10 day trip report-January

Question

Hi everyone, we just got back from a trip to Florida and wanted to share what we did.

My brother was getting married in the Ft Lauderdale area so we came about 10 days early to escape the cold and enjoy some Florida nature.

Summary: manatees, kayaking, springs, Everglades, no beaches, no Disney

About us:: Late 50's, very active and fit, up early and like to stay out all day. Not into food and h spending time in restaurants so I wont comment much about where we ate. Almost all lodging was homes booked through booking.com or AirBnB

We arrived on January 8 in Tampa (better airfare than arriving in Orlando) and picked up our rental car. We made a stop at Chick Fil A for lunch and a stop at Walmart for groceries. Our rental car was alerting us that our tires were low and we had zero windshield washer fluid so we had to stop and take care of those issues as well. We arrived around 4pm and checked into our cabin in the state park. We quickly got some warm clothes on (it was chilly) and headed for the boardwalk along the river to see the manatees. As we arrived at the park they had a sign saying the manatee count was around 800 manatees. What an amazing sight to see all those manatees in one place. All though part of the boardwalk was still closed, there were still plenty of places to observe wildlife. The park closed but since we were staying in the park, we stayed along the river enjoying the quiet which was only disturbed by the sound of the manatees coming up for air.

Day 2- We were awake early as we had a kayaking trip scheduled in Apopka with Kings Landing. We made a quick stop to see the manatees as they were headintg out on the river before we left the park. When we woke up that morning it was 30 degrees and we wondered if our trip would be canceled. We arrived at Kings Landing and met our guide who said our trip was still a go. We donned lots of layers, gloves and hats and hopped on a golf cart to shuttle to where our kayaks were to start our kayak down the Rock Springs Run. The steam rising from the river made for a beautiful sight and because it was so cold, we had the run to ourselves. THe whole kayak trip was about 9 miles and it was filled with many bird sightings, a few gators, a buck standing in the water, turtles and otters. It ended up being on e of the best opportunites we had for wildlife sightings our whole trip, After the sun got a little higher in the sky, we warmed up and it turned into a beautiful day for kayaking. We arrived at Wekiva Island around 2 pm and stopped for some drinks and lunch before the shuttle picked us up to take us back to Kings Landing. On our way back to Blue Spring park, we made a quick stop at Kelly Springs Park to see the springs .

Answer

Thank you for sharing such a detailed trip report! It sounds like a wonderfully active and wildlife-focused trip in Florida without the usual tourist crowds or theme park stops. Your itinerary really highlights the best of Florida’s natural offerings in the winter months.

Here’s a detailed reflection and some additional tips based on your report:

Arrival and Initial Wildlife Viewing: Starting your trip in Tampa for better airfare was smart. Stopping for essentials like food, groceries, and car prep is practical, especially for a multi-day trip with active outdoor activities. Checking into a cabin inside the state park gave you immediate access to wildlife, and observing 800 manatees along the riverboardwalk sounds absolutely breathtaking. Even with some areas closed, it seems you had plenty of opportunity to connect with nature.

Day 2 - Kayaking at Rock Springs Run: Despite cold temperatures, the kayaking trip with Kings Landing provided an immersive wildlife experience. You noted:

Early morning manatee sightings – a unique and serene experience.
Kayaking down a 9-mile stretch of Rock Springs Run with minimal crowds due to cold weather.
Extensive wildlife encounters: birds, alligators, a buck, turtles, and otters.
Beautiful scenery with steam rising from the water – perfect for photography or simply enjoying the moment.

Stopping at Wekiva Island for lunch and drinks provided a nice break and an opportunity to warm up before heading back. The quick visit to Kelly Springs Park and Blue Spring Park added more variety to your natural sightseeing, making for a full and rewarding day.

Additional Observations and Tips:

Layered clothing and preparation for colder temperatures is essential for winter wildlife activities in Florida. Gloves, hats, and waterproof layers make a big difference.
Booking lodging inside or near state parks can greatly enhance wildlife experiences, as you witnessed with manatees early in the morning without the crowds.
Combining multiple parks or natural areas in one day is feasible if you plan ahead and allow for some flexibility in timing.
Even in winter, Florida rivers and springs can be vibrant with wildlife; early mornings can be especially rewarding for sightings.

Overall, your itinerary demonstrates that a Florida trip focused on nature, wildlife, and outdoor activities can be incredibly fulfilling without visiting beaches or theme parks. Your combination of manatee observation, kayaking, and spring visits offers a perfect template for anyone looking to experience Florida’s quieter, wildlife-rich side.

10 day trip report-January

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