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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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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.

Anita Allen

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.

Please Note:

This expert may not be available for every date of the program

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Ashley Konan

Ashley Konan, a dedicated advocate for nature, has called Florida home for a decade. Having earned a B.S. in animal science from the University of Vermont, Ashley has traversed a diverse professional landscape, serving as a zookeeper at three different zoos, leading kayak adventures on the Indian River Lagoon, and contributing to the preservation of the Wekiva Wild and Scenic River system. Ashley's academic pursuits continue with a master's degree through Project Dragonfly at Miami University.

Gabbie Milch

Gabrielle Milch works for the St Johns Riverkeeper, a nonprofit advocate for clean water. She is also a supervisor for the Seminole County Soil and Water Conservation District. She has worked as an outreach and program coordinator for the St Johns River Water Management District. She is a graduate of Rollins College with a B.A. in environmental studies; she also did master's work at the University of Florida in agricultural education and communications. She loves paddling Florida’s waters, photography, and nature hikes.

Ashley Konon

Ashley Konon has traversed a diverse professional landscape, serving as a zookeeper at three different zoos, leading kayak adventures on the Indian River Lagoon, and currently contributing to the preservation of the Wekiva Wild and Scenic River system. She earned a B.S. in animal science from the University of Vermont and a master's degree through Project Dragonfly at Miami University. Whether caring for wildlife, guiding on the water, or championing conservation, Ashley's passion lies in fostering a connection between people and the natural world.

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 Reading List

View Full List (6 Books)

You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.

HAVE QUESTIONS?

Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?

We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!

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's continued commitment to our participants and their well-being is exemplified whether participating on a program in the United States or on one of our International programs, every Road Scholar participant receives coverage under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan.

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's continued commitment to our participants and their well-being is exemplified whether participating on a program in the United States or on one of our International programs, every Road Scholar participant receives coverage under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan.
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.