This year, trade the ordinary for something unforgettable—seven days of wild beauty, rich history, and hands-on kayaking skills, all woven into one immersive river journey.

Let the Suwannee River carry you through a week of unforgettable wilderness, where ancient cypress trees rise from blackwater, spring-fed pools invite a refreshing dip, and owls call through misty morning light. Each paddle stroke takes you deeper into Old Florida—wild, quiet, and alive with birds, turtles, and hidden springs. Led by expert ACA instructors, this 7-day downstream journey is more than just a kayak trip—it’s your chance to build skills, find flow, and reconnect with nature in one of the last truly wild rivers of the Southeast.

This expedition is led by two ACA Level 4 Coastal Kayak Instructors—Anthony Sousa and Astrid Jackson—who bring decades of experience to the water. With two highly qualified guides and a limited group size, you’ll enjoy hands-on instruction, individualized support, and a more personalized, enriching paddling experience. 

This journey blends skill-building with deep river immersion. You’ll sharpen boat control, paddling strokes and maneuvers, and practice self and assisted rescues, while learning expedition packing best practices and core seamanship skills—including weather awareness, navigation, and chart reading. Along the way, you’ll explore Leave No Trace principles, the ecology, flora, and fauna of the Suwannee River, and the rich human history shaped by this iconic waterway.

Enjoy true solitude in quiet stretches where motorized boats are rare and cell service fades away. Disconnect from daily life and reconnect with the rhythms of nature in this peaceful, off-the-grid experience. 

Take refreshing swims or snorkel in crystal-clear springs like Royal Spring and Troy Spring. These spring-fed oases offer perfect midday breaks and magical moments of stillness and clarity. 

Paddle through history with stops near Native American sites, Civil War-era crossings, and old settlements. This river tells stories that stretch back centuries, deepening your connection to the landscape and its legacy. 

Our fully supported downstream route includes a convenient shuttle, allowing you to focus on soaking in the scenery—not backtracking. Paddle one way with ease while we handle the logistics. 

We’ll meet at Ivey Memorial Park in Branford to begin with a trip orientation, gear check, and kayak fitting, including guidance on efficient packing for expedition-style river travel. Once everything is ready, we’ll shuttle to Suwannee River State Park, where our journey officially begins. By midday, we’ll enjoy a short introductory paddle downstream, easing into the rhythm of the river as we pass moss-draped oaks and limestone banks. By early evening, we’ll arrive at a sandy riverside beach to make camp and settle into our first wilderness home. As dusk settles over the river, you’ll enjoy your first gourmet wilderness dinner, followed by time to relax, share stories, and listen to the sounds of the Suwannee as night falls.

Lunch & dinner included.

Distance: 6 miles

You’ll start the morning with your favorite hot beverage as your guides prepare a hearty breakfast to fuel the day ahead. After breaking camp, we’ll continue paddling downstream, settling into the calm rhythm of the Suwannee. Midway through the day, we’ll pause along the riverbank for a relaxed riverside lunch, giving you time to stretch, refuel, and enjoy the quiet beauty of the surroundings before continuing on. By afternoon, we’ll arrive at Dowling Park River Camp, a welcoming riverside camp featuring screened-in sleeping shelters, showers, and restrooms. As evening sets in, you’ll be treated to yet another delicious, thoughtfully prepared wilderness dinner, followed by time to unwind by the river and enjoy a peaceful night along the Suwannee.

All meals included.

Distance: 8.7 miles

The day begins with a relaxed breakfast before we break camp and continue downstream into a broader, more open stretch of the Suwannee. The river unfolds in long, peaceful bends, bordered by limestone banks and forested shorelines that invite a steady, unhurried pace. Along the way, we’ll stop at Charles Spring and then spend extended time at Allen Mill Pond Spring, where clear spring water meets a beautifully preserved landscape. Here, we’ll enjoy a nutritious midday meal and take time for a scenic hike around the spring, offering a chance to stretch your legs and explore beyond the riverbank. By late afternoon, we’ll arrive at Lafayette Blue Springs State Park, where we’ll make camp for the night. Tent camping beneath the trees, a relaxed evening meal, and the sounds of the river at dusk round out another deeply immersive day on the Suwannee.

All meals included

Distance: 10 miles

Today is a well-earned rest day at Lafayette Blue Springs State Park, offering time to slow down, recharge, and enjoy one of the Suwannee’s most beautiful spring settings. The morning begins at an unhurried pace, with breakfast and plenty of time to ease into the day. You’re free to spend the day as you choose—swimming in the clear, cool spring, relaxing in camp, or heading out on a scenic hike through the surrounding forest. For those eager to deepen their paddling skills, your ACA-certified guides will offer optional, hands-on kayak instruction, including stroke refinement, boat control, and rescue techniques in a supportive, lowpressure setting. Whether you spend the day in the water, on the trail, or honing new skills, this rest day provides a perfect balance of recovery and learning. The evening is spent back at camp, enjoying a relaxed dinner and another peaceful night beneath the trees, refreshed and ready for the days ahead.

All meals included.

After breakfast, we’ll break camp and continue downstream, settling back into the familiar rhythm of paddling on the Suwannee. The river carries us through quiet bends and shaded banks, offering a relaxed and scenic day on the water. Midday, we’ll stop at Telford Springs, a lesser-known spring tucked into the river corridor. Here, we’ll enjoy a relaxed spring-side lunch, and for those feeling adventurous, there’s an opportunity to swim beneath submerged limestone ledges connecting spring pools—a truly unique and memorable experience in clear, cool water. Continuing on, we’ll arrive in the afternoon at Peacock Slough River Camp, where the evening is spent unwinding, sharing stories, and enjoying dinner together before settling in for another peaceful night along the Suwannee.

All meals included.

Distance: 7.2 miles

We’ll break camp and continue downstream, moving into a quieter, more remote stretch of the Suwannee. With confidence built over the past days, we’ll paddle at an easy, steady pace, enjoying long river bends, limestone banks, and peaceful forested shorelines. Along the way, we’ll stop at Convict Springs and explore the beautiful Royal Spring Run, where clear spring water meets the dark river—ideal places to stretch, cool off, and experience the contrast between spring-fed and tannin-rich waters. By afternoon, we’ll arrive at Adams Tract River Camp, our home for the night. The evening is spent settling into camp, enjoying dinner together, and soaking in the quiet of one of our final nights along the Suwannee.

All meals included.

Distance: 10.6 miles

Our final day begins with breaking camp and enjoying one last paddle downstream, savoring the familiar rhythm of the Suwannee as the journey comes full circle. Along the way, weather and conditions permitting, we’ll have the opportunity to stop at Troy Springs and Little River Springs, offering a final chance to swim, explore, and reflect on the week’s adventures in clear spring-fed waters. By early afternoon, we’ll complete our journey back at Ivey Memorial Park, aiming to arrive by 1:00 PM. This allows ample time to unload gear, say goodbyes, and depart by 2:00 PM. If you are flying home this day, please schedule all return flights for after 6:00 PM to ensure a relaxed and unhurried end to the expedition.

Breakfast & Lunch included.

Distance: 9.2 miles