*Giving Back - We adopt a manatee for each guest on this trip through the Save a Manatee Club. Proceeds go towards protecting manatees and their aquatic habitat.
This trip is about relaxed kayaking while looking for manatees and other wildlife in the crystal clear, spring fed rivers of the area. The first time a manatee sticks its snout up right next to your kayak, you'll be hooked.
Homosassa Springs, Florida is located on the gulf coast approximately 70 miles north of Tampa. This area is part of the Nature Coast Trail and well known for it's manatees, birding and archaeological sites. Some other rivers in the area that we'll explore are the Chassahowitzka River (Chaz), Crystal River and Rainbow River. All offer crystal clear waters with a chance to see manatees and plentiful other wildlife including many species of ibis, heron, cormorants and anhinga. Oh... and don't forget about the monkeys! Yes, we paddle past Monkey Island on the Homosassa River where a small family of monkeys live year-round.
Our lodging while in this region is the Florida Cracker Riverside Resort, where you have a birds eye view of the river and Monkey Island. Standard hotel rooms with mini-fridges and coffee makers are available, which are not riverfront, and riverfront suites with full kitchens are also available. The resort has direct access to the river so we can simply walk out the door and go kayaking! There is also an onsite restaurant.
Homosassa Springs, Florida is located on the gulf coast approximately 70 miles north of Tampa. This area is part of the Nature Coast Trail and well known for it's manatees, birding and archaeological sites. Some other rivers in the area that we'll explore are the Chassahowitzka River (Chaz), Crystal River and Rainbow River. All offer crystal clear waters with a chance to see manatees and plentiful other wildlife including many species of ibis, heron, cormorants and anhinga. Oh... and don't forget about the monkeys! Yes, we paddle past Monkey Island on the Homosassa River where a small family of monkeys live year-round.
Our lodging while in this region is the Florida Cracker Riverside Resort, where you have a birds eye view of the river and Monkey Island. Standard hotel rooms with mini-fridges and coffee makers are available, which are not riverfront, and riverfront suites with full kitchens are also available. The resort has direct access to the river so we can simply walk out the door and go kayaking! There is also an onsite restaurant.
Trip Highlights
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Sunrise paddle on the Homosassa River.
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Itinerary
Sunday Evening – Arrive at The Florida Cracker Riverside Resort in Homosassa, Florida for check-in after 3:00 PM. We will meet in the lobby at 5:00 PM for a "meet and greet" and then dinner.
Monday – On our first day we unload boats and get fitted with equipment right at the resort. After some basic paddling instruction, we'll hit the river and head out past Monkey Island toward to the head of the river and the wildlife park to get a view of our first manatees by kayak. Public take-outs and land are limited on this stretch, so we'll head back to the resort for lunch and facilities. After lunch we'll take a ride over to the wildlife park to learn more about manatees and the wildlife in the area.
Tuesday – We head over to the Crystal River Refuge to paddle a small creek, visit the interpretive center and then visit the Crystal River Archaeological State Park, this park is a historic Native American site with burial mounds, temple/platform mounds, a plaza area, and a substantial midden.
Wednesday – In the morning we'll do a sunrise paddle to welcome the day. The early morning is a special time on the river and is usually the highlight of the trip! The afternoon you will have free to explore on your own. Take a ride to Cedar Key, hike in one of the local state forests, visit Tarpon Springs and learn about the history of sponge diving in the area or simply go back to the resort and read a book by the river.
Thursday – We head back over to Crystal River to paddle out to several different springs looking for manatees and wildlife.
Friday – On the last day we head to the least developed river in the area, the Chassahowitzka where we'll paddle into hidden springs and explore our way to the Gulf of Mexico.
Saturday – Check out will be at 10AM from the resort.
Monday – On our first day we unload boats and get fitted with equipment right at the resort. After some basic paddling instruction, we'll hit the river and head out past Monkey Island toward to the head of the river and the wildlife park to get a view of our first manatees by kayak. Public take-outs and land are limited on this stretch, so we'll head back to the resort for lunch and facilities. After lunch we'll take a ride over to the wildlife park to learn more about manatees and the wildlife in the area.
Tuesday – We head over to the Crystal River Refuge to paddle a small creek, visit the interpretive center and then visit the Crystal River Archaeological State Park, this park is a historic Native American site with burial mounds, temple/platform mounds, a plaza area, and a substantial midden.
Wednesday – In the morning we'll do a sunrise paddle to welcome the day. The early morning is a special time on the river and is usually the highlight of the trip! The afternoon you will have free to explore on your own. Take a ride to Cedar Key, hike in one of the local state forests, visit Tarpon Springs and learn about the history of sponge diving in the area or simply go back to the resort and read a book by the river.
Thursday – We head back over to Crystal River to paddle out to several different springs looking for manatees and wildlife.
Friday – On the last day we head to the least developed river in the area, the Chassahowitzka where we'll paddle into hidden springs and explore our way to the Gulf of Mexico.
Saturday – Check out will be at 10AM from the resort.
What's Included and Trip Cost
- All lodging at The Florida Cracker Riverside Resort.* Please note the standard rooms have a mini-fridge and coffee pot but no microwave. Upgrades are available, just ask!
- All lunches and 3 dinners.
- Entrance fees to state parks
- Kayaks and all necessary paddling equipment
- Scott Locorini as your kayak guide
- Assistance with arranging a Tampa, FL airport shuttle
- An adopted manatee in your name
- $2195 per person - Share a room and save $300
There are a minimum number of participants required to confirm the trips. 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 with questions or to reserve your spot.