Canoe Escape
At Canoe Escape, you can choose from one of six professionally designed, self-guided trips down the Hillsborough River by canoe or kayak. On these self-guided tours you are free to travel at your own pace, so bring along a camera, binoculars and picnic lunch to make the most of your day. Select a guided trip if you'd like more insight on the native wildlife and local history or if you're a beginner and would feel more at ease in the hands of an experience professional.
Canoe Escape expects you to adhere to leave-no-trace ethics to protect the Tampa Bay watershed, so you're expected to leave all wildlife undisturbed and take all trash with you to dispose of properly. Expect to see herons, deer, wild hogs and possibly even alligators.
9335 E. Fowler Ave.
Thonotosassa, FL 33592
(813) 986-2067
canoeescape.com
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park offers a handful of unique experiences in the Tampa Bay area. The park's main attraction is its mermaid show, where actresses dressed as mermaids perform shows in a large tank in an amphitheater. Shows vary, but examples include Hans Christian Anderson's "The Little Mermaid" and "Fish Tails," a show detailing the history of Weeki Wachee.
You'll also have the opportunity to take a guided motorboat trip down the Weeki Wachee river or take things at a slower pace in a kayak or canoe. You are permitted to fish while on your canoe or kayak trip. Certified divers can book in advance to dive Weeki Wachee Spring's crystal clear waters.
6131 Commercial Way
Weeki Wachee, FL 34606
(352) 592-5656
weekiwachee.com
Tampa Bay Fishing Charters
Tampa Bay Fishing Charters will take you out onto Tampa Bay from the pier in Gulfport to catch a variety of saltwater fish. As of November 2009, owner Captain Dan Bumgarner boasts more than 40 years experience fishing in the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay, and he'll take you to the best fishing locations so you can make a great catch.
You can choose from light tackle inshore fishing in Tampa Bay or deep-sea fishing out in the gulf. Select a four-, six- or eight-hour charter. All gear, including a fishing license, is included in the cost of your charter. You'll just need to bring personal items and food.
4630 29th Ave. S.
Gulfport, FL 33711
(727) 526-7565
tampabayfishingcharters.com
