Sea Kayaking the Gulf of Mexico

Shed your winter layers and dust off your bathing suit for a sea kayaking adventure in the Gulf of Mexico! Camp on white, sandy beaches and perhaps catch a glimpse of a manatee, sea turtle and certainly a dolphin! This trip will spend the first day practicing skills with a sea kayaking 101 crash course. Once everyone has mastered the strokes the group will head out into the Gulf off the Everglades coast and into the Land of 10,000 Islands.  Participants on this trip will gain skills such on-water navigation, proper kayak strokes, safety, and rescues.

Cost: $450

Cost Includes: ORC ACA certified trip leaders, all equipment, meals on location, all permits, camping fees, and transportation from WSU in 12 passenger van.

Registration: Registration is full - go to Outdoor Resource Center to be put on the waitlist.

Activity Level: Intermediate- Advanced, must be able to kayak independently for up to six miles a day in open water, possess strong swimming skills, and take care of personal needs while camping on primitive islands. *No prior kayaking experience necessary*

Itinerary: (Tentative)

Day 1, Saturday, December 14:  Meet at WSU ORC at 12:00 p.m. to pack the van and depart from WSU by 1:00 p.m., 18 hour drive to Everglades City, drive through the night to maximize time on water.

Day 2, Sunday, December 15: Arrive to ocean by noon. Eat lunch. Sea Kayaking crash course. Drive to Collier-Seminole State Park campground, to set up camp and prepare dinner.

Day 3, Monday, December 16: Wake up early. Cook breakfast, pack up camp. Drive to put in, kayak 5-6 miles to island. Camp on sandy beach.

Day 4, Tuesday, December 17: Cook breakfast, pack up camp. Kayak 5-6 miles to island. Swim in the clear water and enjoy the views. 

Day 5, Wednesday, December 18: Cook breakfast, pack up camp. Kayak 5-6 miles to island. Make a beach fire and enjoy the stars.

Day 6, Thursday, December 19: Cook breakfast, pack up camp. Kayak 5-6 miles to island. Spend last evening appreciating the calm noise of the ocean.

Day 7, Friday, December 20: Cook breakfast, pack up camp. Kayak 5-6 miles out to Everglades City. Take a much-needed shower and camp in campground.

Day 8, Saturday December 21: Eat breakfast... drive home. Travel through the night to maximize time on water.

Day 9, Sunday, December 22: Travel day. Arrive to WSU by 8 a.m.