Paddling

While there are many ways to observe wildlife, especially rarely seen birds, kayaking may be one of the most satisfying. If you are not already a kayak enthusiast, the Nature Coast Birding & Wildlife Experience has great plans to help you get paddling comfortably on your own.

We offer several guided paddles led by knowledgeable local kayak outfitters, so you can get closer view of our area's numerous shore and wading birds. Kayaking tours are $25.00 with kayak provided, if you supply your own kayak cost is $15.00

Trips may run longer than expected, so plan your schedule accordingly.

Waccasassa River Trip - Friday 12:00 noon Oct. 26, 2007
and Monday - 2:00 pm Oct. 29, 2007

This kayak tour takes us upstream against a gentle current into the hardwood hammock. This river is spring fed but the water is tannic stained. Wildlife sighting can include deer, turkey, alligators, and swallow tail kites. Directions - Leave Cedar Key on S.R. 24 proceed to US 19/98. Take a right at the caution light in Otter Creek; go south to next caution light at Gulf Hammock make a right at Gulf Hammock on C.R. 326 follow to the end to county boat ramp. Trip approximately 3hrs.

Atsena Otie Island Trip - 2:00 pm Saturday Oct. 27, 2007

An easy paddle well suited for birders and others that do not paddle often. The island is quite the paradox as the town of Cedar Key was originally situated there, but for a number of reasons ultimately ended up where we find it today.

The departure of the human residents has allowed the vegetation to return to a more natural state. The result is a great variety of birds that now find the beaches and shallows surrounding the island great places to feed. Directions - We meet at the beach at Cedar Key City Park. Trip approximately 2-3 hrs.

Shell Mound Trip - 3:30 pm Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007

This kayak tour takes us around several islands adjacent to the shell mound archaeological site. We stop along the way on sandy beaches to observe wildlife. Sighting may include dolphins, white pelicans, bald eagles, osprey, and the magnificent frigate bird. Direction to Shell Mound from Cedar Key - Leave Cedar Key on S.R. 24, left on C.R. 347 proceed approximately 2.5 miles to C.R. 326, left on C.R. 326 follow pavement to the end and continue down dirt road past shell mound until you reach water where you will find a boardwalk and parking lot. Trip approximately 3hrs.