We have just returned from our inaugural Mangroves Manatees & More trip where we explored the Saint Sebastian and Indian Rivers where we saw manatees,  a right whale, dolphins,  glorious sunsets, incredible wildlife and speakers, some fish and spoil islands and a shuttle launch! We are very thankful and appreciative of all who joined us for this exciting journey, especially our outstanding volunteers who make every trip better by being there. Many of our volunteers are ACA certified at levels ranging from trip leader to L3 instructor.  Paddlers shared how their skills improved as a result of the 5:1 safety boat ratio. They were able to paddle the longer days at a slower pace as our 7 safety boats could divide into 2 groups. As this was a coastal paddle, it was impressive that all paddlers stayed in their boats!. Please take a moment to thank our volunteers on our next trip - they work hard to ensure your safety. 

Our Mangroves trip was made possible by our partnership with the Environmental Learning Center who generously shared their fantastic facility with us.  We learned a lot about the ecosystem from our speakers/experiences: President / One Lagoon, President of Spoil Islands, Save the Manatee Club (joined us on the water as well), Guardian Guides, Environmental Learning Center (native plants and mangroves) and optional lighted mangrove paddle and a pontoon ride to Pelican Island National Refuge (the America's first National Wildlife Refuge). 

Paddle Florida is proud to have completed the Save the Manatee Club's Guardian Guides Certification education program, which promotes stewardship of manatees and their aquatic ecosystem. The goal of the Guardian Guides Certification is to eliminate to the extent possible disturbance to manatees from commercial manatee-viewing activities. Manatee-viewing tours can be a platform for education, appreciation, and conservation of this imperiled species. 

We are headed to the Chipola next (we have a few spots left), and then conclude our season with our Suwannee River Paddling Festival (sold out). Please mark your calendars for our 2024 - 2025 season release on May 1st! 

The goal of the Guardian Guides Certification is to eliminate to the extent possible disturbance to manatees from commercial manatee-viewing activities. Manatee-viewing tours can be a platform for education, appreciation, and conservation of this imperiled species. You can help foster these positive actions and prevent disturbance to manatees as a certified Guardian Guide.

Human activities are harming manatees, and only our compassion and action can protect them.… [Read More…]

Experts News 6 talked to said the manatees are finding food in the Mosquito Lagoon now -- the Northern part of the Indian River Lagoon system in Volusia County.

“I think it’s cautiously very good news we’ve had some seagrass recovery, natural seagrass recovery,” said Dr. Patrick Rose, the Executive Director of the Save the Manatee nonprofit organization.

Seagrass is manatees’ top food source and as of two years ago, 90% of it in the lagoon had been killed off by pollutants and algae blooms. That led to a record number of sea cows dying with the majority starving to death. [Read more…]

Boaters and fishermen in the Atlantic Ocean should be vigilant this winter for North Atlantic right whales, particularly in state and federal waters along the coastline of Sebastian and Vero Beach until April. These whales are frequently spotted at Sebastian Inlet during winter months.

This endangered species, with an estimated population of just 360, is notoriously difficult to spot. Vessel collisions not only pose a danger to passengers and crew but also threaten the survival of these whales. [Read More …]

Get your very own Camp Coffee Mug! $20 to help support our environmentally friendly dish program

How To: Become a Skilled Paddlesports Trip Leader

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