Where Do We Go On The Tour
When you book a tour with Get Up and Go Kayaking, youll receive a confirmation email that gives you all of the details like where to meet, what to bring, and more. In fact, youll be totally prepared before you even leave your house! But if youre wondering what to expect, Im giving you all the details. To go on this Crystal River kayak tour, youll have convenient parking, and easy access to Crystal River.
When you start on your Crystal River kayak tour, youll meet your guide and get a quick introduction of what to expect. If youve never been kayaking before, youll get a quick and easy lesson. And then youll hit the water! You start out in a wide part of Crystal River and then paddle into a more residential area. After about a 30-45 minute paddle, youll head into Three Sisters Springs. Ive been to several different Florida springs, and this was among the most beautiful! When youre on a Three Sisters Springs kayaking tour with Get Up and Go Kayaking, youll spend about 30 minutes in the springs. And then youll head back to your starting point.
Final Thoughts On Our Get Up And Go Kayaking Adventure
Our tour lasted about 2.5 hours and we were so thankful to our awesome tour guide. He kept the whole experience fun and educational. You could tell he was very knowledgeable about the area, the manatees and overly enjoyed going out and doing this tour.
If you are looking to book a manatee viewing experience and want to have a good time, Get Up And Go Kayaking is the perfect choice. The tour held up to all our expectations and more. Find out more on the Crystal Rivers Manatee Season Tours happening Nov 15th- March 31st, Three Sister Springs Tour starting April 1st or a fun Glow-In-The-Dark Tour happening year round.
No matter where you are in Florida, they have multiple locations, check to see if one is near you. Plus, I love that they do give back a portion of the bookings to Florida Land + Springs conservation.
It was a wonderful family experience we will never forget.
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Should You Buy Or Rent A Kayak For Clear Kayaking In Florida
The first consideration when you are thinking about clear kayaking in Florida is whether you should buy or rent your clear kayak. Fortunately, there are some options for renting if you dont have the ability to bring your own.
That raises the first important question: how are you arriving at your Florida clear kayaking destination?
If you are arriving by plane, for example, you are probably going to have to rent a kayak during your visit. That is, of course, unless you plan on bringing one of the best folding kayaks in the planes underneath storage area.
To sum up our thoughts on this matter, renting is best for anyone traveling to Florida by air or any sort of mass transition solution . Bringing your own clear kayak is a great choice if you are a road tripper traveling to the state in an RV, truck camper, or camper van.
Still, think about how often you will really want to use a clear bottom kayak. Other than in ideal locations like Florida or Lake Tahoe, this type of kayak really isnt the most versatile option at your disposal.
So if you plan on doing any other kayaking on your road trip adventure, you are probably best to get a kayak that can handle a wider variety of environments. All things considered, your best bet is to rent a clear bottom kayak from a vendor in close proximity to wherever you plan on starting your clear kayaking adventure in Florida.
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Tip #: Pack Extra Layers
Yes it is Florida and yes that means the weather is usually spectacularusually. All kayakers should know, however, that conditions can change when youre on the water and youre better to be prepared for anything.
That means bringing a dry bag packed with at least a couple of extra layers. Even if its just a light rain jacket, it is better than needing a layer to be comfortable and not having it with you.
Clear Kayaking In Central Florida Western
Central Florida might be what you would call the Holy Grail of clear kayaking destinations in the Sunshine State. With a plethora of natural springs and incredibly clear rivers, this might just be the place to hit several clear kayaking destinations in one trip.
Rock Springs
Rock Springs is located a little inland and to the north of Orlando, but getting there is worth every penny if youre in it for the clear kayaking. The waters of the springs are 68-70 degrees year round and some areas are only several feet deep if youre looking for a safe place for the kids to swim.
Get Up and Go Kayaking is your choice for clear kayaking tours near Rock Springs and their tour is best suited for intermediate paddlers. It starts at Kings Landing and heads upstream to Emerald Cut, where you can then relax and let the run take you back down to your starting location as you enjoy the scenery.
Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach on Floridas east coast might be passed over for a visit to nearby Cape Canaveral if you are interested in learning the areas history of space travel, but you should take the opportunity to go for a clear kayaking adventure while youre here too.
BK Adventure is one of the best places to go in this area for clear kayak rentals and tours. They offer a sunset tour, a night-time bioluminescence tour, and a separate bioluminescence tour through the nearby Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge.
Fort Pierce
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Clear Kayaking In Southern Florida
As you move into southern Florida, you begin to get closer to the more swampy lakes and canals of Everglades National Park. While the Everglades provides some exceptional kayaking in its own right, we will focus on southern Florida destinations with a bit clearer waters than the Everglades in this piece.
