Page 19 - 2024-2025 Travel Guide to Florida

the unusual beaches and rock formations around the Talbot Islands have the opportu- nity to try one of Kayak Amelia’s paddle tours to explore the tidal streams and sand bars. 13030 Heckscher Drive, Jacksonville, Florida. 1-904-251-0016. kayakamelia.com
7PADDLE WITH SCHOLARS IN A NATIONAL ESTUARINE RESEARCH RESERVE,
ST. AUGUSTINE
Paddle the coastal backwaters of the GTM- NERR (Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve) with certified master naturalist instructors through one of the most productive ecosystems on the planet. Fresh water drains into the watershed, creating a habitat abundant with diverse aquatic plant and wildlife. Around350birds,45mammals,40reptiles, 20 amphibians and 580 different plant species reside in this unique ecological environment. Ripple Effect Adventure Outfitters, located in the town of Marineland just south of St. Augustine, also offers tours aboard the only vegetable-oil powered ecotour boat in Northeast Florida. 101 Tolstoy Lane, St. Augustine, Florida. 1-904-347-1565. rippleeffectecotours.com
8TUBE THE CRYSTAL CLEAR WATERS OF THE ICHETUCKNEE RIVER,
FORT WHITE
Float the pristine sapphire waters of the Ichetucknee River, a spring-fed river in Florida, declared a National Natural Landmark in 1972. Visitors can enjoy a
tubing experience within Ichetucknee Springs State Park on this lazy six-mile river with opportunities to see natural Florida springs, otters, beavers and an occasional manatee. Tube, kayak, paddleboard and canoe rentals are available, and only non- motorized vessels are allowed on the river. 12087 SW U.S. Highway 27, Fort White, Florida. 1-386-497-1500. floridastateparks.org/parks- and-trails/Ichetucknee-Springs-state-park
9DESCEND INTO
THE LABYRINTHINE UNDERGROUND AT FLORIDA CAVERNS, MARIANNA
The only dry-air cave tour in a Florida state park can be found at Florida Caverns State Park in North Florida. Visitors take a 45-minute guided tour with a park ranger winding
their way through narrow passages and around unique limestone formations like dripping stalactites, mounding sta- lagmites, flowstones and draperies. Cave salamanders,cavecricketsandcoloniesof bat species can also be found in this unusual 65oF year-round Florida habitat. 3345 Caverns Road, Marianna, Florida. 1-850-482-1228. floridacavernsstatepark.com
10BEAUTIFUL SURPRISES ALONG THE GREAT
CALUSA BLUEWAY,
FORT MYERS
The Great Calusa Blueway in Southwest Florida’s Lee County soothes the eyes and calms the soul. And the only sounds you’ll hear are your own paddles—canoe, rowboat or kayak. This watery trail winds through 190 miles of tropical vegetation and wildlife, past inlets and tributaries, and out to the Gulf of Mexico and quaint little islets like Palm Island, as well as Sanibel and Captiva islands. You can get on or off at numerous places along the Blueway, which was the ancient road of the Calusa Indians. Along the way see wildlife such as dolphins, sea turtles and river otters; long-legged wading birds like egrets; and, if you’re lucky, Florida’s beloved “Sea Cow,” the manatee. On the Great Calusa Blueway, there are natural surprises at every bend in the “road.” 2201 Second Street, Suite 600, Fort Myers, Florida. 1-239-707-7981. visitfortmyers.com/calusablueway
SWIM WITH MANATEES IN CRYSTAL RIVER • VISIT CITRUS
A SEA TURTLE HATCHLING • VISIT PENSACOLA
2024-25 TRAVEL GUIDE TO FLORIDA 17