On a recent Paddling with Manatees adventure, a group of AGC travelers headed to Florida's Nature Coast for four days of paddling, wildlife viewing, and time spent exploring some of the state's clearest rivers and springs. What began with introductions at the Tampa airport quickly turned into a week filled with manatee encounters, bird sightings, friendly trivia competitions, and a few memorable purchases of matching manatee pajamas.
Getting Comfortable on the Water
After arriving on Florida's Nature Coast and settling into the historic Chassahowitzka Hotel beneath the canopy of live oaks and Spanish moss, the group met with River Adventure Tours for a paddling lesson. With help from AGC Guide Emily and the local team, everyone got fitted, launched their kayaks, and headed out onto the Homosassa River.
Before long, the group reached Homosassa Springs State Park and spotted their first manatees. Herons, egrets, and pelicans added to the excitement, and with every paddle stroke, confidence on the water continued to grow.
An Incredible Week for Manatee Sightings
Returning to the Homosassa River the following day proved to be perfect timing. As colder weather approached, hundreds of manatees moved inland toward the warm spring waters. Travelers spent the day quietly observing the animals as they rested, surfaced, and occasionally approached the kayaks for a closer look.
The group also explored the residential canals, where exceptionally clear water revealed schools of fish below. After working up an appetite, lunch at Crump's became an adventure of its own, with everything from fried gator and peel-and-eat shrimp to tacos and fried pickles making appearances around the table.
That afternoon, the group explored Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park from land, learning more about Florida's native wildlife and enjoying countless bird sightings. The evening ended with a lively game of manatee trivia, where the Manatee Mermaids claimed bragging rights over the Six Sisters.
Discovering the Chassahowitzka River
Another day brought the group to the Chassahowitzka River, where they experienced the strong current of the spring-fed waterway and explored favorites like Snapper Hole and the Punch Bowl. The quiet river provided opportunities to spot vultures, cormorants, anhingas, and even a juvenile bald eagle.
Later, a visit to Three Sisters Springs offered another unforgettable sight. More than 500 manatees had gathered in the crystal-clear water to stay warm during the cold weather. A stop at the Nature Center and free time in Crystal River followed, where several travelers embraced the spirit of the trip by purchasing matching manatee pajamas. With temperatures dropping, hot coffee from a local café became a welcome afternoon treat.
That evening, conversations centered around favorite moments from the trip and how much more comfortable everyone had become on the water in just a few days.
One Last Adventure
Before saying goodbye, the group enjoyed breakfast and a final outing on the Centralia Sawmill Trail in the Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management Area. A short bushwhack led to the remains of a cypress sawmill from the early 1900s, providing one last opportunity to explore together before returning to Tampa.
By the end of the trip, the group had shared countless wildlife encounters, gained confidence in their paddling skills, and enjoyed plenty of laughs along the way. From peaceful mornings on crystal-clear rivers to spirited trivia competitions and unexpected matching pajamas, the week was a reminder that some of the best parts of travel are the experiences shared together.
