Birdwatching here is great any time of year!

Central Florida Nature Adventures, LLC offers packages for birders, naturalists, photographers, paddlers and everyone in between. Florida is the migratory path for many birds and we have the ability to get up close and personal with them through our guided kayak tours. There are many springs and rivers that flow through Central Florida, some of which parallel wildlife sanctuaries that are stopping points for many of the migratory birds both high land and low land. Our guides are well versed in the plant and animal life that roams this great state. We invite you to join us as we guide you on an Eco journey that will introduce you to many of our feathered friends. Bring your binoculars, it's a beautiful site! Central Florida Nature Adventures, LLC will facilitate a trip that you are sure to enjoy! All of our tours are booked by reservation, so feel free to contact us at jenniferkayaks@yahoo.com or 352-589-7899. Check out our videos including those created by G2 Photos Glen Gardner, Steven Chan and John Bria at the link below http://www.youtube.com/user/kayakcentralflorida?feature=mhum

Great Egret, Red-Bellied Woodpecker & Osprey

Tri-colored Heron

Black Crowned Night Heron, Little Blue Heron & Anhinga

Bad Hair Day!

Limpkin

Florida Scrub Jay

Oh, much better - Thank You!

Choose from many different birding tours or create your own!

St. Johns River
This historic river was once the highway for commerce in Central Florida bringing goods to the area by Paddle Wheel boat. It is now a paradise for wildlife. As one of the few rivers that flows North, several springs and tributaries join in to create estuaries for fish of all kinds. The Bald Eagles, Osprey, Great Blue Herons, Wood Storks, Limpkins, Anhingas, Egrets, Cormorants, Alligators, Turtles and many other species also nest here and call this place home. A relaxing 2-3 hour tour!
Level of Difficulty: No Experience Necessary $59.00

Wekiva River
Three springs pour into this pristine river. The Great Egret, American Bittern, Least Bittern, Pileated Woodpecker, Swallow-tailed Kite, Tricolored & Green Heron as well as many other waterfowl flourish on this river. The Ivory-billed Woodpecker at one time called this home. We are able to do a 2-3 hour or 4-5 hour tour.
Level of Difficulty: No Experience Necessary $59.00 or $89.00 depending on the tour you choose

Lil’ Amazon
Come paddle one of Lake County’s hidden gems. This river lazily takes you back in time. With Emeralda Island Bird Sanctuary to the East and Lake Griffin to the West, it’s a wildlife odyssey. All forms of wading birds make this area home for the winter. Look close for rarities such as Black Crowned Night Herons, Limpkins, White Pelicans, Wood Storks and maybe even a Purple Gallinule, they are all here! Bald Eagles, Red Tailed and Red Shouldered Hawks and Owls of all sorts are often seen as well. If you want to see the other Florida, this is it! This is a great 2-3 or 4-5 hour trip!!
Level of Difficulty: No Experience Necessary $59.00 or $89.00

Silver River
Exceptionally scenic! Some twists and turns of this river can reach depths of over 25 ft and it’s so clear that you can see the bottom at any depth. You will definitely hone your paddling skills going upstream but a first magnitude spring makes the trip back a breeze! You’ll have a chance to see lots of wildlife; otters, wading birds, hawks, owls, raccoons, wild pigs and more. See giant garfish, armored catfish, bowfin and maybe even a monkey or 12. This is a beautiful 4-5 or 6-7 hour paddle!
Level of Difficulty: Must be In Good Shape or you will be when you’re done $89.00 or $125.00 

Photographers Tour
This is a tour for the serious photographer. We have the ability to access some of the most pristine waterways early in the morning and late in the evening when photo taking is at it's best. So, for the photographer who wants to hire a guide for the day, we offer a package that includes being introduced to the wildlife and waters in our tandem kayak. You paddle very little if at all, let the guide take you to the birds and you take the photographs!
Half day $100.00 Full day $200.00

Winter Manatee Tour (Nov - Mar only)
Winter in Florida is a magical time. The Manatee comes inland to bask in the 72 degree waters of Florida's beautiful springs. If you have never experienced this gentle creature, now is the time! This is a very nice 2-3 hour tour.
Level of Difficulty: No Experience Necessary $59.00

We have packages for all ages and all of our tours are booked by reservation. The prices listed here are per person, just add the tax and we are good to go.


