Place-based Learning in the Great Outdoors ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏

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May 2026 ~ Volume 204

Inspiring. Meaningful. Adventure.

 

Place-based Learning in the Great Outdoors

Good Bye and Hello!

Hello Paddlers!

We’ve just returned from our 99th multi day trip in beautiful St. Augustine, and the last for our incredible 2025-2026 season.

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for making this season so memorable! There is truly nothing like the memories made on a Paddle Florida trip.

Drum Roll Please……

Here it is! Don’t miss your opportunity to get in on next season’s amazing adventures! Every trip sold out last year!

 

2026-2027 Season

Santa Fe Springs Celebration - Our 100th Multi Day Trip!!

November 2-8, 2026

Come celebrate one of Florida's prettiest rivers, called "Holy Faith" by the Spanish, which lives up to its name with its quiet beauty. The Santa Fe boasts dozens of significant springs, including the celebrated paddleable Santa Fe tributary, the Ichetucknee River.

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Florida Keys Challenge - All Cabin Base Camp

January 18-24, 2027

Join us for a cold weather escape as we paddle the Florida Keys and explore some of the most beautiful turquoise waters in the State of Florida! This year’s trip includes both short and long paddling options, from our basecamp each day, and an educational component provided by Seacamp Association, Inc. From our homebase cabins at Seacamp Association, we will enjoy glorious sunrise and sunsets, and paddle out to explore the area each day. This is a spectacular location for us to call home during our visit to the Keys! Nature beckons you as you cross paths with Key deer, sea turtles, dolphins, and egrets. You will make memories grounded in nature, with an eco-friendly Florida charm in an area that is known as a paddling destination.

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Blackwater River & Coldwater Creek Experience - with some optional cabins!

February 22-28, 2027

The Blackwater River in Florida, particularly within Blackwater River State Park, is known for its unique contrast of dark, tannic water with pristine, white sandy beaches and large sandbars, making it a popular spot for swimming, paddling, and hiking. Coldwater Creek, a major tributary of the Blackwater River, also features sandy bottoms and broad sandbars, offering a similar experience for paddlers. Join us as we explore these riverways and Blackwater River State Forest close to Pensacola!

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Suwannee River Paddling Festival

March 19-21, 2027

With camping atop the bluff overlooking two beautiful rivers, our season-capping festival takes place at Suwannee River State Park near Live Oak. The weekend will offer supported 12 mile paddling options on both the Suwannee and Withlacoochee Rivers, a concert featuring Paddle Florida's favorite musicians, and educational presentations from regional waterway experts.

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Suwannee River Wilderness Trail

March 19-24, 2027

Celebrate Florida's version of autumn on its most famous river. The trip spans 65 miles of the scenic Suwannee and a portion of the (northern) Withlacoochee, from Madison Blue Spring to Branford. This section features dozens of clear blue springs perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

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St. Augustine History Paddle

April 12-17, 2027

Nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts will find much to appreciate on Florida’s Historic Coast. With miles of protected water, and current and tidal flow to help in any direction, we will paddle to historic sites including downtown Castillo de San Marcos and the Bridge of Lions, Fort Mose, Fort Matanzas National Monument and the St Augustine Lighthouse. Our home base for this historic adventure will be at Anastasia State park, where you can explore Anastasia’s four miles of pristine beach in this idyllic location renowned for gorgeous white sand, the park is also rich in both sea and wildlife.

 REGISTER FOR TRIPS HERE 
 

News Articles of Interest

Read FSU hydrogeologist receives $2.5 million to map Wakulla Springs system, providing insight into Florida's water supply

Aerial view overlooking Wakulla Spring pool and spring run (courtesy of Florida Geological Survey).

Wakulla Springs is a natural exit point for the groundwater of the Floridian aquifer, one of the most productive aquifers in the world, which provides drinking water to nearly 10 million people. The basin comprises a series of caves, conduits and sinkholes that lead into Wakulla Springs, which was named an International Geological Heritage Site in 2024.

By testing water at the springs and mapping the cave systems that lead into it, researchers will better understand how our water is affected by the geological makeup of the caves it passes through and how it’s affected by various other environmental factors, from rising sea levels to pollution.  […Read More…]

 

Read about District receives 2,300 acres from The Nature Conservancy to protect Choctawhatchee River delta

“The Nature Conservancy has been a generous partner to the District for many years, and this donation will allow us to continue to preserve and protect this parcel which is so important for the overall health of the Choctawhatchee River and Bay,” said Gus Andrews, a member of the District’s Governing Board who represents Walton County. “We are grateful to TNC not just for this donation but for continuing to partner with us to protect the natural resources of northwest Florida.”

Originally acquired by TNC in 1980, the parcel is comprised of brackish and freshwater marsh systems and floodplain forest.

“The growth we’re experiencing in Florida can be good for our economy and communities but brings the challenges of safeguarding water quality, sourcing drinking water, and maintaining our way of life, especially up here in real Florida,” said Greg Knecht, Florida executive director of The Nature Conservancy. “That’s why collaborating with entities like the Northwest Florida Water Management District, which is always a phenomenal partner, is critical to protecting special places like these almost 2,300 acres of pristine northwest Florida.” […Read More …]

 

Download the cool and helpful Aquatic Critters booklet to take on your next Florida water adventure

Illustration by Carol Newcomb Jones

 

How To: Find Paddling Opportunities in NE Florida

Click here for more

 

Support Paddle Florida

Paddler Raffle To Help Protect Florida's Waterways

PRIZE PACKAGE: $3,000 VALUE

Tickets available here!

 

Donate. Introducing our NEW Long Sleeve Dri-fit Shirt, available in women's v-neck, unisex crew or hoodie. Support Paddle Florida by purchasing one of our NEW Paddle Florida Dri-fit shirts for $40 (add $10 to have it shipped to you), or we can bring it to you on your next trip! Donate online here or mail a check to Paddle Florida, PO Box 840205, St Augustine FL 32080. In appreciation of your donation, you will receive a special gift!

 

Advertise With Us. You can reach over 7,500 monthly subscribers for $75/month, or get two months free by promoting your paddling-oriented product or service over 12 months for $750! Contact us here for details. (Subscriber number updated annually on January 1st)

 

Paddle Florida, Inc., PO Box 840205, St Augustine FL 32080, USA

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