Cape Coral
On Floridas east coast, Cape Coral is one of the furthest south destinations for clear kayaking before you get into the Everglades. The Caloosahatchee River is one of the more popular spots for kayaking around Cape Coral, and nearby Fort Myers, but theres also Estero Bay Preserve State Park.
Your best bet for clear kayak rentals in the Cape Coral area is Get Up and Go Kayaking.
Miami
Heading almost directly across the state, you have probably heard about the enticing prospects of visiting Miami for more than just clear kayaking. While Miami proper is known for other things, heading out to nearby Virginia Key provides a great launching point for a clear kayaking adventure.
From here, you can explore Lamar Lake or Norris Cut and get a sense for what other mysteries might be waiting for you if you took a boat excursion down to Biscayne National Park. Check out the Virginia Key Outdoor Center for more information on clear kayak rentals here.
Florida Keys
Opportunities begin around Key Largo and continue all the way down to Key West, with some of the best stops in between being Marathon and Islamorada.
Clear Kayaking In Florida The Ultimate Fun Guide
Florida is truly one of those US states that can claim to be a kayakers paradise. If you want to appreciate some of the states clearest waters, then youll need the ultimate fun guide to clear kayaking in Florida.
The Sunshine State truly offers something for all kayakers. There are long coastlines to explore if you have one of the best touring kayaks and plenty of time to kill, but there are also inland rivers with some of the clearest waters youll ever see.
One of the coolest things to do in the state is to paddle in a clear bottom kayak that allows you to see fish, manatees, and other aquatic species below you. Whether you bring your own kayak to do this or find one to rent, you should not miss out on this amazing opportunity.
In our ultimate fun guide to clear kayaking in Florida, we will provide plenty of options for where to go and what to expect. We will also provide some basic safety and travel tips for clear kayaking in Florida.
So lets get clear kayaking!
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End The Day At Fort Island Gulf Beach
After a brilliant day of Crystal River, Florida kayaking, its time to unwind and relax on the beach.
For Island Gulf beach has sweeping views of the Gulf of Mexico and is sure to provide you with a picture-perfect sunset.
Theres a picnic area, outdoor showers and changing rooms so you can peel off your wetsuit. Though its located near the pier, the water is calm. You might even think youre on a lake.
This beach is a family friendly spot to relax by the water after a good day of kayaking.
Job Posting For Kayak Tour Guide At Get Up And Go Kayaking
Our expanding premiere kayak tour company in Crystal River and Homosassa, Florida is looking for eco-loving tour guides. Our kayak tours are done in 100% clear kayaks, leading our guests through the beautiful waterways of Crystal River and the Chassahowitzka River. Each tour is approximately 2 – 3 hours long with up to ten guests within five kayaks. We are looking for adventurous, motivated, and friendly individuals to add to our team.
Please read this full description and meet all qualifications before applying. It must be understood that by applying, you meet the requirements below!
REQUIREMENTS – Please do not apply if you do not meet ALL of the listed requirements below:
– Ability to lift 50 lbs or more, this job is very physically demanding
– Availability to work morning, daytime, and sunset tours
– Available to work at least 3 days a week
– Ability to provide positive customer service
PREFERRED:
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Where To Go Clear Kayaking In Florida
The logical place to go from here is to provide a quick overview of the many places to go clear kayaking in the state of Florida. Because of the exceptional water quality throughout the state, youll find places from north to south, east to west, and all the way up in the panhandle as well.
Because Florida is so large, we are going to break up these locations by region to make things a little more manageable.
Kayaking In Crystal River Florida
The Crystal River is so much more than just a pretty name. It is a series of over 30 springs along a river that flow about 7 miles to the Gulf of Mexico. As you glide across the clear water you can see straight down to the sandy bottom.
Kayaking the Crystal River is rewarding and a lot of fun. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your experience.
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Clear Kayaking In Central Florida Eastern
Central Florida might be what you would call the Holy Grail of clear kayaking destinations in the Sunshine State. With a plethora of natural springs and incredibly clear rivers, this might just be the place to hit several clear kayaking destinations in one trip.
Crystal River
If seeing manatees is what you are after for your clear kayaking experience, there is quite possibly no better place than Crystal River. The astounding clear waters are abundant with sea cows, as long as you do your homework and visit during the right time of the year.
Crystal Rivers popularity means that there are plenty of options here for renting a clear kayak. Check out Crystal River Kayak Company, Captain Mikes Kayak Rentals, or Paddles Outdoor Rentals for rates and availability.
St. Petersburg
Tampa Bay is obviously a huge inland bay near St. Petersburg, but for clear kayaking youre better off heading down towards Shell Key Preserve. Nearby, youll find another Get Up and Go Kayaking location on Shell Key for clear kayak rentals and St. Pete Kayaking also offers clear kayak tours.
