Mangroves, Manatees, and More!
February 9-15, 2025
Start: Donald MacDonald Park, Sebastian FL
End: Round Island Riverside Park, Vero Beach FL
Total Distance: 50 Miles
Full Trip Fees:
Includes camping, meals, river maps, and evening programs.
$650/Adults
$625/Seniors (65+) and college students
Add pontoon tour for $31.25
Registration Deadline: January 28, 2025 or when trip capacity of 38 paddlers is reached.
Official Outfitter: Adventure Kayaking Email madelynrussell12@gmail.com or call Maddy
ALL OTHER INQUIRIES – please email janice@paddleflorida.org
Paddling Itinerary:
Come explore the Sebastian River and Indian River Lagoon. A great cold weather escape with beaches, spoil islands, manatees, dolphins and Roseate spoonbills. Considered one of the most biologically diverse estuaries in N American, the lagoon has been designated an Outstanding Florida Water and an Estuary of National Significance. The Indian RIver is not a river at all, but, more precisely, an estuary and a lagoon. Many Florida manatees (the largest manatee and herbivore in the sea), live year round in the shallow, brackish water and spend most of their days eating, resting, investigating, and socializing with other manatees. We will explore the history and ecology of the area, and learn about manatees during our stay. We have partnered with Florida State Parks so we can spend two nights at the Sebastian Inlet State Recreation Area (Marina), alllowing us an extra day to explore Long Point Creek. We have partnered with the Environmental Learning Center in Wabasso Island so we can benefit from their outstanding speakers. There will also be an optional trip to Pelican Island National Refuge, from the Environmental Learning Center via pontoon, where you can see native brown pelicans, migrating white pelicans, many types of herons, egrets, cormorants, and anhingas at American’s first National Wildlife Refuge. We hope you will join us for this warm weather escape!
| Day | Lunch Stop | Miles | Campsite | Daily Miles |
| 1 | N/A | N/A | Donald McDonald | 0 |
| 2 | At Camp | 7 | Donald McDonald | 7 |
| 3 | At Camp | 10 | Sebastian Inlet State Park (Bayside Marina) | 10 |
| 4 | At Camp | 5 | Sebastian Inlet State Park (Bayside Marina) | 5 |
| 5 | At Camp | 11 | Environmental Learning Center | 11 |
| 6 | Vero McWilliams Park | 7 | Round Island County Park | 15 |
| 7 | Round Island County Park | 2 | 2 | |
| Total Miles | 50 |
Evening Programs
Evening programs will include presentations from authors, historians, environmental experts, and one night of live music.
Refund Policy
Due to the financial outlay and costs incurred by Paddle Florida during event planning, any force majeure, which includes but is not limited to water levels, inclement weather, and any other Acts of God not mentioned herein, shall not result in the refund of any fees paid to Paddle Florida. Absolutely no fees will be refunded after 15 days before the event begins. Before each trip registration deadline, requests for fee refunds will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
***You will receive a confirmation email message 7 - 10 days before the event with all the latest details on the trip***
Shuttle Details
Paddlers will have a pre-trip and a post-trip shuttle.
Boat & Gear Recommendations
Even in good weather, it's not uncommon to experience windy conditions in the wider sections of the Indian River, though we'll choose more protected routes as conditions dictate. For this trip, we recommend kayaks of at least 14 feet in length equipped with a rudder or skeg and a spray skirt. You should also have solid kayaking, rescue, wet exit, and swimming skills. If you have any questions about the kind of environment you will encounter on this trip, please contact janice at janice@paddleflorida.org
Paddle Florida Policies
All paddlers must attend the trip overview and orientation on the first evening. Paddlers must adhere to the safety guidelines presented.
Every Paddle Florida participant must wear a Coast Guard-approved NON-INFLATABLE personal flotation device while on the river (no ifs, and, or buts).
Every kayak and canoe should have a bowline, 8-10 feet in length, secured in such a way that it is readily accessible, but cannot come loose accidentally. Loose ropes increase the risk of entanglement in the event of a capsize.
Kayaks should have grab-loops at both bow and stern.
Paddlers under age 18 are the responsibility of and must be accompanied by, a parent or guardian. No more than two children under the age of 12 per adult guardian.
Sorry, no pets allowed.
All paddlers must provide emergency contact information and sign a Waiver of Claims and Release of Liability form. Parents must sign for their children under the age of 18.
People-powered watercraft only.
Paddle Florida adheres to all rules put forth by the public parks we stay in, including the ban on alcoholic beverages.
All paddlers must respect private property along waterways.
