Florida
Back to Nature: Kayaking the Waterways of Florida
Program No. 2264760MEADV-1116-60
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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800-454-5768
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6 days
5 nights
13 meals
5B 4L 4D
1
Check-in, Registration, Welcome Dinner, Orientation
Cocoa Beach, FL
2
Nature Talk, Kayaking Thousand Islands Conservation Area
Cocoa Beach, FL
3
Waterways Lecture, Space Center, Night Paddle
Cocoa Beach, FL
4
Indian River Paddle
Cocoa Beach, FL
5
Paddle Turkey Creek
Cocoa Beach, FL
6
Group Leader Wrap Up, Program Concludes
Cocoa Beach, FL
At a Glance
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.
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
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
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.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
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.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Anita Allen
View biography
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.
Ashley Konan
View biography
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
View biography
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
View biography
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.
Suggested Reading List
(6 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Back to Nature: Kayaking the Waterways of Florida
Program Number: 22647
Explorer's Guide Cape Canaveral, Cocoa Beach & Florida's Space Coast
Visitors and residents alike will enjoy exploring Brevard County, a recreational paradise where the high-tech space program exists alongside amazing natural areas like the Indian River Lagoon estuary; the most diverse marine estuary in the U.S. Comprehensive listings make this your most informative and entertaining vacation-planning tool. Full-color photographs throughout
Canoeing & Kayaking Florida
ompletely updated yet again, the latest edition of Canoeing & Kayaking Florida is the most comprehensive guide to the best of Florida's unique streams, springs, creeks, and rivers. Engaging and concise, yet filled with carefully selected details vital to any successful Florida paddling adventure, Canoeing & Kayaking Florida spares readers encyclopedic fluff in favor of practical, no-nonsense information. With expanded regional maps and revised river maps, Canoeing & Kayaking Florida is simply the best and most informative Florida paddling guide available.
Birds of Central Florida: A Guide to Common & Notable Species (Quick Reference Guides)
Birds of Central Florida covers the area from Ormond Beach south to Sebastian on the east coast and from Crystal River south to Punta Gorda on the west coast. This waterproof guide beautifully illustrates 124 species of birds that can be found in Central Florida. Red-cockaded Woodpecker, Florida Scrub Jay, Brown-headed Nuthatch, Wood Stork, Snail Kite, Limpkin, Mangrove Cuckoo, Gray Kingbird are some of the “specialties” included in this guide. This pocket-sized guide features color photos in a side-by-side format that makes it ideal for field use. It includes common and scientific names, length, wing span and season when these birds can be seen. Nature enthusiasts of all ages will enjoy using this guide.
North Brevard County, FL
The early pioneer settlement of LaGrange Community in Brevard County in 1858 pre-dated the missile launches on North Merritt Island by just one hundred years. During that span of time, the northern part of Brevard County underwent significant growth and development--homes were built, land farmed, businesses established, and churches built. The citrus industry provided North Brevard with a productive agricultural economy that remained strong until the advent of the space age. With the federal government's purchase of the land north of the port of Canaveral in the 1950s, the Cape Canaveral Missile Test Center was established. Later, when more land was needed, the Kennedy Space Center was built on North Merritt Island. Many North Brevard towns, communities, and homesteads disappeared when the governmental acquisition of land forced residents to relocate, but it was this new era of technology that helped shift North Brevard from the farm age to the space age.
Cocoa Beach, FL (TAN) (Then and Now)
Cocoa Beach welcomes millions of visitors every year, but the city has always managed to keep a small town atmosphere. In 1940, it was a cozy little waterfront town with less than 50 people. A few years after World War II, America’s space race began, and the city was never the same.
A History of the Kennedy Space Center
This first comprehensive history of the Kennedy Space Center, NASA's famous launch facility located at Cape Canaveral, Florida, reveals the vital but largely unknown work that takes place before the rocket is lit.
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.
Featured Expert
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.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
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.
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.
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
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
6 days
5 nights
What's Included
13 meals | 5B | 4L | 4D |
3 expert-led lectures
6 expert-led field trips
An experienced Group Leader
5 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Check-in, Registration, Welcome Dinner, Orientation
Location:
Cocoa Beach, FL
Meals:
D
Stay:
Hampton Inn Cocoa Beach/Cape Canaveral
Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 4:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).
