Warmer Weather, Beautiful Scenery, and....Manatees!

Let’s get out of Wilmington this winter and down to the west coast of Florida to enjoy some warmer weather, kayaking, and Manatees!

Your trip starts with a flight to Tampa on Sunday, where we will be waiting to pick you up.  Once we have the group, we will make the hour drive to Crystal River, Florida…..the Manatee Capital of the World!  Once in Crystal River, we will drop you off at the hotel that you selected.  Your hotel choices are either:

PaddleTail Waterfront Lodge- https://paddletaillodge.com/

Quality Inn Crystal River- https://www.choicehotels.com/florida/crystal-river/quality-inn-hotels/fl249?mc=llgoxxpx

Use the rest of Sunday to get settled in and explore Crystal River before we get going on the adventures on Monday.

On Monday, we will paddle the Crystal River toward the Three Sisters Spring.  There will literally be HUNDREDS of Manatees around this spring, as they use the all year 72 degree water to stay warm!  There will be time in the afternoon/evening for exploring, relaxing, or other activities that you may want to add on!

On Tuesday, we will paddle the Chassahowitzka River(locally called "The Chaz") which is a pristine, 5-mile-long spring-fed river known for its untouched "Old Florida" scenery, crystal-clear headwaters, and abundant wildlife.  This is generally regarded as one of the best paddles in all of Florida! There will be time in the late afternoon/evening for exploring, relaxing, or other activities that you may want to add on.

On Wednesday, we will head to the quiet, historic island town of Cedar Key for a paddle into the Cedar Key National Wildlife Refuge and to Atsena Otie Key.  Lots of great wildlife and islands to explore!  

On Thursday, we will (sadly) get you back to Tampa for your flight home!

More Details!

Your registration INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING:

-Ground Transportation to/from Tampa airport, to/from scheduled activities, during select windows of evening free time.

-Hotel accomodations

-All rentals

-All guided excursions

It DOES NOT INCLUDE:

-Airfare

-Add ons at the hotel

-Ground transportation outside of selected of windows of time

-Additional activities that you may want to add on

-Tips to anyone

Flight Schedules

The schedule of this retreat was built around the flight itinerary of Breeze Airways for Wilmington to Tampa (direct flight on Sundays and Thursdays).  

Wilmington --> Tampa- Departure 2:36 pm- Arrival 4:28pm

Tampa---> Wilmington- Departure 7:15am- Arrival 9:01am (van leaves Crystal River at 4:30am)

Cost for this Breeze Airways Flight is right around $200.  Other flights available from Wilmington starting at $350.

What if I fly another airline or fly in from somewhere other than Wilmington?

Your flight needs to arrive by 5pm on the 24th to catch the van to Crystal River.  After we drop off for the 7:15am flight on the 28th, the van will come back to Crystal River for another run to Tampa at 10am.  You are responsible for transportation to Crystal River outside of these windows.

Many, many more details, itineraries, side quests, etc. will be provided as we get closer!