FLORIDA’S GREATEST SPRINGS, STREAMS, AND SWAMPS

The leaders will pick up all participants at noon at Orlando International Airport on the first day. Our meeting place is at the bottom of the escalators by baggage claim 5A. If for any reason you’re lost or running late, please call the leader at 407 924-3375. The leader can only wait so long.

We will then make the three-hour van ride to our base camp, stopping on the way at a restaurant for lunch (not included in trip price). Basic kayak instruction will be given after dinner on the first night.

Each day, we will pick a new location to explore. Depending on the weather, we might snorkel a spring to observe the remains of a sunken Confederate war ship or look for fossils and arrowheads.

Other days will be spent paddling a gorgeous section of river with lots of opportunities to observe wildlife. We will take our time on the water for swims, birding, snorkeling, and photography. On short paddling days, we will incorporate hikes on or near the Florida National Scenic Trail. Each day will present something new to do and see.

In the evenings, we will return to our lodge for big dinners. Nights are reserved for swims, fishing, relaxing in the springs, or heading out for moonlight strolls. There is no set itinerary. Each night at dinner the guides will announce the next day’s agenda and what to pack to enjoy the day. The guides are always available to answer your questions.

On the trip’s last day, participants will be shuttled back to the Orlando International Airport around 2 p.m., meaning, all airline flights should be booked for after 4 p.m.

We will try to visit most of the places listed below:

• Suwannee River State Park (SP)
• Madison Blue Springs SP
• Peacock Springs SP
• Ichetucknee Springs SP
• Aucilla River
• Withlacoochee River
• Waccissa Springs Unit/River
• Santa Fe River
• Alapaha River
• Suwannee Springs
• Royal Springs
• Running Springs

Not only is this area of Florida rich in wild beauty, but it is also rich in history. For thousands of years, Timucuan and Apalache Indians hunted and lived in these areas, leaving behind tons of evidence of their presence. Pottery shards and arrowheads litter the banks of the upper Suwannee and Santa Fe. The Famous William Bartram explored this area during his “Travels” and wrote about it extensively.

In the years prior to statehood, pirates would attack ships in the Gulf and hide up the Suwannee River. It’s a known fact that there is still buried gold at Fowlers Bluff. Scuba divers are always finding Spanish silver and gold throughout the river during low water. During the War Between the States, blue coats would hide along the banks of the river and attack Confederate steamers. There are still remains of such a ship at Troy Spring.

Day 1 — Airport pick-up, drive three hours to Suwannee River State Park stopping for lunch in route. Introduction to kayaking riverside.

Day 2 — Madison Blue Spring swim, snorkel and play. 8-mile kayak trip down the Withlacoochee River to our cabins. Stopping at Pot Springs and the old Sawmill Springs. Evening swim at Falmouth Springs.

Day 3 — Suwannee River Paddle from the lodge to Dowling Park. Stopping at numerous springs, swings, and shoals.

Day 4 — Kayak the Suwannee River’s “Spring Alley.” Float for half an hour, get out and explore a spring, repeat all day! On the way back to the lodge, we will explore the world-famous Peacock Springs State Park at Luraville.  Don’t be surprised by the number of international travelers you may find at the end of the lightly-traveled dirt track, as people come from all over the world to scuba dive the vast network of underwater caverns found here. We will swim and snorkel the placid run between the springs. The amount of wildlife found in a clear water slough is so amazing and beautiful that you’ll want to swim the few miles out to the Suwannee.

Day 5 — We start a little early today so we can be one of the first people on the water. The Ichetucknee is the ultimate tubing run in the world! Clear flowing water, sand bottom littered with fossilized sharks teeth, and the States Highest level of protection. Make sure to pack your snorkeling gear and underwater camera.

Day 6 — A bit of a drive today, but there’s a huge pay off. We will be visiting the Wacissa Springs Unit and River. Hundreds of springs dot the riverbed, creating a big crystal clear river with heaps of animals. Everyone gets a thrill from their first glimpse of a giant turtle, river otter, manatee, or small alligator swimming under their kayak.

Day 7 — Sleep in! When you do wake up, take a walk, go for a swim or maybe a short paddle. Our van departs for Orlando between 10:00 – 11:00 a.m., with a 2:00 p.m. arrival at Orlando International Airport.

Our lodging will consist of wilderness luxury. The lodge consists of brand new Cracker-style cabins with wrap-around porches that overlook the Suwannee River. There are full amenities, which include air conditioning, full bathrooms, kitchens, a large living area, dinning area, fire places and a porch with lots of swings. Rooms are double occupancy.

The leaders will prepare all meals. However, everyone is expected to help clean up.

Meals included in the trip fee begin with dinner on the first day and end with breakfast on the last day. Meals served on the trip will honor and reflect local cuisine. A typical dinner would consist of shrimp and crawfish étouffée, white rice, garlic bread, fresh salad, and something chocolate for dessert. People with special diets should contact the leader to make arrangements.

All meals, all ground transportation, van support, kayaks, all kayaking gear, and two local Adventures in Florida guides.

Kayaking experience is not needed. However, like most water based outdoor activities, participants should be in good shape and strong swimmers.