Kayak Adventure at Vero Beach

[BWV Dreamin]

Has anyone done this? I see that it is offered on the activities sheet, but I think it is done offsite. Does anyone know where they offer it? Any experiences with it?

 

[BWV Dreamin]

Bumpty bump bump........

 

[Mahusky]

Signing up to this thread

 

[lisareniff]

Yes, We kayaked at VB!! ...and loved it!

The Disney sponsored kayak tour is run by Steve Cox of Adventure Kayak tours. We did not go on this tour because our DD is 6 and they did not allow anyone under 8 to go because they transport to the site(?). However we went on the same tour on the same day just a half an hour apart with a different guide, Rhonda, and had a much smaller group with only 5 kayaks (the Disney group was much bigger). The tours are in the Indian River. Ours was near Round Island, to the south of VB. Usually the water is very calm. We had a very windy week and did cause DD12 some problems on the way back. Unless you wanted Disney to drive you to the site, I personally would just call the tour operator and set it up directly.

From my trip report on the lovers thread....

Kayaking: As I mention earlier, this was the highlight of my trip. I just adore manatees and getting to play with one on his own terms was the best. We also saw some dolphins playing really really close as well. I had printed out a couple kayak tour operators before we left but probably would have gone with the Disney organized tour if they had let my DD6 go along just because it was easy. The CM gave me the name and number of the tour operator that runs their tours and they had the exact same tour at the same time with a different guide. Because of the high winds they moved the location from Pine Isand (right near VB) to Round Isand (20 min south). The wind was against us on the way back and was difficult for my DD12 but petting the manatee erased all that. I would recommend this trip to anyone and our guide Ronda was great. Adventure Kayaking with Steve Cox (www.paddleflorida.com) or Tropical Kayak Tours with Ronda Cox (www.TropicalKayakTours.com) (yes, they are married but decided to keep their business separate but do collaborate.)

DD12...

 

[BWV Dreamin]

Awesome Lisa! I am going to do this in August....thanks for the pics, it looks like so much fun! Was the price any different doing it on your own?

 

[lisareniff]

If my memory is correct their might have been a $5 difference with the Disney sponsored trip being cheaper. You can take a look at their web sites see what trips/prices work for you.

 

[Dis13]

Yes, We kayaked at VB!! ...and loved it!

The Disney sponsored kayak tour is run by Steve Cox of Adventure Kayak tours. We did not go on this tour because our DD is 6 and they did not allow anyone under 8 to go because they transport to the site(?). However we went on the same tour on the same day just a half an hour apart with a different guide, Rhonda, and had a much smaller group with only 5 kayaks (the Disney group was much bigger). The tours are in the Indian River. Ours was near Round Island, to the south of VB. Usually the water is very calm. We had a very windy week and did cause DD12 some problems on the way back. Unless you wanted Disney to drive you to the site, I personally would just call the tour operator and set it up directly.

From my trip report on the lovers thread....

Lisa, what time of year was this? It would be so awesome to see the Manatees up close in their natural environment!

Thanks!
Donna

 

[lisareniff]

We were there the 3rd week of April.

 

[Nadine&Scott]

We did the did the VB kayak tour in early December a couple years ago. We saw manatees and dolphins. I highly recommend that tour.

Scott

 

[mikaj3645]

We have done this in April and August. Both times were tremendous. The kayaks are very stable, and the paddles are great -- very light. Both times we saw manatees up very close. They are very playful and so sweet. One time they actually pushed the kayaks with their noses!!

Maryanne, the naturalist, is great, and helps everyone stay very safe. We won't miss this on any future trips. It is just great!!!

Cathy

 

[twinmom]

How large can a person be and still fit into the kayak? My boys want to do it and they are 12 so I guess I have to go also. But my butt is much larger than it used to be and I would die of embarressment if I couldn't fit.

 

[DisDaydreamer]

How large can a person be and still fit into the kayak? My boys want to do it and they are 12 so I guess I have to go also. But my butt is much larger than it used to be and I would die of embarressment if I couldn't fit.

Of course this changes with styles and brands, but an average cockpit opening might be 18"W x 30"L and sort of egg shaped.

 

[Nadine&Scott]

Hello,
I heard about your concern about fitting into the kayak. I am a size 20-22, and I fit into the kayak fine. I know what you mean though. Some of those kayaks, I can't get my butt into. Just let them know ahead of time you are a larger size woman. My smart a.... husband just offered to measure my butt for accurate report, I assured him it was not necessary. HAAHaa. Anyway, just let them know and you'll be fine. Have fun. I t was an awesome trip. We saw manatees right at the start of our trip.
Nadine

 

[twinmom]

Thank you so much, Nadine, for the reply. That eases my mind. I really wanted to do this and now I know I will be able to fit. Thanks again for the help.

Laurie

 

[BEASLYBOO]

Hello,
I heard about your concern about fitting into the kayak. I am a size 20-22, and I fit into the kayak fine. I know what you mean though. Some of those kayaks, I can't get my butt into. Just let them know ahead of time you are a larger size woman. My smart a.... husband just offered to measure my butt for accurate report, I assured him it was not necessary. HAAHaa. Anyway, just let them know and you'll be fine. Have fun. I t was an awesome trip. We saw manatees right at the start of our trip.
Nadine

My problem is usually getting out rather than getting in! Sometimes you just have to laugh at yourself. Sounds like fun, maybe since DS(11) is too young for wave runners this would be a better option for his birthday in Oct.

Thanks for the picture!

 

[mla973]

Thanks for the info. I just posted this question on someone's TR thread.

 

[madcoco]

Once past getting in the thing, I have a hard time paddling.

Thanks for sharing the picture. Glad you enjoyed your trip!

 

[twinmom]

LOL Now I am really nervous. That is a great picture. I guess you lived to post again after your experience. That gives me some hope

 

[madcoco]

Can't take credit for that photo. It is just off the web. The results were the same though. LOL Give me a motor and/or a sail and lots of room.

 

[rigsby25]

Do you have to know how to Kayak? I mean - can you just go and do it or are there lessons or something?