- Homosassa Manatee Paddle TourRiver Adventure Tours, Homosassa, FL$55.00
Paddle and Swim with Manatees! During winter, manatees migrate to the clear, warm spring waters at the top of this beautiful river.
Advanced Registration and Payment Required via Eventbrite -> https://www.eventbrite.com/e/homosassa-manatee-paddle-tour-tickets-1077862097549
From November to March, manatees migrate to the warmer waters of the spring, making this a popular spot to view them in their natural habitat right from our paddle boards. Our tour is longer than most to give ample time to connect with wildlife and nature. There is also an opportunity to swim with them if you'd like to bring your snorkel gear, and this spot is waaaay less crowded than Crystal River. Trip photos always included!
Located just 1.5 hours west of Orlando, we’ll launch on the beautiful Homosassa River, abundant with birds, fish, turtles, and bordered by palm, cypress and oak trees. You'll be greeted by your friendly guides, given paddleboard instruction if needed, and outfitted with quality paddleboard gear. The site has nice restrooms and an easy, carpeted launch.
Once ready, we'll paddle upriver where the water gets clearer and clearer approaching the headwaters of Homosassa Springs. Here, we'll take plenty of time hanging out where curious manatees congregate for up-close and personal encounters! These gentle giants can be infatuated with paddleboards and often come over to say hello - surfacing to look at us, nosing the boards - what a special and memorable experience to connect with this protected marine mammal! We often see adorable small calves accompanied by their big mamas, as well as active males.
For those that don't mind 72 degree water, bring your snorkel gear (mask, snorkel and wetsuit if needed), to soak in the mineral-rich spring water and see the wonders of the underwater world, coming face to face with manatees from beneath the surface! And if you don't want to completely submerge, bring your dive mask to peer over the side of your board and snorkel while staying dry!
We'll explore all the nooks and crannies in this area, including some narrow tributaries with mesmerizing turquoise water, and spots where sting rays (or "spring rays" as I like to call them), cormorants, and river otters like to play. Then we'll make our way downriver, paddling alongside manatees, osprey, and pelicans, saying good bye for now until we make landfall at the launch site, with our souls full.
This will conclude our tour, but for those who've worked up an appetite, Margueritas Restaurant is located on the river directly across from the launch site with a beautiful view for dining and filling your belly.What's Included:
-All Stand Up Paddleboard Gear (quality and fitted to you)
-3 hour Guided Manatee Eco Tour with experienced and certified guides/instructors
-Launch fees ($10 value)
-SUP Instruction
-Trip Photos
-Paddle TribeOther Ticket Options Include:
-BYOBoard/Paddle Craft for a discount. All paddlecraft are welcome.Paddle Skill Level: All Levels. Instruction provided for beginners. Must know how to swim. Kids 12 and under may ride along for free with a parent.
Guide: Jessica Cichra is a SUP enthusiast that has been actively paddle touring, racing, surfing, and instructing since 2009. She is the founder of Wave of Wellness, a company with a mission to empower clients through adventurous activities that enhance all areas of well-being with a focus on travel, SUP, yoga, and community. Jessica guides paddle tours in the greater Orlando area and internationally on adventure travel retreats. She is also an industry representative as a sponsored ambassador/athlete for Werner Paddles and Local Honey Designs.
Advanced Registration and Payment Required via Eventbrite -> https://www.eventbrite.com/e/homosassa-manatee-paddle-tour-tickets-1077862097549
- Silver Springs Paddle TourSilver Springs State Park, Silver Springs, FL$55.00
Paddle America's largest spring with turquoise water, ship wrecks, manatees, monkeys, and more! Mammoth Spring, appropriately named as the largest spring in America and where wooly mammoths once roamed, has been drawing people in since the 1800s. It became a trading center, then a tourist attraction, then a movie set for dozens of Hollywood films - leaving traces of their sets sunk beneath the clear water or jumping from tree to tree. Yes, rhesus monkeys now live wild in the park - and what a unique sight to see them swinging in the Florida jungle!
During winter, manatees migrate to the warmer spring water and we get to paddle with them! Watch as they swim and roll in the many blue pools with such clarity, you can even make out their fingernails (yes they have them!). Plus, sea cows love paddleboarders and often come over and curiously nose the boards or rub their bodies along them - it's an up-close, spiritual encounter like no other!
Advanced Registration and Payment Required on Eventbrite -> https://www.eventbrite.com/e/silver-springs-paddle-tour-tickets-1080981959139
We'll meet in the parking lot where your instructor will assign you to quality and fitted stand up paddleboard/kayak gear and give a 10 min safety and paddling technique briefing on land. Then we'll launch into the crystal clear Silver River, amongst a variety of wildlife above and below the surface - birds, fish, turtles, gators and lush plant life. We'll take our time, exploring each cove and spring, hunting the many ship wrecks and seeking our manatee friends. Making our way into the narrower paddle trail only accessible to paddle craft, we'll see the replica of the Pioneer "Cracker" Village, paddle around small islands, and hopefully spot the famous tribe of monkeys!
