In search of Manatees in Florida’s Spring Fed Rivers!!

This will be a very full weekend paddling at least three spring-fed rivers in Florida’s Beautiful Ocala Area and nearby. We hope to encounter some manatees along the way, but without a doubt will see lots of wildlife and gorgeous scenery.

3-4 Spring-Fed River Runs to Paddle: Juniper Creek, Weeki Wachee River, Rainbow River and possibly Crystal River.  3 Nights accomodation in an Air BNB rental. Meals will be coordinated closer to the event.

This is a BYOB event, so you must have, or borrow, a boat to participate. No dogs allowed, since we are renting a house. The house may have some kayaks available for use, but we will only do so on the Rainbow River where we are staying. Otherwise, we will be taking our boats with us to each paddle.

The House:

Payment is due within 7 days of sign up or you will be moved to the waitlist due to paying for the rental in advance.

We're renting an Air BNB house that sits on a cove of the Rainbow River, one of the places we intend to explore. This is a gorgeous location and the house has beds for everyone. It also has full kitchen facilities and a nice outdoor space, so we can cook group meals or people can bring their own food if they have special dietary requirements.

There is plenty of sleeping space. Two beds will require sharing and the rest are singles, so please be prepared to be flexible if you join us. We will do our best to accomodate couples/friends in the shared beds but cannot make guarantees. 

Paddles:

Saturday: We will begin with an early paddle down Juniper Creek. It is approximately one hour from where we are staying, so we will be getting up early to head over there.  A shuttle will be set, then we launch from the park. 

This is an approximately 3.5 to 4 hour, 7 mile paddle downstream. It is a lush, subtropical environment that is among the most beautiful that I have ever paddled. Clear water, sandy bottoms, lush foliage. Occasionally deer and possibly a gator or two, as well as many birds can be seen. 

Note: Depending on what time we finish, we may opt to add an activity, or do some paddling on the Rainbow River behind our house later in the day/evening.

Sunday, Paddle 1: Drive about an hour to Weeki Watchee River where we are hoping to see manatees, among other wildlife. We will set up a shuttle and paddle approx. 5.5 miles and 2-3 hours downriver. 

Much of our trip will be underneath the shade of cypress and oak trees, and of course, Florida’s distinctive palms. Along the way, we may end up paddling alongside the gentle, and endangered, giants, West Indian manatees. We may also see turtles, otters, storks and pelicans, and underwater marine life in water that is clear and blue.

Sunday, Paddle 2: After returning to our rental house, we will go paddling on the Rainbow River, which is in our backyard. This is a crystal clear, deep blue river with a mild current, making it ideal for exploring both upriver and down. We will take our time and paddle for as long as we feel like it before returning to the house to clean up and prepare for dinner. You may opt to use a "house kayak" for this paddle if you would prefer.

Monday:  For those who haven't gotten their fill of paddling yet, we will pack up and drive approx. 35 minutes to Crystal River. This is another popular wintering spot for manatees, so we hope to encounter a few. Either way, it is a beautiful river for exploring and we will plan on spending approx. 2-3 hours paddling out and back to the boat launch around midday. We can either grab lunch and then head out, or leave immediately depending on how the group feels. If anyone is too tired, or needs to get back to Atlanta earlier, they can skip this paddle.

Note:

We will  paddle rain or shine. Paddling may be postponed in the event of lightning. If a paddle is cancelled one day due to weather, we'll make it up before or after a paddle on another day or find alternate activities in place of the paddle. We reserve the right to switch rivers/days due to water levels, as needed, but will always be sure to paddle on a spring-fed river (there are many: Silver Springs, Santa Fe, Itchetucknee, Withlacoohee, etc.). The only river that may need to be switched out due to water level would be Juniper Spring, as it is very shallow.

We encourage attendees to carpool if possible, given probably limited parking at the rental house. Please feel free to reach out to one another and keep us posted on your plans.

We encourage attendees to carpool if possible, given probably limited parking at the rental house. Please feel free to reach out to one another and keep us posted on your plans, Aaron will be leaving at 10am on the Friday and can take up to 3 people. It is approximately a 6 1/2 drive to Ocala.

The Trip Leader(s) for this event has (have) elected either to personally collect the funds that event participants are required to pay, or to require participants to pay funds directly to a third party. No funds will be paid to the Atlanta Outdoor Club for this event. Therefore, by registering for this event, you acknowledge and agree to the following: (1) the monies paid by registrants will not be monitored, managed, or otherwise accounted for by the Atlanta Outdoor Club; (2) that the Atlanta Outdoor Club bears no financial responsibility for this event; and (3) you waive any and all claims against the Atlanta Outdoor Club, and hold the Atlanta Outdoor Club harmless for the loss of any monies you paid for this event.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, any paying registrant may request directly from the Trip Leader, prior to the event, a breakdown of funds collected, estimated expenses, and deposits made in anticipation of the event. Following the event, the Trip Leader must complete his or her financial accounting for the event, with supporting documentation, within 30 days of the completion of the event, and a paid registrant may request a breakdown of funds collected, money spent and supporting documentation after that time. If you are unable to obtain requested documentation, please contact the Director of Paid Events.

3 nights accomodation in a rental house. Payment info will sent to indviduals after signup. $5 donation to the AOC. 

Payment is due within 7 days of sign up or you will be moved to the waitlist.

If you cancel after the payment cutoff date of September 30th there will be NO REFUNDS unless someone replaces you and pays in full, then you will receive a full refund less a $5 administrative fee.