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.
Participant Reviews
Based on 36 Reviews
SHOWING
This kayaking trip was very scenic and the nighttime kayak to see the glowing Comb Jellies was terrific!
— Review left February 16, 2026
This was a very good kayaking trip with an excellent group leader. Very informative with excellent lectures and guides. Not too difficult but still a physically active endeavor.
— Review left December 14, 2025
We were very pleased with both the educational content of this kayaking program and with the kayaking in both the Indian River Lagoon and Turkey Creek. We saw abundant bird life, dolphins, and a few of us were able to see manatees.Serendipitously, we also saw three launches!
— Review left December 13, 2025
The kayaking was terrific. The hotel was awful.
— Review left March 10, 2025
We saw lots of great wildlife but felt safe throughout the trip. Remember your hat, sunscreen and maybe a lightweight long sleeve shirt to avoid sunburn. Kennedy Space Center was fabulous even if you aren’t a space enthusiast. Anita, the group leader, was well organized and fun!
— Review left February 24, 2025
This was fun. Anita was a great leader as was our kayak guide, Cam. It was very easy to keep up. That was my fear. It was different than other group trips because it didn't focus on touristy places. Rather, it focused on nature. The day at NASA was an interesting added dimension.
— Review left February 18, 2025
If you are considering the back to nature program: DO IT! You will love it!!
— Review left February 15, 2025
Our kayaking was greatly enhanced by our group leader Anita Allen, who ensured that everything ran smoothly and always extended a helping hand. Our kayaking guide Cameron and his colleague Dan provided a safe and educational environment throughout every paddle. He too was welcoming and helpful. Our two educational presenters, Ashley Konon & Gabbie Milch were exceptional enhancing our experience that much more.
— Review left February 14, 2025
This was a very enjoyable experience. The leader, Anita and the kayak group leader, Cameron were outstanding and made the trips so much more informative. The places we paddled were different from some of the other Florida kayak trips that we've done and we saw lots of wildlife (and even two different rocket launches).
— Review left February 1, 2025
Outstanding program with unique combination for diverse learning about space exploration, flora and fauna in coastal FL and active kayaking experience. Great tour leadership , nature lectures and kayaking tour guide. Highly recommend.
— Review left December 14, 2024
Awesome trip if you enjoy being out on waterways seeing dolphins, pelicans, egrits, and manatee. Our guide, Emerson, was extremely helpful showing us the best places to go. We even got to see a Falcon Space X launch. I love kayaking and being out on water. Road Scholar knows how to organize a trip worth taking. Warning, though, wear bug spray at all times!!!!
— Review left April 15, 2024
Wonderful, experience learning about the area and kayaking the rivers. The trip activity level was exactly as advertised. Had a great time with my fellow kayakers, an adventurous funny group. Johnny, the trip leader was awesome. If I get the chance, I will signup for another one of his trips. I highly recommend this trip for anyone seeking an educational fun filled vacation.
— Review left March 18, 2024
Excellent, very enjoyable program!!
— Review left March 16, 2024
An amazing trip first time out of the gate. This was my very first trip with Road Scholar and I am already planning my next trip. Emerson Fales was our Road Scholar representative and guide. He is a walking encyclopedia of knowledge! He obviously loves his job and is extremely good at it. Our kayaking guide was Cameron and he, too was extremely good. he handled everyone in our group with confident kid gloves. I was absolutely delighted with my trip!
— Review left February 18, 2024
This wasn't my favorite Road Scholar program. We were surprised the accommodations and meals were not what we had come to expect from our previous Road Scholar experiences.
This program is also offered as a grandparent/grandchild event, and the arrangements are probably very satisfactory for that configuration.
There was an inordinate amount of time allotted for paddling in the muddy water of the mangroves. Birds were in abundance, but any "charismatic megafauna" were hidden and invisible in the murky water.
After three days in the mangroves, the final kayak destination was Turkey Creek, which offered much better paddling and wildlife viewing: lots of turtles, a few alligators and one manatee doing its best to evade the flotilla of invading kayaks.
