Compare Florida Rivers and Manatees Kayaking Adventure, Homosassa Springs, FL by AE Adventures
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
0 | Poor
|
| Duration | 7 days |
| Price From | Check price |
| Price Per Day | Check price |
| Highlights |
|
| Trip Style | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard |
| Physical Level |
|
| Travel Themes |
|
| Countries Visited | |
| Cities and Attractions |
|
| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
|
| Meals Included | N/A |
| Description |
Go with the flow! This trip is all about going with the flow 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 out of the water right next to your kayak you'll be a "sea cow" lover forever. 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 Homosassa 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, lounge, tiki bar and swimming pool. |
Day 1:
Arrive at The Homosassa River Resort for check-in after 3:00 PM. We will meet in the lobby at 5:00 PM for a "meet and greet" and then head out for dinner.
Day 2:
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.
Day 3:
We head back out on the Homosassa to paddle towards the Gulf of Mexico and explore the many tidal creeks and canals in the area.
Day 4:
We head over to the Rainbow River where there are more opportunities to see manatees and wildlife in this crystal clear spring fed river.
Day 5:
In the morning we'll take a break from paddling and head over to 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. 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.
Day 6:
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.
Day 7:
Check out will be at 10AM from the resort.
