Canoe Escape
Good-for-Kids Rating
Boating
Fishing
Canoe Escape Description
Take to the water in an entirely different way by canoeing or kayaking down the serene Hillsborough River as it meanders through a 16,000-acre wildlife preserve. Even inexperienced paddlers quickly learn the basics and float off into a wondrous cypress swamp, observing birds, turtles, otter, wild pigs, alligators (don't worry -- they keep to themselves), and other wildlife along the river's edge. The twisting course of the shallow river and the fact that launches are staggered make paddlers feel as if they're blissfully alone on the water.
Kid Tips
Babies: Canoe Escape has life vests for kids of all ages, including infants.
Toddlers & Pre-K: Choose the two-hour trip for all but the most eager bird- and wildlife watchers. Kid-size paddles are usually available upon request.
Pre-Teens & Teens: Fishing along the river is permitted, but a license is required. Ask for details when making your reservation.
Planning Notes
- A relaxed outing. Although the trips run downstream, the water is essentially flat (one-half to one mile per hour current); gentle paddling is enough to keep the vessel moving.
- Up to four passengers. Some tandem kayaks can accommodate up to four passengers, with two children in the middle (no charge for riders younger than 12). Rates are determined by the type of vessel and number of paddlers.
- Round-trip transportation provided. Transportation to the launch point and from the pick-up spot is included with all rentals.
- Make reservations. Although some rentals are available on a walk-in basis, reservations are recommended -- both to ensure availability and to facilitate adequate spacing between boats.
- Choose your trip. Two-, four-, and six-hour trips are available; most first-time visitors to the area select the two-hour trip. Restrooms and picnic tables are available at the end of each segment.
- Take a guided tour. The guides are knowledgeable about kayaking, the flora and fauna along the river, and the history of the area, which greatly adds to the experience.
Just the Facts
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat.-Sun. 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Fees: $20-$30
Recommended Time: 2 - 4 hours
What's Nearby?
- Caladesi Island State Park 1 Causeway Blvd.
Dunedin, FL 34698
727-469-5918 28.05994972222222 -82.81377388888889 - Captain Memo's Pirate Cruise 25 Causeway Blvd.
Clearwater, FL 33767
727-446-2587 27.977325 -82.82728
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