This region of Florida is still largely unexploited and will allow us to see the “real” Florida. Our base for the week is in Panacea, Florida, nestled between the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge and Apalachicola National Forest, and is considered a nature lover’s paradise. Towering pine forests, shady palmetto and hardwood hammocks, a bountiful freshwater lake, healthy tidal marshes, and pristine estuaries provide opportunities for bird, wildlife observation, and, of course, kayaking.
Kayaking on this trip includes saltwater, freshwater, rivers, spring creeks, bays, and open water. Along the way we will see lighthouses, grand lodges, bubbling springs, and wildlife galore. But one of the best parts will be the abundance of seafood!!
Lodging for the week is at The Panacea Motel, a funky remodeled motor lodge from the 1960's! This quaint, coastal style, and clean lodge is centrally located for our daily adventures and includes a coffee corner with desk/dining area, retro-styled refrigerator and microwave in your room.
Kayaking on this trip includes saltwater, freshwater, rivers, spring creeks, bays, and open water. Along the way we will see lighthouses, grand lodges, bubbling springs, and wildlife galore. But one of the best parts will be the abundance of seafood!!
Lodging for the week is at The Panacea Motel, a funky remodeled motor lodge from the 1960's! This quaint, coastal style, and clean lodge is centrally located for our daily adventures and includes a coffee corner with desk/dining area, retro-styled refrigerator and microwave in your room.
Trip Highlights
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Taking a break on the Forgotten Coast.
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Itinerary (subject to weather and tides)
Day 1 – Meet at The Panacea Motel in Panacea, Florida at 5PM for trip orientation prior to heading out for a welcome dinner.
Day 2 – Is our day to get geared up and do some basic paddling instruction before kayaking Levy Bay, which is located directly behind the motel. This is a leisurely loop of approximately 6 miles.
Day 3 – We head over to paddle a one-way route down the Wakulla River. The Wakulla River starts as a crystal-clear spring run before it joins the St Marks River and continues into Appalachee Bay. The total distance is about 7 miles.
Day 4 – Today we launch from the St Marks Lighthouse to do a loop around three saltmarsh islands, Sprague, Big Pass and Little Pass. The islands mainly
consist of black needlerush and some smooth cordgrass along the waters edge.
Bottle-nose dolphins, eagles, osprey, oyster catchers, loons and migratory waterfowl are plentiful in this area. The total distance is about 8 miles.
Day 5 – Today we do another loop paddle on the Ochlockonee River that will take us down the river and into Bear Creek and back out to the river. The pristine Bear Creek starts off in a winding tidal marsh and gradually turns to a hardwood forested creek. The total distance is approximately 8 miles.
Day 6 – On our final paddling day, we do a shorter morning paddle on the Ochlockonee River known as the Thoms Island Circumnavigation. Total paddling is about 3 miles. In the afternoon we will head up to Wakulla Springs to explore the park prior to having our farewell dinner at The Lodge at Wakulla Springs. This grand hotel is like stepping back in time to Florida’s “land boom”.
Day 7 – Is, unfortunately, when we say our “goodbyes” and head home.
Day 2 – Is our day to get geared up and do some basic paddling instruction before kayaking Levy Bay, which is located directly behind the motel. This is a leisurely loop of approximately 6 miles.
Day 3 – We head over to paddle a one-way route down the Wakulla River. The Wakulla River starts as a crystal-clear spring run before it joins the St Marks River and continues into Appalachee Bay. The total distance is about 7 miles.
Day 4 – Today we launch from the St Marks Lighthouse to do a loop around three saltmarsh islands, Sprague, Big Pass and Little Pass. The islands mainly
consist of black needlerush and some smooth cordgrass along the waters edge.
Bottle-nose dolphins, eagles, osprey, oyster catchers, loons and migratory waterfowl are plentiful in this area. The total distance is about 8 miles.
Day 5 – Today we do another loop paddle on the Ochlockonee River that will take us down the river and into Bear Creek and back out to the river. The pristine Bear Creek starts off in a winding tidal marsh and gradually turns to a hardwood forested creek. The total distance is approximately 8 miles.
Day 6 – On our final paddling day, we do a shorter morning paddle on the Ochlockonee River known as the Thoms Island Circumnavigation. Total paddling is about 3 miles. In the afternoon we will head up to Wakulla Springs to explore the park prior to having our farewell dinner at The Lodge at Wakulla Springs. This grand hotel is like stepping back in time to Florida’s “land boom”.
Day 7 – Is, unfortunately, when we say our “goodbyes” and head home.
What's Included and Trip Cost
- All lodging at the Panacea Motel.
- Two dinners and all lunches
- Entrance fees to state parks
- Kayaks and all necessary paddling equipment
- Scott Locorini as your kayak guide
- Assistance with arranging a Tallahassee, FL airport shuttle
- $2195 per person, share a room and save $300
There are a minimum number of participants required to confirm the tours. Therefore please do not make any travel arrangements (airline flights, train) until you have received confirmation from us that the trip has fully booked. A 50% deposit is due at time of reservation, with payment in full due 60 days prior to the trip’s start date. Email us, call or text (315) 316-1125 to reserve your spot.