Upon returning with our souls overflowing, guests may stay in the park and independently hike the many trails or visit Pioneer Village on foot.
Paddle Skill Level: All Levels. Instruction provided for beginners. Must know how to swim.
Age: 13+. Kids 12 and under may ride along for free with an experienced parent/guardian.
Paddle Distance: about 1.5-2mi - taking our time with breaks along the way
What's Included:
- 3-hr Guided Eco Tour by Certified, Experienced Instructor
- All Stand Up Paddleboard Gear
- Launch and Park Admission Fees
- SUP Instruction
- Paddle Tribe
- Trip Photos
Other Ticket Options Include:
- BYOBoard/Paddle Craft - bring all of your own paddle craft gear for a discounted rate.
Guide: Jessica Cichra is a SUP enthusiast that has been actively paddle touring, racing, surfing, and instructing since 2009. She is the founder of Wave of Wellness, a company with a mission to empower clients through adventurous activities that enhance all areas of well-being with a focus on travel, SUP, yoga, and community. Jessica guides paddle tours in the greater Orlando area and internationally on adventure travel retreats. She is also an industry representative as a sponsored ambassador/athlete for Werner Paddles and Local Honey Designs.
Advanced Registration and Payment Required on Eventbrite -> https://www.eventbrite.com/e/silver-springs-paddle-tour-tickets-1080981959139
- Florida Houseboat AdventureHolly Bluff Marina, DeLand, FL
a REAL Florida Experience:
Have you always wanted to see a manatee, swim in a spring, or stay on a houseboat? Experience a unique, real Florida adventure! We’ve organized 3 days of fun and relaxation, exploring the greatest gems in Central Florida. Cruising the beautiful St. Johns River on the Silver Glen houseboat, you’ll see hundreds of manatees and even paddle and swim with them, snorkel in crystal clear springs, hike to bubbling sand boils, and much more! So get away from the chaos of theme parks, lines and traffic, and be nurtured by nature, enlivened by wildlife, and rejuvenated by spring water. Just pack a bag and let us handle the rest.--Details, Payment and Booking here -> http://www.waveofwellness.net/florida-springs-houseboat-adventure
--Why St Johns River?
Get lost to get found. Located near the east coast of Florida, the St. Johns River is the longest river in Florida. It flows lazily north and offers mile after mile of breathtaking views and pristine beauty. The natural lush landscape and crystal clear water is home to a great variety of wildlife including birds, gators, manatees, otters, fish, bear and more. It’s nested within the Ocala National Forest and connects a beautiful chain of lakes and some of Florida’s most stunning freshwater springs. The river offers a memorable back country experience of old Florida for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.-Floating Accommodations:
All aboard! Cruise in southern comfort on the 60’ Silver Glen houseboat, our home for 3 days and 2 nights. In addition to the benefits of staying on a houseboat, like a guaranteed water view and freedom of mobility, your floating home has style. The main salon features the helm, large living room with flat screen TV, dining table, and well equipped galley. There are four private staterooms: a spacious master stateroom with queen size bed, two staterooms with queen size beds and one stateroom with full size bed. Add the full size futon in the main salon to comfortably sleeps ten people. There is one full bath with shower and one half bath. This boat is equipped with central air and heat. The large front deck features a ceiling fan, propane gas grill, ice chest, table and chairs. The large back deck has plenty of space for stowing water toys. Stairs are located on the front and back decks for easy access to the top deck. The spacious top deck has loungers for sunbathing and is the perfect space for birding, practicing yoga, relaxing, and of course…dancing! A canopy top provides partial coverage for those who prefer shade.--Your Guide, Jessica Cichra :
Born and raised in Orlando, Florida, and a 3rd generation native, I’ve explored this state my whole life. From lakes to rivers, ocean to springs, and the land between, I’ve hiked, biked, swam, snorkeled, paddled, camped, boated, dove, and surfed my way around. I have a passion for its environment, inhabitants, and the abundance of gifts and adventures it yields. I’ve led national and international adventure travel trips since 2013, and nothing makes me happier than being in my home state. I’m also a certified, experienced and professional yoga and SUP instructor and sponsored athlete. So come aboard, I’d love to share the local side of Florida with you!--Pricing:
Starting at just $258/day! Typical hotel prices are $150 alone - and you’ll be getting so much more - see all that’s included below:
What’s Included:
🗺 3 days/2 nights Organized Activities
🧜♀️ Tour Guide
⚓️ Boat Captain
🛶 Manatee Paddle
🏊♀️ Swim with Manatees
🤿 Snorkel Silver Glen Springs
🏄🏻♀️ Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) Lesson
🧘♀️ Upper Deck Yoga Class
🥾Sand Boil Hike
⛴ Houseboat Accommodations including Fuel and Water
🌅 2 River Cruises
🏄🏼 SUP rentals all day, every day
🍽 7 on board meals and snacks
📸 Trip Photos--Details, Payment and Booking here -> http://www.waveofwellness.net/florida-springs-houseboat-adventure
