Log in

Tours

Enjoy the Real Florida! Take a tour on the water!

Eco-Tours - Kayak 101 Classes

Sunrise Tours - Sunset Tours - Moonlight Tours

SCROLL DOWN - Select a Tour or Class, and a Date to Register

Eco-Tours


Explore Lake Griffin's Dead River Marsh by kayak or canoe with our Certified Florida Paddle Guides. Experience the wonder of this important wetlands ecosystem as we look for and identify the many wading and flying birds, land-based and aquatic plants, massive trees, and other native and exotic species. Learn the truth about alligators, an often misunderstood resident of this area.  Your $25 tour fee includes a sit-upon kayak, paddle, life jacket, and whistle. You're welcome to bring your own kayak (with some limitations.) Tour is 90 minutes to 2 hours. (Park admission fee of $5 per vehicle will be collected at the entrance.) 

For information about a Private Eco-Tour click here.

Please click here for information you need to know about Eco-Tours

To Register, please click on the 

"Eco-Tour" above the date you want to take the tour

Eco-Tours

  • October 05, 2024 9:00 AM
    Lake Griffin State Park
  • October 12, 2024 9:00 AM
    Lake Griffin State Park
  • October 19, 2024 9:00 AM
    Lake Griffin State Park
  • October 26, 2024 9:00 AM
    Lake Griffin State Park

Kayak 101 Classes

Learn basic kayaking techniques and safety in this 2 1/2 hour class that includes demonstrations, land-based practice, paddling exercises, and a mini eco-tour. Topics include basic orientation, safety, proper fit of the life vest, types of kayaks, basic paddle strokes, encounters with wildlife, and maneuvering in boat traffic. We'll spend about 45 minutes on ground school, then paddle near the launch, and finally venture out into the wetlands. You'll have ample opportunity to ask questions as our Florida Certified Paddle Guides are right beside you throughout the class. Your $35 fee includes sit-upon kayak, paddle, life vest, and whistle. (Park admission fee of $5 per vehicle will be collected at the entrance.) 

Please click here for information you need to know about Kayak 101 Classes

To Register, please click on the 

"Kayak 101 Class" above the date you want to take the class

Kayak 101 Classes

Sunset Tours


We launch about an hour before sunset, and paddle through Lake Griffin’s Dead River Marsh while our guides talk briefly about the park’s history, plants, and wildlife. We look for birds settling in for the night and gators catching the last rays of sun. Frogs begin their nighttime symphony as the sun slips below the horizon, and the sky and water turn beautiful shades of orange. We take time to savor the beauty and peacefulness of sunset. As darkness falls, we turn on our headlamps and make our way up the canal to return to the kayak launch. Your $35 fee includes a kayak rental, paddle, PFD, and whistle. Guides will provide headlamps and appropriate safety lighting for kayaks. Only park-provided single kayaks are allowed on sunset tours. The Tour is 90 minutes. (Park admission fee of $5 per vehicle will be collected at the entrance.)

FOR YOUR COMFORT: As you enter and exit your kayak, you will walk a few steps in water that’s about mid-calf deep. Wear shoes that can get wet and pants with full length legs that can be rolled up. Long pants and long sleeves will help protect you from mosquitoes. Guides will have insect repellent, or bring your own. Expect the temperature to drop 10-15 degrees as the sun sets, so bring an extra light shirt or jacket will help you stay comfortable after dark. Bring a towel and dry shoes for the drive home.


Please click here for information you need to know about Sunset Tours


To Register, please click on the 

"Sunset Tour" above the date you want to take the tour

Sunset Tours

Moonlight Tours

It's a different world at night! We launch in the early evening and watch the sunset from the water as the wetlands inhabitants prepare for nightfall. As the stars come out, we turn on our headlamps and scan the shoreline searching for reflections of alligator eyes. The full moon rises over the treetops as we follow its silver path across the water and return to the launch ramp. Your $40 fee includes a kayak rental, paddle, PFD, whistle, boat safety light, and headlamp. Sorry, no personal kayaks or tandem kayak rentals on this tour. Tour is 90 minutes to 2 hours. (Park admission fee of $5 per vehicle will be collected at entrance.)

FOR YOUR COMFORT: As you enter and exit your kayak, you will walk a few steps in water that’s about mid-calf deep. Wear shoes that can get wet and pants with full length legs that can be rolled up. Long pants and long sleeves will help protect you from mosquitoes. Guides will have insect repellent, or bring your own. Expect the temperature to drop 10-15 degrees as the sun sets, so bring an extra light shirt or jacket will help you stay comfortable after dark. Bring a towel and dry shoes for the drive home.


Please click here for information you need to know about Moonlight Tours


To Register, please click on the 

"Moonlight Tour" above the date you want to take the tour


Moonlight Tours

  • No upcoming events

Sunrise Tours


Join us on a cool summer morning kayaking with our Florida Certified Paddle Guides. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings as you see the sun come up above the horizon. Experience the wonder of this important wetlands ecosystem as we look for and identify the many wading and flying birds, land-based and aquatic plants, massive trees, and other native and exotic species. Learn the truth about alligators, an often misunderstood resident of this area.  Your $25 tour fee includes a sit-upon kayak, paddle, life jacket, and whistle. You're welcome to bring your own kayak (with some limitations.) Tour is 90 minutes to 2 hours. (Park admission fee of $5 per vehicle will be collected at the entrance.) 

Please click here for information you need to know about Eco-Tours

To Register, please click on the 

"Eco-Tour" above the date you want to take the tour

Sunrise Tours

  

About the Friends

The Friends of Lake Griffin State Park is a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to conserve, protect, restore and enhance the natural, historical, cultural and recreational resources of Lake Griffin State Park for present and future generations.

Contacts

 Friends of Lake Griffin State Park                                    3089 US 441-27               

 Fruitland Park, FL 34731-4475

Contact the Friends: FriendsofLGSP@gmail.com

Contact the Park:  352-360-6760



Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software