Weeki Wachee
One of the coolest names on our list, the clear kayaking around Weeki Wachee is just as stunning as Crystal River to the north. While the main waterway here is called the Mud River, it hardly lives up to its namesake when it comes to appearance.
Dress For The Water Temperature
Though the air temperature can be nice and warm, the water temperature in Crystal River is 72 degrees Fahrenheit year-round.
After just a couple of minutes in the water, or after an accidental immersion, you may find yourself shivering in your shorts.
If you are not used to cool water, wear a wetsuit. If you opt not to go with the wetsuit, be sure to pack an extra pair of clothes in case you get wet.
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Camera Gear: Capture Your Experience
If your anything like me I love taking pictures! I love having those little moments to look back on and someday Hailey, our daughter will too!
We did not bring much but do suggest having at least something to remember your trip by.
Waterproof Camera
Floating Grip For Your Waterproof Camera
Waterproof Sleeve For Your Cell Phone
* Get Up And Go Kayaking has an option to rent a GoPro Hero 7 White for your adventure for 1 for $40 or 2 for $80. Comes with memory card that guest will take home upon completion. Memory card holds up to 3,000 pictures or 30 minutes of video. Also comes with floaty/grip.
*They also provide you with a small waterproof bag to place your keys, cell phone, etc while on your trip. Please, be sure to hand it back after your tour is over.
Clear Kayaking In Northeastern Florida
Working our way across the top of the state, we get into the section of Florida that contains major cities like Jacksonville and Gainesville. While popular for their large universities and major sports teams, there are a few awesome clear kayaking destinations here too.
Silver Springs
Silver Springs could almost be considered a central Florida destination, but we already have plenty of those, so its leading off this category. As you can see, its one of the most iconic destinations for clear kayaking in the entire state and if you are looking for a place to rent a clear kayak and get some advice here, check out Get Up and Go Kayaking in Silver Springs.
St. Augustine
St. Augustine is definitely a northeastern Florida destination and this spot boasts plenty of historical significance, in addition to opportunities for clear kayaking.
Explore the coastline and see the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States from the water or head up the San Sebastian River for a completely different clear kayaking experience.
Amelia Island
Amelia Island is one of the furthest northeastern destinations in the state for clear kayaking and it offers some excellent rivers to explore. The St. Marys, Amelia, and East Rivers are all within close proximity and Fort Clinch State Park is definitely worth a visit while you are here, whether you arrive by land or water.
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How Strenuous Is The Three Sister Springs Kayaking Tour
In order to answer this question, Ill tell you more about our family. As Ive mentioned, weve been kayaking several times. Our kids are currently 6, 8, 11, 12, and 15. And they all did great kayaking! We had three tandem kayaks and one solo kayak. The 15 year old and the 12 year old took turns in the solo kayak. And my husband and I each had one of the little girls with us.
In my opinion, by the end of the trip, youll feel like youve had a good upper body workout. But basically anyone whos in fairly good shape, should be able to complete this Three Sister Springs kayaking tour on Crystal River. The Get Up and Go Kayaking tours are very accommodating and will work with the group to make sure everyone is successful. Even if youre inexperienced at kayaking, youll have a great time on this tour!
Tip #: Wear Plenty Of Sunscreen
Protecting your skin is vital on bright and clear days kayaking in Florida. You can do that in one of two ways: wear plenty of sunscreen and reapply often, or wear long sleeves and pants that are thin and breathable while still offering UV protection.
In addition, consider the UV rays that will hit your skin as they reflect off the surface of the water. Its those rays that are sometimes the most damaging to kayakers because they only prepare for direct rays from overhead.
Sunscreen and breathable kayaking clothing will protect you from both, thankfully. Additionally, consider getting yourself a pair of the best polarized sunglasses for kayaking to protect your eyes from those harmful UV rays.
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Three Sister Springs Kayaking Details You Need To Know
The Three Sisters Springs kayaking tour is only available from April 1 through November 14. During other times of the year, the Three Sisters Springs area is closed to boat traffic because its a manatee sanctuary. During that time, you can only dock your boat and swim or wade into the Springs.
There are also two other kayaking tours available in Crystal River with Get Up and Go Kayaking. From November 15-March 31, you can take a Manatee Tour and see these beautiful creatures up close and personal In addition, theres a Crystal River Glow in the Dark tour with LED lights and clear kayaks. I can just imagine how beautiful this would be!
Be sure to head to the Get Up and Go Kayaking website for all of the details. You can book a tour online and they have several locations throughout Florida. Particularly during this time when we are all spending a lot more time at home, getting outside with a kayaking tour is the perfect choice.
*We were provided with a complimentary guided tour in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. All opinions are my own.
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