All paddlers must have basic paddling and swimming skills
Violations of any of these policies can result in the paddler being removed from the event without a refund.
Trip Itinerary
Indian River Lagoon has many spoil islands. The charts identify recreation vs conservation islands. We will keep this in mind as we paddle down the Sebastian RIver to the “Marina” @ Sebastian Inlet State Rec Area, where we will spend 2 nights (giving us a day to explore Long Point Creek). On day 5, we head south to ELC @ Wabasso Island. After our stay at the ELC we will paddle south to Round Island Riverside Park for our final night, making a stop at Vero McWilliams Park for lunch.
Day 1/Sunday, February 9th:
Donald MacDonald Park and Campground, Paddling Miles: 0
Donald MacDonald Park in Sebastian is a cozy little campground with lush vegetation and access to the Sebastian River. Paddlers will check in between 1 - 5 PM and set up their tents, eat dinner, and receive an orientation for the adventure to come.
Dinner will be served at 6PM each night, followed by an evening program at 7PM. Nightly entertainment ranges from musicians to educational speakers who will provide insights regarding the flora, fauna, and ecology of the region we’re paddling through. Be sure to bring cameras to capture and preserve some great moments.
Day 2/Monday, February 10:
Donald McDonald County Park - Today we will paddle 3 miles up the St. Sebastian River to explore the orchids and wildlife, and then down the river to Donald McDonald County Park: 6 miles
St. Sebastian is a slow-moving river, so paddling upstream against the current is not a problem. The farther upstream you paddle, the narrower and wilder the river becomes. You will always see birdlife such as several varieties of heron and egrets, pelicans, ibis, King Fishers, and Osprey. We'll head upriver 3 miles and then head south to Donald McDonald County Park. The St. Sebastian River provides a glimpse of “old” Florida. The Sebastian River is largely protected and provides opportunities to see manatees, native birds, and fish. This is a beautiful area where we camp under coastal oaks and can sit and enjoy the sunset from the dock.
Orchids
Can be found as you paddle the Sebastian River
A touch of OLD FLORIDA!
Paddling down the Sebastian River
Day 3/Tuesday February 11:
Today we will follow the Sebastian River towards a Manatee Overlook in St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park and then cross over the Indian river to Sebastian Inlet State Recreation Area: 10 miles
Nestled under the coastal oaks.
At Sebastian Inlet State Recreation Area.
Day 4/Wednesday February 12:
Layover day at Sebastian Inlet State Recreation Area. Optional 5 mile paddle to explore Long Point Creek and the surrounding area.
Day 5/Thursday February 13:
Sebastian Inlet Recreation Area, to the Environmental Learning Center on Wabasso Island - Paddling Miles: 11
On this day we will make our way to the Environmental Learning Center, a 64-acre not-for-profit lagoon island nature center on Wabasso Island with a fun stop at a spoil island for lunch (we will pack a lunch). The ELC has Pontoon Boat Tours, Walking Tours, and other activities to assist in fulfilling their mission which is to educate, inspire and empower all people to be active stewards of the environment and their own well-being.
Day 6/Friday February 14:
Environmental Learning Center to Round Island Riverside Park, Paddling Miles: 15
After a hearty breakfast, paddlers will pack up their tents, load their camping gear on our truck, and launch their boats at the boat ramp. We’ll travel 15 miles (heading south) to Round Island Riverside Park. Riverside Park is pristine Florida nature at it’s finest. In addition to a boat ramp, restroom facilities, playground equipment and a picnic pavilion there are nature trails and lookouts over the water. Walk over the footbridge and onto the island then follow the path back to the lookout over the water with unspoiled views of The Indian River. Then stroll down the path and check out the 3 story observation tower. You can regularly see Manatee swimming in the lagoon area and on the west side of the island you sometimes see Dolphins swimming by as well as encountering numerous species of birds and fish. In Oceanside Park, you will find a beautiful beach park.
We will be stopping at Vero’s McWilliams Park for lunch around mile 7.
Day 7/Saturday February 15:
Round Island Riverside Park - Short early paddle after breakfast
Today we’ll explore Round Island Park (after breakfast) for a short paddle before you head out. We hope you will take memories of this great place with you.
Mission Statement
PADDLE FLORIDA is a non-profit corporation that promotes water conservation, wildlife preservation, springs restoration, and waterways protection via fun and educational multi-day paddling trips in Florida’s most spectacular river and coastal environments. The vehicle for carrying out this mission is the staging of the multi-day paddling/camping trips in each of Florida’s five water management districts from October to April each year. Paddle Florida also seeks to promote Florida as an international destination for nature-based tourism in general, and paddling in particular.