To prepare for your excursion, here is a quick checklist of items you will need to bring:
1. Binoculars / Camera
2. Your lunch (depending upon trip time and duration)
3. Non-alcoholic beverages
4. Sun block and maybe a hat
5. Sun glasses
6. Proper attire and water shoes (old sneakers will do just fine)
Also, it's always good to dress in layers. That is a great way to maximize your comfort.
During the warmer months, you might want to bring an extra set of clothes with you and a towel. That way you are prepared if you decide to cool off in the water.

Your guide will provide:
A cooler with ice packs to store your lunch and beverages, dry bags, a first aid kit, drinking water, the kayaks, paddles, PFD (life jackets), narration and education of Florida's diverse flora and fauna, some peace & quiet and a great time!

Restrictions: There are no alcoholic beverages allowed on our tours...there is plenty of time for that afterwards! Relax and enjoy Florida’s Natural settings… your body and brain will thank you!

Mary Farrar's Birding Adventures April 26, 2013

After her kayak tour of Lil Amazon, Mary ventured off to some of the other areas close by to see what she could see...this is her story. Thanks so much for sharing these photos with us Mary!!!

Kenny and Jen,

Thanks for the pictures.  I had an excellent time out on the water soaking up the sights and sounds. 

Afterward, I explored Emeralda Marsh via foot/wheels.  As I was about to head back to the car after not seeing too much along one of the trails, a hawk flew right in front of me carrying a baby alligator!  It came out of nowhere, so I only have a mental photo of it.  It took it up to a nest high in the trees full of babies (I could hear them get excited).  I could just see the back end of the hawk as it tore up the alligator to feed to the babies.  I used Kenny's trick of mimicking one of the babies to get it to turn around for a photo before fully settling into the nest and out of my sight.  Other highlights of Emeralda were the  Glossy Ibis, a family of Moorhens, and a male Anhinga(?).

Kenny also mentioned that the Venetian Gardens in Leesburg is a good spot to see the Purple Gallinule.  I visited there as well and probably saw at least a half dozen the few hours I was there. 

Thanks again!

Mary Farrar

Kayaking Haynes Creek (Lil Amazon) on April 10, 2013

Lance leaf Arrowhead and Pickerel Weed

Lance leaf Arrowhead

Lance leaf Arrowhead flower

Male Anhinga

Fragrant Water Lily

One of our favorites the Purple Gallinule

Purple Gallinule in the Cattails

He's really just a little guy

Kenny and the Bunch

Beautiful Florida Sky

Jerry

Bart

Spadderdock flower

Judy and Lois Chilliin'

Ken, Linda, Bart, Kenny, Stacy, Jerry and Jay

We made it back ;-) Yeah!

So the day started out with "Hey, there's a Bald Eagle" and it was game on from there ;-) Anhingas, Cormorants, a Young and a Mature Bald Eagle, Coots, Moorhens, a Purple Gallinule, Red Shouldered Hawks, Ospreys, a Gator or 2 and then a Turtle showed himself. The Barred Owl called out a few times and he and Kenny had a discussion for a bit...the weather was great, typical April in Florida, life is good! You just never know what you might find on the Lil Amazon ;-).

Photographers Tour March 20th, 2013

Heather came to Orlando from Omaha and decided while she's here, a birding photographers tour would help to make her trip complete. The baby birds are definitely out and about and she was able to capture on film several birds that were on her list. Then to top it off, an American Bittern shows up. On his way out, Kenny goes to throw some trash in the can and found that the Raccoons were trying to use that can too ;-).

Heather shared this photo of the Gator and these photos below with us, Thanks a bunch Heather!!

Mature Little Blue Heron, starts out looking like the one below

Juvenile Little Blue Heron

Pileated Woodpecker

Ahh the American Bittern, these are awesome shots thanks again Heather!

Kayaking the St Johns River on St Patty's Day 3/17/13

The St Johns River is a great place for wildlife. Not only did we get to visit with the Manatees but the birds and reptiles came out to greet us too. The Little Blue's are turning their calico color, the Sandhill Cranes are nesting, the Great Blue Herons are feeding their young, the Baby Gators are out sunning along with the River Cooters and Red-bellied Turtles, the Snowy and Great Egrets are so brightly colored it makes you wonder how something can stay so vivid white living in the swamps of Florida. The Anhingas are pairing up, the Tri-colored Herons, Purple Gallinules and Moorhens are chasing each other around on the Spadderdock and the sounds of life are every where! Never a dull moment and lots to be thankful for ;-).
Below is a link to the photos Rene took. Thanks Rene!!
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