The kayaking wasn’t great, but the Kennedy Space Center was phenomenal. We were also lucky enough to view two dramatic SpaceX rocket launches, each followed by an equally impressive first stage reentry. Wow!!
Overall, this program didn't meet my expectations. . . . but the next adventure is coming up soon. I'll be "Off the Map: Horseback Riding in the High Sierra Nevada Wilderness."
Happy trails!
— Review left February 17, 2024
This was my first trip with Road Scholar, but it almost certainly will not be the last. I had a wonderful week--great trip leader, enjoyable and interesting co-adventurers, fun adventures, and plenty of learning.
— Review left February 9, 2024
Great program with a terrific leader. I came to the trip a beginner (but not novice) kayaker. Perfect duration and difficulty of kayaking for my experience and ability - took me to advanced beginner. Kennedy Space Center was more Disney than science and history museum, but I still enjoyed it, and it made for a nice interlude. Animal life did not disappoint.
— Review left December 26, 2023
This was an amazing program. Our leader and lecturers were all so knowledgeable and friendly, it just added to the experience. Spending time outside kayaking with others that have the same interests and learning from them was wonderful and inspiring. I highly recommend this kayaking program.
— Review left March 23, 2023
My friend and I just completed Road Scholar's Back to Nature: Kayak the Unspoiled Waterways of Florida that was based in Cocoa Beach, Central Florida. It was fantastic. It was a spirited trip as we kayaked 16 miles in beautiful lagoons over four days, saw lots of birds, other wildlife, and plants. Our trip to the Kennedy Space Center was fantastic--so much to see and learn there. We even saw a rocket launch from our kayaks one evening. Instructors were knowledgeable and engaging. It was a great value as the accommodations and food were fine. Our group leader and the Kayaking Team emphasized safety first and fun! I highly recommend this trip for spirited solo travelers, couples and groups of friends.
— Review left March 18, 2023
This was my first Road Scholar trip, but it won't be my last! I enjoyed every aspect of the program. The three lectures that were presented really added to the value of the program. Being from California, I knew almost nothing about Florida waterways and wildlife, but after the lectures I left feeling like I now know quite a bit. Mike Fowler, our group leader, was wonderful and put everyone at ease immediately with his warmth and charm. We saw lots of dolphins and alligators while paddling which was thrilling. We learned quite a bit via the lectures about the birds we would see and that made watching their behavior from our kayaks more meaningful. I saw an anhinga spear a fish with his beak then flip it around before swallowing it (a behavior I wouldn't have understood without the previous lecture). I was a little nervous about joining this trip by myself, but everyone in this delightful group of travelers made me feel instantly welcomed. What a great group of people! I can't wait for my next trip.
— Review left February 23, 2023
Thsis program was a nice easy and informative kayaking trip.
— Review left February 20, 2023
This is the 6th kayaking trip we have taken through Road Scholar so we have had some experience with different environments and outfitters. The Adventure Kayak Outfitters of Cocoa Beach were outstanding. The staff unloaded and loaded the kayaks, helped with fitting, and assisted with entering and exiting the kayaks. We maintained the same kayak throughout the paddles. This would be a good trip for beginner kayakers and anyone interested in seeing Floridian wildlife. We saw alligators, manatees, dolphins, and numerous birds. Night paddle can be a little intimidating but catching and releasing the comb jellyfish was great fun. Mike was an outstanding group leader and Cameron, Henry, and Dan were friendly and informative kayak guides.
— Review left February 17, 2023
Learning to kayak was a New Year's resolution. I was thrilled to be able to learn and enjoy all 4 paddles even being the only participant with no experience. The guides made it easy. Highly recommend even if you have little to no kayaking hours.
— Review left March 22, 2022
Johnny was our guide on this trip and he was awesome. The natural beauty of this area is diverse and was enhanced by the weather. We saw a lot of wildlife and overall had a great group dynamic. The actual paddling was not strenuous at all, very enjoyable. The day at Cape Canaveral I skipped since I've been there many times. Would have loved to have an alternate activity that day. Overall, would highly recommend.