Ranging from three to six days, trips are open to all paddling skill levels and designed to maximize enjoyment of Florida’s natural environments while engaging and empowering citizens so that they may become involved in the protection and restoration of our waterways.
If you wish to be pampered by professional guides, this isn’t the trip for you. But, if you want to experience a real community brought together under a common goal and by the thrill of adventure, Paddle Florida is the trip for you
The Meal Plan
Your Paddle Florida trip fee covers the meal plan, which provides hearty catered breakfasts and dinners, plus daily lunch snacks of assorted fruits, sandwich items, snacks, and drinks.
General Guidelines
Baggage:
Each paddler is limited to two bags and a total of 40-pounds of luggage. You have to haul your baggage and place it in the gear truck each morning, and haul it back to your campsite each evening of the trip. After paddling all day (about 8,000 paddle strokes per day), a 40-pound bag is really heavy. We recommend you pack as lightly and tightly as possible. This saves your back and the backs of your fellow paddlers. Everyone is expected to assist with the loading and unloading of the truck during the week.
Items we would rather not see in your luggage include bulky chaise lounge chairs, framed bedding/cots, and boxes without tops. Your gear should be packed so that it will not get wet. In the afternoon, your baggage may be removed and placed outside the gear truck where it will be exposed to the elements. Overnight rains may result in gear being packed up wet. A wet tent on top of your clothes bag will result in wet clothes. Plan on inclement weather and make sure you have a bag that will protect important gear in the event of rain.
Please place a label on your luggage with your name on it and make sure your bags are secure.
Suggested Packing Lists
For Water: [Note: Unless you’re wearing it, every item you bring should be secured to your boat. Carabiners and bungee cords can be handy devices for this purpose.]
Boat and paddle. Need to rent? Contact Adventure Kayaking Email madelynrussell12@gmail.com or call Maddy.
PFD. Every Paddle Florida participant must wear a Coast Guard-approved NON-INFLATABLE personal flotation device while on the river (no ifs, and, or buts).
Every kayak and canoe should have a bowline, 8-10 feet in length, secured in such a way it is readily accessible, but cannot come loose accidentally. Loose ropes increase the risk of entanglement in the event of a capsize. Kayaks should have grab-loops at both bow and stern.
An extra throw rope in case of emergencies should be stored safely in each boat.
Attach a whistle to your PFD or body to signal for help in case of emergency.
A knife.
Waterproof matches or another fire source in a waterproof covering.
First aid kit—each vessel should bring a first aid kit stored inside a waterproof covering.
Repair kit—each vessel should be able to make its own repairs (i.e., duct tape, sealant, waterproof tape).
Rain gear—be prepared to get wet and potentially cold. Every participant should have access to a lightweight jacket or fleece, rain jacket, and rain pants or kayak skirt.
Dry change of clothes—be prepared to take an unexpected swim. Every participant should have access to a dry change of clothes kept in a waterproof covering.
Appropriate close-toed footwear that will protect your feet from unseen underwater hazards and permit you to walk comfortably on slippery and jagged limestone when launching and taking out. Flip flops do not meet these criteria.
Sun protection—sunburn might be the trip’s biggest hazard. Bring ample sunscreen and wear a protective hat and sunglasses.
Mask and snorkel? We may get a chance to snorkel at Wabasso Island.
Water—drinking water will be readily available along the Paddle Florida route. Bring sufficient water bottles for the day’s paddle for everyone in your boat.
Food—there is little access to restaurants or grocery stores along the Paddle Florida route. Lunch snacks each day are provided to registered participants. You may also want to bring along your own snacks.
Dry Bag or Ziploc—bring a waterproof bag to protect additional items you don’t want to get wet, like your camera or cell phone.
GPS unit? We’ll give you a map, but a GPS unit might also be handy to note the locations of campsites.
For Land:
Tent
Sleeping bag, pad, and pillow
Camp chair
Clothes to keep you comfortable in temperatures generally ranging from 50-85 degrees. Think layers. You’ll likely be wearing more during potentially chilly mornings, then peeling off layers as the day progresses. Remember dry shoes for when you’re in camp and keep in mind there are often hiking trails available at the parks we camp in.
Bathing suit, plus maybe a mask, snorkel, and/or fins. You will be paddling and camping near some of the state’s most beautiful first-magnitude springs on this trip. Enjoy them!
Headlamp and/or flashlight.
Toiletries and medications.
Other tent items: reading materials, iPod, ear plugs…?
A camera to record the awesome memories you’ll be making!