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Florida

Back to Nature: Kayaking the Waterways of Florida

Program No. 22647RJ
The Florida coastline boasts beautiful nature reserves and some of the finest kayaking in America. Kayak through mangroves and wetlands to search for wildlife with expert naturalists.
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Water SportsOutdoor AdventuresSmall Group
Length
6 days
Rating (4.86)
Activity Level
Starts at
1,949
Program
At a Glance
Duration
6 days
Program Begins
Cocoa Beach, FL
Program Concludes
Cocoa Beach, FL
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
13 ( 5B, 4L, 4D )
Activity Level
The mangroves, wetland canals and abundance of wildlife make Florida’s Space Coast one of the premier kayaking sites in America. Join expert naturalists and kayak instructors to explore this sublime wilderness on a kayaking adventure suitable for all skill levels. Search for an array of wildlife and learn what makes this unspoiled ecosystem such a thriving habitat. Kayak through wildlife sanctuaries and nature reserves, including the remarkable 1,000 Islands and the Turkey Creek Sanctuary. Discover why this region of Florida is known as the Space Coast with a visit to Kennedy Space Center.
Best of all, you'll...
  • Kayak with naturalists through Florida’s mangroves to view wading birds, dolphins, ospreys and manatees.
  • Bask in the gentle glow of Cocoa Beach's comb jellies by moonlight during a nighttime paddle.
  • View the Saturn V rocket and watch a re-creation of the Apollo 11 moon landing on a field trip to Kennedy Space Center.
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General Notes
Due to a limitations in the number of kayaks we can provide, we kindly ask couples and friends to kayak together in tandem kayaks. Single kayaks will be reserved for solo travelers. Everyone will be in tandems during the evening paddle.
Featured Expert
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Amy Giannotti
Amy Giannotti, MS, CLM, is an environmental scientist, Certified Lake Manager, and founder of AquaSTEM Consulting, with more than 25 years of experience working as a biologist for various government agencies in temperate and subtropical marine and freshwater systems. Beyond the field, Amy is a passionate science communicator and educator. She serves as the director of development for Schoolyard Films, a 501c3 dedicated to providing K-12 students and teachers with high-quality natural history films and study guides to promote environmental stewardship for all ages.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Please Note:
These experts may not be available for every date of the program
Anita Allen grew up in Indiana and now lives in Coral Springs, Florida. She earned her BA in zoology and MAs in environmental science and geography. She worked for many years in environmental protection and water management along with assisting with sports specialty travel groups around the world. Anita now leads groups for Road Scholar in Florida. When not leading groups, she enjoys running, kayaking and taking photographs.
Emerson Fales is a Miami native who enjoys being outdoors in Florida. When not leading programs, he is a middle school substitute teacher and high school girls' soccer coach. He has spent as much time as possible kayaking, biking, and walking around Miami and Florida since becoming a group leader in 2009. He enjoys showing people the natural wonders and human-caused eccentricities of his home state.
Amy Giannotti, MS, CLM, is an environmental scientist, Certified Lake Manager, and founder of AquaSTEM Consulting, with more than 25 years of experience working as a biologist for various government agencies in temperate and subtropical marine and freshwater systems. Beyond the field, Amy is a passionate science communicator and educator. She serves as the director of development for Schoolyard Films, a 501c3 dedicated to providing K-12 students and teachers with high-quality natural history films and study guides to promote environmental stewardship for all ages.
Abby Frey was a competitive swimmer for 17 years, worked 5 years as an ocean rescue lifeguard, and grew up by the ocean. In 2023, she graduated from Rollins College with a dual degree in marine biology and environmental studies. She started with the Marine Discovery Center as a counselor for the summer camp and joined the naturalist team after 12 weeks to continue educating the public about the magic of the Indian River Lagoon. She loves exploring, hiking, surfing, and making seashell jewelry.
Samantha Garcia, originally from Southern California, has a passion for nature. She earned a degree in fisheries and wildlife from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, specializing in conservation biology, wildlife ecology, and management. Past research adventures have taken her from the Platte River, working with Pallid sturgeon, to the deserts of New Mexico, studying Bolson tortoises. Samantha currently works as a shoreline restoration specialist at the Marine Discovery Center. She loves reading, hiking, wakeboarding, and beach volleyball.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Spirited
Walking up to 2 miles a day and kayaking 3-4 hours a day in breezy conditions on coastal paddles. Kayaking is appropriate for beginner and intermediate levels.
Small Group (13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Books and Resources
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You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
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Call 800-454-5768
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Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

Assurance Plan

Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.

Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.

  • Peace of Mind

    We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

  • Assurance Plan

    Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.

  • Want to Protect Your Investment?

    Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

  • Sustainable Travel

    We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.