— Review left March 20, 2022
Our first Road Scholar trip definitely fulfilled our expectations based on friends’ experiences: It was a great learning experience, with convivial participants and an excellent leader, and the weather was much better than Upstate New York’s in mid-February!
— Review left February 20, 2022
Your website is much improved from some years ago. I like being able to look for programs according to activity levels as well as location, date, interest,...
— Review left March 24, 2020
Fun program with varied paddling experiences. Very enjoyable.
— Review left February 29, 2020
Our guide, Anita, was pleasant, knowledgable, organized and an inspiration to remain physically fit. We paddled in 3 different ecosystems for about 1.5 hours before and after lunch. The pace was good for beginners and advanced kayakers alike. The kayaks were waiting for us at the edge of the water--no carrying of kayaks--yea! Adventure Kayak of Cocoa Beach provided 2 or 3 guides for each of our paddles who were full of information on the plants, animals and birds we saw-- dolphins, manatees, fish and many water birds. On our night paddle, we caught bioluminescent jellies in nets. Our seventh floor bedroom window at the Hampton Inn had an ocean view. The lunches had a custom sandwich and chips. I wish we also had fruit and a snack bar. The experts who talked with us about the animals, plants and water restoration projects kept our attention and answered all of our questions. The day at the Kennedy Space Center was wonderful.
— Review left February 16, 2020
Great fun. Just the right amount of activity. Space Center is a must see and all the kayak outings were great.
— Review left February 10, 2020
I joined 13 other Road Scholars for a wonderful time kayaking Florida's eastern inland waterways. The kayaks were brand new and easy to navigate. Ed, and others guides, led us through wide open waterways, challenging mangrove tunnels and on a nighttime kayak excursion. The nighttime kayak excursion was great. Luckily, we saw a manatee on our last canoe trip at turkey Creek. Anita Allen did a good job coordinating all our activities including a fun day at the Kennedy Space Center. Her touring recommendations at the Space Center were appreciated, especially experiencing the shuttle simulation.
As always, RS trips provide excellent lecturers. Ashley Konon provided us with a wealth of native wildlife and plant information. She was informative, interesting and welcomed group questions.
Anita did an excellent job, answering questions, coordinating activities, arranging transportation, etc. Why not give Anita a chance to lead RS groups in the Everglades.
— Review left February 5, 2020
A great experience for kayakers from novice to expert. Varying waterways, an opportunity to meet wildlife in the water, plus meeting great new friends. And the Kennedy Space Center trip was awesome!
— Review left February 1, 2020
Very well organized. Very good accommodations. Kayak company did a very good job. I was surprised that everyone of our paddles started at a public park. We paddle along waterways that were frequently framed by rather nice homes. Our night paddle was along and under a highway lighted by some big box stores. The lighting Comb jellies we scooped up with out nets were fascinating. I think my next kayaking trip will be in a less populated area.
— Review left November 29, 2019
This program focuses on kayaking the Indian River Lagoon and tributaries. Each of the four trips introduces you to a different aspect of the area: a general introduction to the river/lagoon to get everyone familiar with the water and equipment, a paddle through mangroves, a night-time paddle, and a ride down a stream. The first, third, and fourth kayak trip are appropriate for beginners and intermediate rowers, the second ride needs confident kayers. If there is little wind, experienced kayakers will not find any challenges.
— Review left March 16, 2019
This program was excellent! Couldn't be more pleased with our awesome leader John, the hotel right on the beach, and enough local sights to explore. The varied kayaking locations really gave a wonderful overall experience of the Florida coast!
— Review left February 27, 2019
A great trip that shows parts of Florida besides The Mouse
— Review left January 25, 2019
Imagine! Kayaking the warm waters of central Florida at night! Searching for jellyfish that glow in the dark! And finding them! Seeing a huge group of Manatees all together in a canal in a park. Viewing all kinds of bird life while kayaking! Just enjoying the peace and serenity of kayaking on calm quiet waters. Kayaking the waters of the Coco Beach area in Central Florida is a program you need to check out!
— Review left January 25, 2019