Manatee tour / Kayaking?

[jj1987]

I have a few friends coming from UCF with me next week to visit the NFL area, and I'd like to take them Kayaking and if possible to see some manatees (but not support a cattle boat).

I hear birds underwater is great for manatee tours, but I haven't heard anything about good kayaking spots? I did the kayaking thing in the keys and it was a blast, but haven't done it since. BTW, I'm the only diver in the group, and I prefer to snorkel when it's shallow rather than dive, so I'm OK with a snorkel only manatee tour.

[Slüdge]

Aren't all the manatees in the gulf during the summer?

[stairman]

Aren't all the manatees in the gulf during the summer?

Yes,Manatee tours peak in February.

[Diverlee]

I always take my non diving frineds to either tube or kayak the Ichetucknee or the Santa Fe rivers. For the Ichetucknee there is a place called the Family Campground or something like that , just before the north enterance that is good. Several places in High Springs too. The manatees are from November to April (kind of) when the ocean is to cold.

[JE]

***FYI: Far as I know the Ichetucknee is closed to boaters {including kayakers}during the summer season, but is open only to tubers. Correct me please if I'm wrong. Russell, Stairman & the others are right in that you'll find very few Manatee in the springs at this time. Your best bet would be King's bay or Crystal river in the gulf at this time. If you would like to boat or kayak in and around the Orlando area, you might consider paddeling the Maitland chain-of-lakes from the put-in near Hwy 17-92 + Howell Branch rd junctions. There is a boat launch near this intersection & I don't remember the name of it for now. Late evening is best at sundown, as there is usally a nice breeze to paddle with, & this helps with the daytime heat burning off. Other choices depend on rain & river levels: The Little Econ & big Econ are two really cool runs with mild currents & abound with wild life, including the gators-! Watch your heads in the Maitland chain though, as you'll have sizeable fish leaping out of the water over the bow of your kayaks.
*.*
Have fun-~

je

[Diverlee]

Onlythe north end of the Ichetucknee is closed to everyone , I am 99.9% sure of this, anyway you can call the park and ask. Now I see the Central Florida area is probably a better choice.

[temrich]

Try the Rainbow River if you want a nice paddle. Lots of wildlife and not to crowded.

[stairman]

I tubed Itchetucnee July 6th and saw two different Kayakers in the north section so they must allow it.Call em first though.

[stairman]

JJ,one of the best kayak/canoe streams is at Juniper spgs.It is absolutely awsome!And they have a van and trailor to bring you back.I think its 4 hours to the takeout point at U.S 19,ocala national forest.Juniper is on 40.Alexander is near by but not nearly as good.

[Burke]

Onlythe north end of the Ichetucknee is closed to everyone , I am 99.9% sure of this, anyway you can call the park and ask. Now I see the Central Florida area is probably a better choice.

It's easier to just go into the park and ride the tube tram. I suspect cheaper too since it's a state Park. I took my family there over the 4th and it was $5 a head for tubing. We jumped on the tram and floated for 1 1/2 hours then got back on the tram to the parking lot. Nice float, very scenic. No Manatees though...

[BobK]

Aren't all the manatees in the gulf during the summer?

No, they're all in my canal.

[Slüdge]

No, they're all in my canal.

Those are east coast manatees. I thought we were talking about west coast manatees. You know, like the feud between the east coast/west coast rappers.:smt079