Go Kayaking Tours

04/26/2024

Florida has the dubious honor of being the state with the second highest number of invasive species. This iguana is one of two I've been seeing on a regular basis. Armored catfish, Brazilian pepper trees, Chinese tallow are some of the other non-natives common to our tours. Come learn about these plants and critters and about the damage they do to our local ecosystems.

04/05/2024

It's been a busy week for tours. The weekend looks like great weather for paddling. Plus, we have two manatee moms with calves that have been in the creek. Call 321.209.5927 or 321.258.4492 to book a tour today.

04/01/2024

Clearwater Marine Aquarium scientists recently sighted a thought to be extinct manatee species, Elephas manatus, in Clearwater Bay. This unique species is a descendent of the elephant, with retained elephant-like features such as tusks and large flapping ears. This mammal descended from a group of common ancestors known as Tethytheria. These early hoofed mammals lived during the early Cenozoic age. Learn more about this unique species: https://brnw.ch/21wIoIU.

04/01/2024

Gators (the reptile kind, not the football team..well, maybe them too) are entering mating season. The amorous lizards start usually in April and the season lasts through the summer. Lady gators will build a nest of mud and leaves to lay an average of 40 eggs. The hatchings start to emerge after about 65 days.

Come see these amazing creatures for yourself. Call 321.209.5927 or 321.258.4492 to book your tour.

03/30/2024

Our launch site at Paddling Paradise.

Today is going to be a great day to on the water. Yesterday's tours saw eight manatees and probably as many gators. We still have openings for this afternoon and all day tomorrow so call to book at 321.209.5927 or 321.258.4492.

03/27/2024

Happy Manatee Appreciation Day!! Had a great tour today with some folks from St. Louis. Lots of gators out and about and we saw EIGHT! manatees including two moms with babies. Come explore with us and see them for yourselves. (321) 209-5927

03/16/2024

Hattie the gator says have a great St. Paddy's Day and ask you to come see her and her friends on Turkey Creek. Call 321.209.5927 (or 321.258.4492) to book your tour today.

03/15/2024

As I'm about to head out on another GREAT day of tours, I wanted to share this post from our friends at Ding Darling NWR. Great blues, little blues and greens are the most common on Turkey Creek, but we do occasionally see Tris, midnight and night herons. Cone explore with us and see our herons for yourself! 321.209.5927 or 321.258.4492.

03/14/2024

After what can only be called a rotten January and February (at least thr first half) spring has sprung. Turkey Creek is filled with amazing signs of spring. Come see for yourself! Tours going out daily. Call 321.209.5927 or 321.258.4492

Active animal alert
Spring has sprung & our native wildlife understood the assignment! Some need-to-know info:

🦉 Raptors Raising Young: Hawks, owls & other birds of prey are nesting right now. They’re typically great parents but can be overprotective, sometimes dive-bombing perceived threats – I.e.: you, your family, friends & pets. Ways to coexist with our feathered friends: https://bit.ly/2OFF3O1

🐍 Sunbathing Snakes: Warm days mean native snakes may be out & about. If you see one, they are likely just as surprised by you as you are of them - just give them plenty of space!

🦌 Baby Boom: Come across a young animal on its own, such as a fawn or fledgling? Young animals are rarely orphaned & a parent may be nearby searching for food. Leave it be or contact your regional FWC office for guidance.

🦇 Bats in your Belfry: April 16 is the start of bat maternity season (baby bats – so cute!) – exclusions are only legal without a permit from Aug. 15 through April 15, so now is the time to start if you have bats roosting in buildings.

🐻 Bear Aware: Female bears are busy teaching cubs how to find food & bears in general become more active this time of year. Help momma bears give cubs a proper education by not enticing them to your yard with inappropriate food sources, such as garbage, pet food, bird seed, or similar.

🐢 Tortoise Time: Gopher tortoises are on the move, looking for food & love (same, tortoises, same). It’s best to leave these guys alone but you can help them cross the road, as long as you don’t endanger yourself & only move them out of the road in the direction they were headed.

🚤 Manatees on the Move: Our sea cows are on the move as they disperse from winter habitats. If boating or using personal watercraft, please go slow & look out below!

🐣 Sea turtles & Shorebirds by the Shore: Marine turtles & shorebirds are starting to nest on our beaches around the state. Help with nesting success by giving them plenty of space & avoiding entering posted nesting areas, keeping beaches clean & free of obstacles, filling in those holes in the sand, & keeping lights out to ensure nesting success.

🐾 Watch for Wildlife: Increased activity means more animals crossing roadways. Ease off that gas pedal & obey all posted speed limits, particularly at dawn, dusk, or at night, as well as in panther zones & areas with wildlife crossing signs.

Learn more: https://myfwc.com/news/spring-news/.

News Release: https://bit.ly/3IE15cs

03/13/2024

Did you know that elephants are the manatees nearest living relatives? Come see these wonderful creatures with us on Turkey Creek. Call 321.209.5927 or 321.258.4492 to book!

03/12/2024

Birds are a favorite for many of our guests. We commonly see ospreys, several different herons (like the little blue pictured), egrets, ibis, and many different songbirds. Spring migration is underway, so there's a chance of seeing some birds not commonly found here. In fact, according to Birdcast we had over 30,000 birds fly through our area just last night!

Come explore with us, and bring your binoculars, on our Turkey Creek tours. Call (321) 209-5927 to book your tour today.

03/11/2024

02/22/2024

02/20/2024

The weather finally broke yesterday and was able to do a tour for two great guests vacationing from NY state. We were able to see a manatee and a couple of gators who came out of their mud holes for some sun. You too can see this and so much more on our Turkey Creek tours. Call today!

02/19/2024

02/16/2024

Rain is in the forecast this weekend, but next week's forecast looks great with sunny skies. Join us at Turkey Creek to meet a manatee!

02/15/2024

Gators are out and about enjoying this warm spring weather. Come explore with us and may be meet one of these prehistoric dinosaurs!

10/27/2022

Learn more quick animal facts when you come with us on one of our Florida Master Naturalist guided tours!

10/26/2022

My first safety rule is"If you see an alligator, please DO NOT try and pet it." My fourth is "Please remember not to pet the alligators." So, there will no rubbing of their bellies on my tours!

But all kidding (well, mostly) aside, there are plenty of gators out and about. Seeing one (or two, or a dozen) in the wild is quite a bit different than seeing them in a zoo, or speeding by on an airboat. Generally, gators pay us no mind at all. In fact, after guiding for over fifteen years, I have never had a negative encounter with any of these modern-day dinosaurs.

Sign up for one of our Turkey Creek tours and see these incredible creatures!

09/20/2022

I'm asked the question of whether or not someone should go solo paddling. My usual response is no, always go with a buddy. But I then follow up with the comment that " this is a do as I say, not do as I do relationship " since many of my paddles are solo. Here's an excellent article that tells you what to consider...https://www.paddleutopia.com/kayaking-alone-x-tips-for-staying-safe/amp/

Kayaking alone can be an incredibly peaceful and rewarding experience. It can also be a great way to get some exercise and explore new areas. However, it can also present a lot of new risks and dangers, especially for new and less experienced paddlers. If you've stumbled upon this page

09/19/2022

Our favorite photographer, Michael Nally, came to visit us this past week. He is the one responsible for our cover photo and that's his son Tanner in the frame with me. Anyway, he left with a couple of excellent photos to share. I wish I were a tenth as talented! Thanks Michael!

Check out his portfolio at http://michaelnalleyphotography.com/