Ask me about the highlight of my road trip through the Sunshine State! As a passionate explorer of travel, culture, and unique experiences, few things rival the thrill of encountering wildlife in its natural habitat. My journey to Florida offered just that, providing a moment I’d dreamed of for years: paddleboarding alongside gentle manatees with my two beloved Australian Shepherds. This particular adventure perfectly encapsulates the spirit of how you can truly Explore Florida beyond the typical tourist trails.
This experience of paddling with manatees and my dogs had been on my SUP bucket list for a long time. Seeing manatees wasn’t new to me; I’d encountered them on previous trips through kayak tours and even swimming with them. Both times were utterly magical. There’s a unique, gentle presence about these large marine mammals that defies easy description, leaving you with a sense of wonder. After those initial encounters, I knew I had to find a way to share this incredible experience with my canine companions on our next visit to explore Florida’s waterways.
Preparing for this specific trip required careful planning and research, especially with the dogs. I learned that the Homosassa River is one of the locations where dogs are permitted on the water, provided you launch from a private site. Our search led us to Camp and Water, a charming RV park right on the Homosassa River, which conveniently offered a private boat launch just a short walk from our campsite. Launching directly from our campground, we set off on a three-mile paddle upstream towards the headspring. This area is a crucial warm-water refuge where manatees congregate from October through April, drawn by the consistent 72-degree water temperature – ideal conditions when you’re looking to explore Florida’s aquatic life responsibly.
Paddling upstream with the added weight of 90 pounds of enthusiastic Australian Shepherds on board presented a physical challenge, but the anticipation of what awaited us made every stroke worthwhile. Before heading out, I made a firm commitment to myself: the dogs’ well-being and the manatees’ peace were paramount. If my dogs showed any signs of stress, nervousness around the large creatures, or if their barking disturbed the manatees, we would immediately turn back and abort the paddle. Prioritizing the animals’ comfort and safety is essential when you explore Florida’s natural wonders, ensuring a positive experience for all involved.
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Thankfully, my backup plan wasn’t needed. The dogs were just as curious about the manatees as the manatees seemed to be about them! Riley and Kona leaned over the edge of the paddleboard, peering inquisitively down to watch the manatees play, swim, and splash near us. Several manatees approached our board from the sides, and I could see their small, dark eyes observing us closely. At one point, Riley was just inches away from a manatee’s nose – almost getting a kiss! Witnessing my dogs respectfully observing these wild animals was remarkable and filled me with pride. Sharing such profound natural experiences with them makes our journeys to explore Florida even more special.
At times, the manatees became quite playful, swimming back and forth directly under our board. It’s well-known that manatees sometimes bump the bottom of kayaks and SUPs – this isn’t aggression, but simply their way of playing or investigating. However, an unexpected bump could easily knock the three of us into the water. When they started swimming beneath us, I knelt down and kept the dogs close, just in case. They seemed to enjoy putting on a show for the dogs! This interaction added another layer of excitement to our effort to explore Florida’s unique aquatic environment.
Comparing this manatee encounter to my previous two, this one was undeniably the most special. The joy of sharing it with my dogs elevated the experience from magical to truly unforgettable. It highlights how adding your companions, especially well-prepared ones, can transform a great travel moment into an extraordinary one when you decide to explore Florida’s natural wonders.
Beyond the incredible manatees, our paddleboarding adventure on the Homosassa River offered glimpses of other fascinating wildlife. We spotted dolphins, pelicans soaring overhead, numerous fish darting through the water, and osprey perched in trees along the bank. Most surprisingly, we saw monkeys – yes, monkeys! There’s a small island in the Homosassa River known to be home to a colony of Rhesus monkeys. We observed about six of them moving to lower branches, seemingly curious about us. We maintained a safe distance, of course; we weren’t looking for extra passengers! Seeing such diverse wildlife truly showed the richness you uncover when you delve deeper to explore Florida’s ecosystems.
Any time we paddled in freshwater in Florida, I was naturally concerned about potential alligator encounters. As with anything we attempt in the wild, we made sure to do our research beforehand. I spoke with locals and consulted park staff to understand what to look for and how to ensure our safety. Learning how to navigate potential wildlife risks is a crucial part of planning responsibly when you explore Florida’s diverse environments.
First, I learned that alligators are typically less active during the cooler winter months, which checked out as it was cooler during our trip. Second, most gators prefer not to be bothered by anything larger than themselves. Since we were on a 12.5-foot paddleboard, we presented a relatively large profile. Alligators also tend to avoid things positioned above them, so standing on the board added another layer of perceived threat from our side. A key safety measure I strictly followed was never allowing Riley or Kona to swim or enter the water during these freshwater paddles.
Before launching at both parks we visited (Homosassa and Silver Springs), I specifically asked park staff if there had been any recent alligator sightings reported. Nobody had seen any at Rainbow Spring, but there was one known resident on the riverbank at Silver Springs named Samson. However, with many other kayakers, boaters, and park patrols also on the water, I felt reasonably safe with our decision to paddle there.
My husband was also with me, so we weren’t exploring alone. Friendly kayakers we encountered on the water even pointed out exactly where Samson was known to rest, so we knew what to look for. When we passed Samson on the bank, he was sleeping soundly. We kept a significant distance and left him undisturbed, respecting his space.
During our road trip, I generally avoided paddling in more remote Florida rivers with the dogs and opted for well-trafficked State Parks instead. This strategy, combined with trusting my dogs to behave reliably on the board – sitting and staying when asked – significantly enhanced our safety. A major reason I can confidently take them on these kinds of adventures to explore Florida’s waterways is their solid training. This didn’t happen overnight; we’ve worked consistently on their training for years.
I cannot emphasize this enough: consistent training is the absolute key to having two adventure dogs capable of joining me on almost any outing. Riley is turning 11 this year, and we still dedicate time daily to training and working together. This Florida trip truly validated the importance of that ongoing effort. I sincerely hope our story inspires more people to invest in training their dogs, opening up a world of amazing adventures they can share together as they explore Florida and beyond!
FAQ
Where are the best places to see manatees in Florida?
Many places in Florida offer opportunities to see manatees, particularly during the cooler months (November to March) when they seek warm spring waters. Popular spots include Crystal River, Homosassa Springs, Blue Spring State Park, and Three Sisters Springs. Always check local regulations regarding swimming or paddling near manatees.
Can I bring my dog when paddleboarding in Florida?
Yes, you can paddleboard with your dog in certain areas in Florida. However, it’s crucial to research specific locations beforehand. Some rivers and parks, like parts of the Homosassa River (from private launches), allow dogs, while others do not, especially in sensitive wildlife areas or state park springs accessible only by public boat ramp. Always prioritize your dog’s safety, comfort, and training, as well as the well-being of wildlife.
How can I stay safe from alligators while on the water in Florida?
Safety around alligators in Florida involves awareness and precaution. Paddle in designated areas during daylight hours. Avoid areas known for high alligator populations, especially remote ones. Do not feed alligators or approach them. Keep pets away from the water’s edge. Alligators are less active in cooler temperatures. If you see one, maintain a safe distance. Consulting with park staff or knowledgeable locals before heading out is always a good idea.