The Crystal Beach, Florida, area is home to outfitters supplying both guided and independent kayak tours of the surrounding waterways. Simply Kayaking offers all-inclusive eco-tours year-round. Sail Honeymoon is open daily all year and has a rate schedule that does not vary with the season. Honeymoon Island State Park also offers kayak rentals, and Caladesi Island State Park has ranger-led kayak tours.
Benefits
Travelers who rent from Simply Kayaking receive more than just the kayak. The company supplies guide services, safety gear, refreshments, sunscreen and basic instruction to get you started. Private lessons are also available. Sail Honeymoon offers single-person and two-person kayaks, sit on-top, sit-in and fishing kayaks. Kayaks are available for rent in two-hour, four-hour or full-day increments. Rentals include paddles, personal flotation devices and instruction.
Features
Kayaking in the Crystal Beach area brings travelers close to manatee, dolphins, water birds and eagles. Simply Kayaking's winter trips on the Spring Bayou are often accompanied by manatees. Sail Honeymoon's location places kayakers only 15 minutes from the beach on Caladesi Island, where birdwatching and shelling are popular. Caladesi Island State Park has a three-mile kayak trail through mangroves and a highly rated beach accessible only by boat. Picnic areas are available on the island.
Considerations
Simply Kayaking staff will capture photos of your trip and transfer them to CD for a souvenir of your journey. Simply Kayaking recommends its Sutherland Bayou trip as an easier journey for children and first-time kayakers. On the other hand, Sail Honeymoon places you on St. Joseph's Sound, close to both Caladesi Island and Honeymoon Island. According to Sail Honeymoon, motorboats are not allowed around the grass flats of Caladesi Island; this makes the spot a haven for wildlife and easier to navigate.
Geography
With Simply Kayaking, you have the option of kayaking locations such as Sutherland Bayou and St. Joseph's Sound, Spring Bayou and Tarpon Spring's Sponge Docks, Crystal Beach and Sunset Beach in Tarpon Springs. Just six miles south of Crystal Beach, Sail Honeymoon offers kayaking around two state park islands, 12 spoil islands and six miles of inland waterways.
Warnings
Some of the sights on Simply Kayaking's Sutherland Bayou tour are dependent upon the tides. For the best tour, plan on a visit during high tide. Weather and tides affect the availability of rentals from Sail Honeymoon; contact the company regarding conditions.
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