Quick Details
Explore the Stunning Scenery of Cedar Key, FL on Our Most Popular Kayak Trip!
Giving Back – We donate a percentage of profit to the Cedar Key Dolphin Project. The organization works to preserve and protect the dolphins of Cedar Key and the surrounding Nature Coast of Florida, while learning as much as they can about the species.
This is our longest-running and most popular trip! Join us for five days of paddling and relaxing in the historic village of Cedar Key on Florida’s nature coast. Come enjoy the great kayaking, history, and seafood the area has to offer! Cedar Key is nestled in the big bend region of the Gulf of Mexico and invites visitors to come and see what’s left of Florida’s natural heritage. Excellent opportunities exist to get an up-close and personal view of all the wildlife that abounds in the rivers, salt marshes, tidal creeks, natural springs, and coastal islands. While there you may see ibis, herons, pelicans, osprey, eagles, dolphins, manatees and many other rare and elusive species.
Our daily paddles take place in various locations that will change dependant on the winds and tides. Some of the places that we may explore include the Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge, Lower Suwannee National Wildlife, and the Wacasassa Bay State Preserve. The Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge is the star of this trip. It offers everything from mudflats paddling to beach combing on sandy beaches. While paddling “the keys” you’ll most likely see eagles, ospreys and potentially dolphins frolicking alongside your boat. In the Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge, we put-in near the Shell Mound: an interesting ancient Indian site that you can explore via interpretive signs and trails. While paddling in this area we can see oyster fisherman at work as well as several species of waterfowl.
Our lodging in Cedar Key is the Park Place in Cedar Key. Each Condominium has a kitchenette but if cooking isn’t your thing while on vacation you can walk to one of the many restaurants on the island. There is also a balcony overlooking the Gulf of Mexico where you can enjoy your morning coffee or evening cocktail.
I was very much the beginner when I first kayaked with Scott at Cedar Key. Over the course of the week I paddled with dolphins, met manatees in the wild and spotted countless numbers of birds. And every evening I enjoyed a hot shower, a cold beer and a delicious seafood dinner at a local “old Florida” eatery. Although my boat felt a little “tippy” that first day, by the end of the week I laughed at whitecaps and the sea breeze in my face.”
“I’ve done the Cedar Key trip three times over the years, and I’d do a fourth. If you want an adventure on your next vacation, paddle with Scott.”Tom Lascell – Canton, NY
Trip Highlights
- Getting to experience what’s left of “old Florida”
- Diverse paddling from spring runs to the islands of the Cedar Keys NWR.
- Learning about local history.
- Beautiful sunsets from your gulf front condominium.
- For those who like to cook, a kitchen in each room.
- Living on “island time” for a week!
- Abundant opportunities to see wildlife.
What’s Included and Trip Cost
- All lodging at the Park Place in Cedar Key. Please note the condominium is three stories with no elevator. If you’d prefer to be on the ground floor let us know time at of reservation.
- Three 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 Gainesville, FL airport shuttle
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Subject to change based on weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
Day 1 – Meet at The Park Place in Cedar Key at 5PM for trip orientation prior to heading out for dinner on your own.
Day 2 – Is basic paddling instruction and a kayaking trip in the Cedar Key National Wildlife Refuge. Along the way we’ll stop on sandy beaches and hike into the interior of Atsena Otie Key to see the remnants of the original Cedar Key.
Day 3 – We head over to explore the Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge and Shell Mound areas by foot and kayak. We will paddle out to an island for lunch and then come back in to walk around the ancient Indian mound known as “Shell Mound” and then take a short walk on some boardwalk trails through a salt marsh. On this evening Scott will prepare for you a southeast classic dinner known as a Low Country Boil.
Day 4 – We head in search of manatees, paddling either the Suwannee River, Crystal River of Rainbow River (all about an hour from Cedar Key).
Day 5 – We take a longer trip to Ichetucknee Springs in White Springs, Florida, to paddle a spring run. The crystal clear water allows a view all the way to the bottom for most of the trip and the bird and plant life will keep you busy when you’re not looking down.
Day 6 – On our final paddling day we head to the outer islands of the Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge. This evening will be spent together at a local restaurant for our farewell dinner.
Day 7 – Is, unfortunately, when we say our “goodbyes” and head home.
Day 8 – But wait… if you have the time and want to spend another day exploring on your own then you can stay an extra night at no additional charge. Just let us know at time of reservation.
NOTE: 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.