Secrets of the Wacissa

Who's ready for a legendary wilderness paddling adventure?? Join CPI President Ryan Means on an unforgettable canoe/kayak trip exploring the wild Wacissa River. We will shuttle to Goose Pasture and paddle all the way to Nutall Rise on the Aucilla River, down the legendarily remote and wild Slave Canal of the lower Wacissa River. We will go with the flow, stopping frequently to experience and learn.

Ryan has extensive scientific knowledge of and experience with the Wacissa River, and he is eager to share his natural history knowledge with you. Many people have gotten lost down there in the past but---you most certainly will not get lost down there with Ryan! Ryan has frequented the area since his wee childhood. This experience will be equally rewarding for those who have done it before, or have always wanted to do it, but haven’t yet had the opportunity.

The unfortunately as such named—Slave Canal—isn’t really a canal. We’ll learn why and about the history. The Wacissa River is one of the world’s most pristine first magnitude spring ecosystems, and is a world-class aquatic natural realm. Experience towering forests of ancient baldcypress, mixed hardwood forests once browsed by mastodons, and myriad aquatic plants. We WILL experience the following things close-up: alligators, terrific turtles, and wiggling water snakes! We also will see huge gar, schools of mullet, and brilliant birds, such as herons, egrets, osprey, and anhinga. Hopefully, we’ll lay eyes on a limpkin. And whatever wildflowers are a poppin!

You will experience lovely braided channels that few people have ever seen. The whole time, we’ll be embedded within one of our region’s remotest locations. Ryan will share his passion for remoteness with you. Snorkeling is optional and encouraged. Bring your mask, snorkel, and any wet suit piece, if you have one. If we snorkel, we will observe fossil remains of ancient animals and discuss their natural history in the region. We also will learn about human cultural history.

Trip is limited to 8 people. Price includes guide, shuttle service, canoe or kayak and safety gear. Please pack your own lunch and personal belongings. We will supply complimentary extra water and beverages. We will meet at 9:00 am at the boat ramp on the lower Aucilla River NORTH of the US 98 bridge over the Aucilla R. On the east side of the Aucilla please turn North onto Aucilla Landing Road, go the short distance up to our take out boat ramp.

We will pile into our cool CPI passenger van. We will shuttle you to our launching point on the lower Wacissa River at Goose Pasture, jump into our boats, paddle slowly for 5 miles to where our cars will be waiting for us exactly where we left them parked, at the end point of our trip.

Please be aware that this trip is not for beginning paddlers. You need to have some canoe or kayaking experience. Ability to steer your boat through tight spaces without crashing into shrubs is required. It is an adventure that requires some physicality and teamwork. Whereas there are no strenuous overland portages necessary, we must all exit and reenter our paddlecraft several times in the waist deep river channel while Ryan gladly performs all or most of the physical labor required to shove boats over or under downed trees and limbs. Ryan gladly assists all attendees with boat entry and exit. The Slave Canal is 3 miles long, and we will experience the most downed treefall in the middle mile section. This is a wilderness waterway with no regular maintenance. Ryan has scouted the route, and believes it to be a standard Slave Canal experience. One you will never forget.

There will be many opportunities to swim and snorkel. We recommend that you wear neoprene dive booties or sufficient water shoes to protect your feet while snorkeling and wading in the lovely river channel. Please bring your rain coat, as thunderstorms may develop over us occasionally. Also bring all the usual outdoor gear such as hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

We will have a mix of canoes and kayaks for attendees to choose from. Some solo, some tandem. If you have a preference either way, please let Ryan know. He will do his best to provide you with your preferred paddlecraft.

Cancellation Policy: If we have to cancel for weather, flood, or any unforseen reason, we can place you on a priority wait list for another equivalent tour or ecoadventure, apply your tour fee as a CPI donation, or issue a refund. If you have to cancel, we kindly ask that you consider making your payment a donation to CPI in support of our conservation work. If the trip fills up, as this one always does, please still contact Ryan. He can put you on a waiting list for the next trip.

Keep in mind: Ryan will gladly do this trip for any person or groups that wish to do this on any available day if none of our offered days fit your schedule....So please don't hesitate to reach out!! HE WANTS TO TAKE YOU DOWN THIS RIVER!

All ticket proceeds go towards our efforts to preserve the incredible biodiversity of the southeastern Coastal Plain.

Please contact Ryan with any questions: ryan@coastalplains.org (850-544-5661). Ryan prefers you text him. Please say your name and what trip you are referring to.