Where to Kayak

[CFrance]

Our daughter-in-law is visiting in March, and I would like to take her kayaking. A lot of the places I've seen online require a half day on the water. While she is an avid kayaker, I am not, although I play a lot of sports (pickle ball and golf) and think I could do a couple of hours of kayaking.

Does anyone have any suggestions as to where I could take her? She would love seeing the manatees in a kayak, but the reviews I read talk about a lot of kayaking to get to the spot where the manatees are, and the area being very crowded with boats.

I think she would be happy with any pretty spot. Any suggestions appreciated.

[stevebotts]

Take 44 toward Inverness. On the left is Rutland boat launch into the Withlacoochee River. You can paddle up and back. The launch is about 10 - 15 miles from the 44/301 intersection. Also, you can go to Homossassa and kayak the river there. It is about a 30 minute kayak to Homossassa State Park where you will see lots of manatees. However, the best place to see manatees is Blue Spring State Park. This is near Deland. You can also kayak from the state park on the St. Johns River. Then there is always Lake Harris or Lake Griffin. There is a launch in Lake Griffin State Park which is on US 27 about 15 minutes from The Villages. Hope this helps.

[John_W]

I have a friend that probably lives near you, he's on Ansley Path near the mail stop. He usually has a kayak on the roof of his Nissan Pathfinder. One morning at MVP he told me he had gone kayaking, I asked him where could he had gone that quick and be at the gym that soon. He said he goes to Lake Okahumpka Park.

If you take Buena Vista south to the end at Hwy 44, turn left like you're going to Leesburg, but the state park will be about a 1/4 on your right. If you reach Morse red light, you've gone too far. Here's the address if you want to put it in your GPS, 6085 FL 44, Wildwood, FL 34785. I've driven by the place but I have not been there. It shows there are a lot things for being so close. Here's a photo of the boat launch and a link to their website

Lake Okahumpka Park | Sumter County, FL - Official Website (http://www.sumtercountyfl.gov/205/Lake-Okahumpka-Park)


http://here4now.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8341d171f53ef0148c7d8d23d970c-450wi

[Barefoot]

Our daughter-in-law is visiting in March, and I would like to take her kayaking. A lot of the places I've seen online require a half day on the water. While she is an avid kayaker, I am not, although I play a lot of sports (pickle ball and golf) and think I could do a couple of hours of kayaking.

Does anyone have any suggestions as to where I could take her? She would love seeing the manatees in a kayak, but the reviews I read talk about a lot of kayaking to get to the spot where the manatees are, and the area being very crowded with boats.

I think she would be happy with any pretty spot. Any suggestions appreciated.

Lake Griffin. You can rent kayaks there, and it isn't far to drive.

[pqrstar]

Below are some links to canoe and kayak rentals
Both parks are close by The Villages

Lake Okahumpka - Sumter County Park

Facilities | Sumter County, FL - Official Website (http://sumtercountyfl.gov/197/Facilities)

Click on Canoe Rental Information link on the right side.
Download and print out the application.
Take to governmental offices on Powell Road.
For $25.00 cash deposit, you get key to unlock canoe, life jackets and paddles.
Deposit may be picked up when everything is returned in good order.

Lake Griffin State Park - canoe and kayak rentals

https://www.floridastateparks.org/park-activities/Lake-Griffin#Canoe-Kayak-Launch
$5.00 per car entrance fee
$6.42 per hr. canoe and single kayak
$12.48 per hr. tandem kayak
2 hr. guided paddle trips $17 pp. departs at 9:00 reservations required.
(fees are cash only)

[CFrance]

Thanks, everyone. I neglected to mention we'll have to rent kayaks.

John, I've seen your friend at the mail station. Okahumpka is great. I use the walking trails frequently.

[leftyf]

One of my favorites is Silver Springs State Park. They rent kayaks too. The water is like glass and easy paddling. I was there last week, but didn't see any monkeys. Saw gators, turtles and birds though.

[piper]

We just returned from a morning Kayak in Crystal River with the manatees! We use Crystal River Kayak Company. And we can kayak for 1-2 hours, if we want. Kayak Rentals - Crystal River Kayak Company (http://crystalriverkayakcompany.com/rental-pricing/)
Easy to get to and very helpful staff. Afterwards, lunch at The Freezer in Homosassa!

[chuckinca]

Rainbow Springs State Park in Dunnellon rents canoes and kayaks.

https://www.floridastateparks.org/park/Rainbow-Springs


Alexander Springs Recreation Area in the Ocala National Forest rents canoes.

Ocala National Forest - Alexander Springs Recreation Area (http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/ocala/recarea/?recid=32209)


Both are about an hour drive from Spanish Springs Town Square.

.

[VApeople]

When you guys kayak, do you worry about alligators?

[CFrance]

Thank you all. We're going out to preview Lake Griffin today, and if we think DIL would like something more interesting, I'll go on to look at other suggestions. Appreciate the help.

[eremite06]

Great information from everyone. Thanks.

[Barefoot]

When you guys kayak, do you worry about alligators?
Only if you fall out.

[VApeople]

When you guys kayak, do you worry about alligators?

Only if you fall out.


Seriously, do any of you worry about alligators when you kayak?

When I was at Univ. of Florida in Gainesville, one time I went down a creek in a little plastic boat and an alligator came out to greet me. I tried paddling to the side, but the boat capsized and the water was over my head. I swam to the side and ran through a wall of thorn bushes.

I do not look forward to having that happen again, so now we kayak in salt water where there usually are not any alligators.

[CFrance]

Seriously, do any of you worry about alligators when you kayak?

When I was at Univ. of Florida in Gainesville, one time I went down a creek in a little plastic boat and an alligator came out to greet me. I tried paddling to the side, but the boat capsized and the water was over my head. I swam to the side and ran through a wall of thorn bushes.

I do not look forward to having that happen again, so now we kayak in salt water where there usually are not any alligators.
Just crocodiles!

We are joining a group with a guide. I'm assuming he will be self-sacrificing.:D

[Barefoot]

I do not look forward to having that happen again, so now we kayak in salt water where there usually are not any alligators.
Good idea.
(I don't want to bring up the fact that one of the closest beaches to TV on the Atlantic side is known for shark attacks.) :shocked:

[CFrance]

Good idea.
(I don't want to bring up the fact that one of the closest beaches to TV on the Atlantic side is known for shark attacks.) :shocked:
Plus it's the calm inlet (where you're likely to be kayaking) where the sharks are! Plus that's the dog beach, so if you're not fond of dogs and sharks, you might not want to kayak at New Smyrna Beach!

[Carla B]

Back to Kayaking, you could also check out Discovery Kayak Tours (http://www.discoverykayaktours.com) They do several tours each month to destinations around The Villages. They supply all the equipment needed. By the way, the Rainbow River is absolutely beautiful.