and the occasional cloud. The afternoon will be spent kayaking in search of dolphin, manatee, rays, and jumping mullet. Our private van will transport guests back to the lodge and Orlando International Airport by 7:00 p.m. Folks wanting to stay longer at the inn can make arrangements prior to the trip.
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