Like the name suggests, Peace River is freshwater river flows peacefully through the wooded areas of Paynes Creek. Formerly called “Rio de la Paz” by Spanish explorers, the river has a rich history of supporting the large population of Calusa Native Americans, who occupied the area hundreds of years ago. The plentiful amount of fish provided a constant source of food, and the freshwater provided over 5 million gallons per day of drinking water.
The gentle flow of the river makes canoeing easy, even for the most beginner of paddlers. As you glide through the waters, look around you at the bountiful greenery and take in the quiet wooded area that surrounds you. Keep an eye out for birds darting among the trees, and turtles sunbathing on logs. You may even pass an alligator or two!
The most outstanding feature of the Peace River is its intriguing geology. Large limestone formations frequently emerge from the bank sand river bottom, creating shoals and gentle rapids (depending on water levels). Peace River is also a great place for fossil hunting. The slow current keeps the fossils well preserved and people flock to the river searching for ancient relics in the river’s depths. The river, of course, was a place where many animals gathered. If you look closely you can find the fossilised remains of mammoths, bison, alligators, and mastodons and you sift through the sand and dirt.
In an attempt to make things simple, your guides will pick everyone up at the Orlando International airport at noon on the first day. We then will be shuttled the 3 hours away to our put in. At the end of our trip the same shuttle van will return to get us. Folks wanting to drive themselves can meet us at the boat ramp in Bartow on Highway 60. (Google plus code W52M+RC Bartow, Florida)
At the put in your guides will help everyone pack their boats (yes, it will all fit), go over the few river rules, and give any paddling instruction for those that need it. We will just paddle long enough to get deep into the woods and make camp. Like most expeditions grilled fish will be on the dinner menu the first night.
Over the course of the next 5 days we will paddle 10-15 miles a day at an easy pace, stopping for stretches, restrooms, snacks, and swim breaks along the way. We do not have established campsites but choose backcountry spots when the time is right to camp.
We will paddle the entire 67 miles beginning at the Highway 60 bridge in Bartow and end up in Arcadia. A great river map and guide can be found here: https://floridadep.gov/sites/default/files/Peace_R_Guide_2.pdf
At the end of the tour everyone will be shuttled back to their cars or to the airport by 5pm.
This tour can be booked for anytime of the year running Sunday through Friday.