Last updated on July 5th, 2024 at 08:12 am
One of the best ways to enjoy the outdoors during Florida’s long hot summers is to start planning where you’ll go this winter.
For ideas about paddling trips, you can find inspiration from Paddle Florida, whose Florida kayak tours for 2024-25 were announced recently.
Paddle Florida is a non-profit that supports kayaking and canoeing in Florida by organizing reasonably priced multi-day paddling and camping trips on Florida’s greatest rivers and waterways.
The beauty of these Florida kayak tours is that Paddle Florida staff researches the best locations, arranges all the logistics from camping and meals to musical entertainment around the campfire. The group even shuttles your camping gear between campsites each day, allowing you to travel light and always arrive to a dry tent and sleeping bag. Groups are limited to 100 or, in the case of the Suwanee, 200 people. These trips are a great option for solo paddlers.
Participants bring their own boats and tents or arrange to rent them (for an extra charge) from affiliated outfitters.
As you read the trip descriptions, you’ll see that some of these trips are beginner-level paddles; on some paddleboards are welcome; for some only sit-inside kayaks are allowed.
Florida kayak tours for the 2024-25 season
- October 15- 20, 2024: Suwannee River Wilderness Trail. Some details from Paddle Florida: The trip follows the scenic Suwannee River Wilderness Trail and begins at Madison Blue Spring State Park. It ends in the town of Branford, after passing many springs ideal for snorkeling and swimming. Here’s a Florida Rambler story on canoe-camping on this Suwanee River Wilderness Trail.
- October 21-25, 2024: Santa Fe Springs Celebration. This 48-mile paddle travels one of Florida’s prettiest rivers with dozens of springs.
- January 13-19, 2025: Florida Keys Challenge. While Paddle Florida has run trips in the Keys before, this one has a new format, with a basecamp with cabins and daytrips in various locations around the Keys.
- February 9-15, 2025: Mangroves, Manatees & More. This trip explores the Sebastian River and Indian River Lagoon with a paddling itinerary of 46 to 60 miles, depending on the choices of participants.
- March 2-8, 2025: Kissimmee River Restoration Paddle. This is a new trip on the Kissimmee, which has been transformed in recent years. Once a straight, deep, wide canal, the river has been restored to its natural state and the nature has come back in remarkable ways. Paddle Florida promises that the 84 mile journey”will paddle through some of the most remote and beautiful places that Florida offers.”
- April 4-6, 2025 and April 11-13, 2025 : Suwannee River Paddling Festival. Paddlers camp atop the bluff overlooking two rivers at Suwannee River State Park near Live Oak. The weekend will offer supported 8-12 mile paddling options on both the Suwannee and Withlacoochee Rivers, a concert featuring Paddle Florida’s favorite musicians, and educational presentations from regional waterway experts.
People who’ve taken these Florida kayak tours before talk about the camaraderie, the convenience and the memorable wilderness experiences.
Past Paddle Florida itineraries: If you’re looking for ideas for paddle trips, consider some of their past trips that are not offered this year: Springtime on the Chipola River in the Panhandle and Fall on the Peace plus Fisheating Creek.
- Paddle Florida
- Paddle Florida FAQ
- Past trip reviews.
Discover more from Florida Rambler
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
We are three old river kayakers from Missouri.
We often go out for a week or more and can do 25-30 mile day when needed.
We are looking for a unescorted, kayak/tent camp, muti day trip on the Gulf coast, Keys or possibly Spoils.
We keep a clean camp site.
We prefer primitive, pull up and set up tents camping to campgrounds. We are open to suggestions to either.
We are hoping someone with local experience may have some recommendations.
We would like to plan for a Jan. Or Feb. trip.
I would be glad to advise or help anyone wishing to come float Missouri waters.
We are blessed with great rivers.
Many thanks!
Mike
mikenmarystuhr@gmail.com
You’ll find a lot of rivers to consider when you look over our paddle section . If you’re looking for an easy-to-plan a paddle trip in Florida, consider the affordable trips organized by Paddle Florida. Here’s its list for 2024-25: https://www.paddleflorida.org/
Also, from what you write, I think you’d love the Suwannee River and a series of campsites spaced out along its shores. There’s more info here: https://www.floridarambler.com/kayaking-in-florida/suwannee-river-camping/ I hope this helps.