Afternoon:
Program Registration: 4:00 p.m. After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table to register with the program staff, get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived. Orientation: 5:00 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Program-related travel and transfers will be via private motorcoach unless noted otherwise. We will be kayaking for up to four hours with breaks each paddle. Some of the paddles during the program will have sections of open water. We will be using sit-in kayaks; single or tandem kayaks are available upon request. Field trips will happen rain or shine. Due to weather and nature, there is no guarantee we will see all wild/plant life marketed in materials. Our local kayaking experts may alter routes and locations to allow for a more enjoyable experience. Evenings at leisure offer opportunities to make the program more meaningful and memorable through personal independent exploration, engaging in available activities on your own, or simply relaxing and making new friends among fellow participants. The Group Leader will always be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may be changed due to local conditions/circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Day
2
Nature Talk, Kayaking Thousand Islands Conservation Area
Location:
Cocoa Beach, FL
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hampton Inn Cocoa Beach/Cape Canaveral
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach. Kayaking for about 2 miles throughout the day; getting in/out of the kayak with assistance.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
At the hotel, we will be joined by a local naturalist who will provide a lecture on marine mammals and wildlife found in the Indian and Banana Rivers, and Atlantic Ocean. Afterwards, we will set off via motorcoach for our launch point at the nearby Thousand Islands Conservation Area, an area known for its lush mangrove channels. Our outfitter uses sit-in kayaks with back support designed for waterways. Single or tandem kayaks are available upon request. At the launch site we will receive a safety briefing and an introduction to our kayaks. Our local kayaking experts will point out local flora and fauna and explain the history of the area during the paddle.
Lunch:
Along the way, we will stop to have boxed lunches.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will continue our kayaking exploration of the Thousand Islands Conservation Area. We then return to the hotel to have a short break before walking a short distance to dinner.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Day
3
Waterways Lecture, Space Center, Night Paddle
Location:
Cocoa Beach, FL
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hampton Inn Cocoa Beach/Cape Canaveral
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 45 miles throughout the day, approximately 2 hours total riding time. Walking dependent on personal preference at the Kennedy Space Center; seating areas to rest throughout facility. Kayaking for approximately 1.5 hours; getting in/out of the kayak with assistance.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
After breakfast we will have an expert-led lecture about the Cocoa Beach Waterways. After transferring via motorcoach, we’ll start off our exciting adventures with an independent exploration of the Kennedy Space Center. Be sure to check out the Heroes & Legends exhibit, which is an amazing addition to Kennedy Space Center that celebrates pioneers of NASA's early space programs.
Lunch:
We will have vouchers for lunch at the Kennedy Space Center.
Afternoon:
Our Kennedy Space Center field trip will continue with more self-led exploration and recommendations from your Group Leader. If you have not been yet, a trip to the Apollo/Saturn V Center is in order to explore the exhibits surrounding these two series of missions. Most notably, the giant F1 thruster engines of the Saturn V moon rockets that took the first humans to the moon in the 1960s and 1970s are showcased here along with command modules from Apollo XIV, space suits, and even real lunar samples that you can touch. Also on site to view is the monumental 363-foot rocket, which was launched 13 times from the Kennedy Space Center.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
After dinner, we will head out for a sunset paddle in the Barge Canal area, where we will attempt to encounter the comb jellies that live in this habitat. After our paddle, we’ll return to the hotel.
Day
4
Indian River Paddle
Location:
Cocoa Beach, FL
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Hampton Inn Cocoa Beach/Cape Canaveral
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 60 miles, approximately 2 hours total riding time. Kayaking for up to 4 hours on this day with breaks; getting in and out of the kayak with assistance.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
By motorcoach, we’ll head over to this morning’s launch site near the Indian River Lagoon Preserve State Park where our expert naturalists and kayaking instructors will greet us. Setting out into the Indian River Lagoon, we will have the opportunity to discover this natural habitat of mangroves and salt water marshes, and perhaps even spot wildlife such as wading birds, dolphins, ospreys, and manatees.
Lunch:
Boxed lunches will be provided during the morning kayak.
Afternoon:
We will finish our paddle for the day and head back to the hotel for some well-deserved rest and an opportunity to freshen up before dinner.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
5
Paddle Turkey Creek
Location:
Cocoa Beach, FL
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hampton Inn Cocoa Beach/Cape Canaveral
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 60 miles, approximately 1.5 hours total driving time. Kayaking for about 4 hours on this day with a break for lunch; getting in/out of the kayak with assistance.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will hear a lecture at the hotel on lagoon plant life from an experienced naturalist. Then, we’ll head out by motorcoach to our final kayak outing at Turkey Creek in nearby Palm Bay. There, we will paddle through fresh water as we make our way towards the creek. Along the way, we will see a different habitat with fewer mangroves and surrounded by sand pine scrub. As we paddle, be on the lookout for gators, turtles, and other wildlife.
Lunch:
Boxed lunches will be provided during the morning kayak.
Afternoon:
Our paddling will conclude in the early afternoon and we will return to the hotel. Upon our return, take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Dinner:
At the hotel. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Day
6
Group Leader Wrap Up, Program Concludes
Location:
Cocoa Beach, FL
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Group Leader Wrap Up. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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MEALS
13 Meals
5 Breakfasts
4 Lunches
4 Dinners
LODGING
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- Dec 08, 2024 - Dec 13, 2024
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Participant Reviews
Based on 26 Reviews
Sort By:
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
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
A great trip that shows parts of Florida besides The Mouse
— Review left January 25, 2019
