St. Johns River Tour
St. Johns River Tour
3 DAYS
Not Scheduled for 2017
TBA per person + Fuel (All-Inclusive)
Based on Double Occupancy – Single Occupancy Available for an additional $80
This trip is all about exploring the St. Johns River and some of its unique attractions that will take us far, far away from the Florida crowds and beaches. We'll begin the journey in Palatka, FL on Saturday morning and the group will make their way south on Day One to our destination of Sanford, FL. Along the way, we'll give you a peek at the infamous Cross-Florida Barge Canal and take you on some of the beautiful back creeks that are hidden from the main channel of the river. If water levels and conditions permit, we'll stop to see one of the many natural springs that Florida is famous for. You'll pass through Lake George (Florida's 2nd largest lake) and then we'll slow the pace a bit while we navigate a beautiful section of river mandated for a slower speed to protect the Manatees. We'll pick up the speed again and reach Lake Monroe just before arrival at our docking and lakeside accommodations in Sanford. We'll close the day out with some entertainment and a fabulous dinner cruise aboard an authentic, 105-foot, triple decked sternwheel paddleboat.
On Day Two, the group will head out mid-morning on a 44 mile round trip run that will lead us south beyond the marked river channel. You'll twist and wind through the more narrow sections of the St. Johns that are lined with lush hyacinth and marsh grasses. You should see quite a sampling of central Florida's wildlife along this route where native bird and gator sightings are usually plentiful. Upon our return to Sanford, we'll have lunch next door at a local favorite and you'll have the afternoon free to relax or explore Sanford's Historic Downtown area before we meet up with the group for dinner.
On the final day of the tour, we'll lead the Discovery River Tour group north to our original start point. We'll have lunch along the way and this time we'll take an adventurous side trip (water levels permitting) on the stunning Ocklawaha River. This route is normally not navigable for the bigger outboard motor boats but it provides a perfect venue for a PWC trip up to the dam at Rodman Reservoir. There aren't many words that can accurately describe the beauty, fun and adventure of this portion of the trip. It's a spectacular way to close out this 262 mile adventure with our end point of Palatka just a short jaunt away.