Suwannee River#4 (Fanning Spring - Manatee Spring)
Cost:
$50.00 per person
(includes kayak or canoe, paddle, vest, shuttling and guide)
Using your Own Boat -
$35. (many
paddlers with their own boats like to join us to learn
more about the history, archaeology and natural history of these
rivers).
Group size:
1 - 24 paddlers
Trip time: 5
hours
Skill level: Great for beginners (and enjoyed by
experienced paddlers too)
Dates
* See
calendar
for trips being planned.
Or,
Schedule your own
private
tour.
Call Adventure Outpost for details
(386-454-0611)
Location
To see this river's general location, go to the River Locator Map
or
Click on link below for a local map and then use zoom and panning arrows to
explore the area.
Note: the red star is NOT our meeting place, but just a nearby town or landmark.
http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?formtype=address&searchtype=address&country=US&addtohistory=&address=&city=Fanning+Spring&state=FL&zipcode=
Description
Besides the two beautiful, large springs, another highlight of this trip is the chance of seeing manatees in cooler months. There is also an optional hike in Andrews WMA which takes us past three state champion trees. Here again, motor boats are common, especially on weekends.
The Suwannee here
is very wide, with high banks. For most paddlers, such wide
channels and especially the motor boats that are drawn to them,
are a turn-off. Unless you're specifically wanting to explore
these springs or this section of the Suwannee, we'd recommend
doing a stretch farther upstream.
Wildlife
At times,
sturgeon are seen here, launching their 100+ pound bodies into
the air in a display that you'll never forget. Another treat is
the frequent aerial show of swallow-tailed kites during the
summer months. When William Bartram explored this part of the
river in 1774, he found bones of a recently butchered manatee
along Manatee Spring run. Today, these large aquatic mammals are
frequently seen here in winter months.
Trip Notes & Recent
Conditions
(Interesting sightings or notes?
Let us know)
April 16, 2005 - After returning to near normal levels after the hurricanes, recent rains have flooded the river again. We strongly advise against boating on the Suwannee at this time.
PLEASE NOTE - These are exceptional conditions and are steadily changing. In
some of the rivers on this list, the waters will continue to rise in the days
and weeks ahead, others have already begun to drop. Be sure to check with
us or other local outfitters and internet gauge reports before paddling these
waters. AND BE CAREFUL!!
August 08, 2007 - Water levels remain low. At present, there are no pull-overs, but a few more inches lower and some sections will require numerous short portages. Be sure to check ahead before paddling at this time.
March 08, 2008 - The heavy rains two weeks ago has caused minor flooding throughout the Suwannee basin. Today's deluge has brought the river up even more. Floods from these heavy rain events usually work their way down the river, so dramatic flooding is already taking pace in the headwaters, while lower sections of the river can expect the highest flooding in days to come. Lower Suwannee and confluence of Santa Fe probably won't crest (from today's rains) until sometime next week. Since severe flooding seems imminent, I'd definitely advise you to check with us if you plan on paddling the lower Santa Fe or Suwannee, Santa Fe, Withlacoochee (north) or Alapaha any time in the next few weeks. E-mail us at riverguide2000@yahoo.com for water level and flooding updates or check the link below.
CURRENT
WATER LEVELS
http://www.srwmd.state.fl.us/water+data/surfacewater+levels/30+day+river+levels.asp?statid=63
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