Paddle the beautiful Little Manatee River!

Duration

2 1/2 hours minimum paddle time but the boat is yours for all day so you can relax and enjoy.

About

• We welcome phone calls for more information! Reach us at 813-634-2228 to learn more about our offerings.

The little Manatee River is designated as an "Outstanding Florida Water" and is up for a federal designation as a "wild and scenic" river.

Trip 1, our most popular trip, starts at the Canoe Outpost. You'll paddle downstream, one way with the current through the Little Manatee River State Park for about 6.5 miles or about 2 1/2 hours of paddle time minimum and we provide the return transportation. You’ll pass through the park under a canopy of oaks and willows in the very narrow and winding first half of the trip. Depending on river levels, there may be shallow areas or sand bars to visit where you may choose to stop for a rustic picnic or to play in the waters. At the halfway point there is a picnic area in the state park with riverside pavilions with tables and grills, rest rooms, nature trails and a playground which help make this a great trip for families or group outings.

In addition to beautiful scenery, most commonly seen are a few birds and fish, an alligator or two and many turtles. On occasion, manatee, deer, hogs and otters are spotted. You may choose to paddle some available side trips to extend your paddle time by up to 1 hour. Like all our trips, it is self-paced and self-guided and you have the use of the boat for the entire day if you wish. Freshwater fishing for bass and Bluegill is allowed. You control what you do and how long you stay on the river. Just meet us at our pickup point and we provide return transportation every hour on the hour. Reserve the day you want; no specific time appointment is required.

If you have limited time, stamina or perhaps young children unable to do all of Trip 1 or if you just want to enjoy the beautiful narrow section of the river, we offer a return pick up from the canoe launch in the state park. It is located about 3 miles or about one hour of paddle time downstream from the outpost. If you choose this option, you still may have the boat for all day and are not limited in time. Just book Trip 1 and then discuss your pickup preference with our staff when you check in or call us from the river if your paddle plans change.

More info

Launch Times: No specific appointment time is required. We offer continuous launching daily from 9:00 - 2:00. Please arrive at least 25 minutes before your desired launch time after 9:00 am.

Return transportation times: Daily on the hour from 1:00 - 5:00. Special 12:00 pick ups by request.

What's included: All your gear (boat, paddles, boat cushions on request, life jackets for all sizes and ages). Return transportation on our buses. Parking and use of the facilities at the outpost. Required state park fees.

River Levels: The Little Manatee River is a natural flowing river. River levels can vary depending on rainfall, may change daily and can be as unpredictable as Florida weather. You should check or call us to be sure that the expected level on the day of your trip is a good match for your skill level and desired trip experience. If river levels are not appropriate for your trip, we can reschedule you or provide a refund so you can book with confidence.

Level 2.5-3.4: Low. Minimal experience required. Several shallow areas in first 3 miles may require you to exit and walk in the sand along side your boat for varying distances. Level 3.5-4.5: Medium. Minimal experience required. You should have the basic abilities to control the direction of your boat. Level 4.6-6.4: Medium-High. Increasing experience recommended. You should have the ability to control your boat in faster moving water. Level 6.5-8.0: High. Increasing experience recommended. Most sandbar areas are under water. Faster current. Paddling pathway may be narrowed with tree canopy encroaching.Outpost closes at levels above 8'.

What to bring: We have a small store at the outpost with drinks, snacks, and ice for your trip or you may bring your own. Keep your coolers sized appropriately to your boat type. At a minimum, you should have water for everyone and other items for your personal comfort. Please do not bring items such as radios that may disturb others. Disposable products are allowed but be responsible with your trash. Alcohol in moderation is allowed in the boats only.

Pets: Well behaved pets on leashes are allowed on our river trips and transportation.

Liability forms: All members of your party will be required to sign our liability release form at check in. Forms are also available on our web site.

Minimum age: There are no age restrictions for our trip.

Please see our web site for more information and specifics on these and other topics.