Getting Back To Nature

Posted Jan 25, 2006 by Janine Dorsey

Updated Jan 25, 2006 at 01:18 PM

When our family went to Puerto Rico this past summer, my girls and I really enjoyed a sea-kayaking trip that we took off the beach. It was great exercise and a good team-building experience for my highly competitive daughters.

As soon as we hit the sand they were clamoring about when we could do it again. 

Of course, I promised we would again “soon” but once back home, opportunities didn’t present themselves.

Now they have.

Weedon Island Center offers guided canoe tours, canoe rentals and kayak rentals and classes. See descriptions below:

Guided Canoe Trip
Saturday, February 18, 2006 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center Staff and Volunteers
Take this opportunity to explore the south canoe trail of Weedon Island Preserve. This trail offers a rare look at some of the aquatic ecosystems that make west-central Florida so special. Trained canoe guides lead you through mangrove stands and over seagrass and oyster beds while pointing out various flora and fauna that live here. The cost for this unique experience is $10 per person or $20 per canoe (maximum of 3 people per canoe).  Recommended ages: 6 and up. Spaces fill quickly, call (727) 453-6500 and pre-register today!

Guided Canoe Trip
Friday, February 24, 2006 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center Staff and Volunteers. Take this opportunity to explore the south canoe trail of Weedon Island Preserve. This trail offers a rare look at some of the aquatic ecosystems that make west-central Florida so special. Trained canoe guides lead you through mangrove stands and over seagrass and oyster beds while pointing out various flora and fauna that live here. The cost for this unique experience is $10 per person or $20 per canoe (maximum of 3 people per canoe). Recommended ages: 6 and up. Spaces fill quickly. Call (727) 453-6500 to pre-register today!

Self-Guided Kayak/Canoe Tours
Every Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Kayak rentals are available at Weedon Island Preserve on Riviera Bay. Paddle beautiful mangrove tunnels that lead through the tidal forests into private lagoons. The marked South Paddling Trail is easy to follow. Expect to see an amazing array of wildlife including great blue herons, great egrets, roseate spoonbills, yellow-crowned night herons, white ibis, osprey, and belted kingfishers. Watch the water for jumping mullet, stingrays, manatees, and Eastern bottlenose dolphin. Rental kayaks and canoes do not require paddling experience and are user friendly. Every weekend, kayaks and canoes are on site at the Preserve. To arrange a drop off during the week, call Sweetwater Kayaks at (727) 570-4844. Fee: Single: $35 for up to 4 hours or $15 per hour. Double: $50 for up to 4 hours or $20 per hour.