Okefenokee Night Paddle

Okefenokee Night Paddle Tour

You will Paddle into The Heart of Darkness. Many people have extreme fears about the idea of this but it is a safe experience when done properly and with some sensible safeguards and under our supervision and guidance.

To really enjoy this tour it does require some sense of adventure, so it might not be suited for the overly nervous, extremely reactionary or a fearful to paranoid type person. The reason being mainly that if someone cannot relax and enjoy the peacefulness, serenity and absence of light in this unique experience, it tends to make it unpleasant for others who are attempting to enjoy and savor that tranquillity.

This tour is only offered to experienced paddlers. We suggest that for the limited experience night time paddlers, you should time your tour date up to 7 days before or during the full moon, so that we will have some or allot of moonlight for paddling after dark.

We usually get started sometime before sundown and put on the water well before darkness actually descends giving adequate time to get comfortable with your kayak or canoe. Sometimes there are spectacular sunsets and moonrises. For the very experienced paddler we could embark later and at almost any time or phase of the moon.  Keep in mind that the darker it is, the more time it will be necessary to use the headlamps which we provide for everyone’s use on all these trips. In our opinion, it’s most enjoyable and comfortable especially from a bug standpoint not to have the headlights on constantly, starlight is magical. This paddle tour lasts from 2 to 3 hours on the water, depending on how much time was spent getting on the water.

The night paddle tour is available in two blackwater locales. The Okefenokee Swamp at remote Kingfisher Landing, which possesses the legends and lore, prehistoric habitats, frog choruses, alligators and more. - Or – Paddle the Saint Mary’s River from Traders Hill landing, which offers undulating curves, sandy beaches, cypress sentinels, Barred owl serenades and more.

Paddling at either place is spectacular to see, hear, smell and experience under a cloak of darkness. This is life rejuvenating magic. Night time may be the right time to partake of these unspoiled, black water, wilderness, water worlds.

You should bring: A dry bag for your stuff (seal able plastic or large zip-lock bags will do) hat, sunglasses for before sunset, rain jackets (we will go rain or shine, remember it is a swamp) you need to bring your own rain gear, insect repellent -very important-, comfortable shoes, comfortable clothes, full water bottle, snack and/or Gatorade & bandanna in warmer weather. Be prepared and in shape to get some exercise. Hot and cold times of year please check with us about some special instructions.

Guide Steve Knight (see guide bio)

We need an advanced reservation with a deposit for this tour.

Lodging:

Consider staying in one of our comfortable, clean, cozy and convenient Cabins while doing your private night guided kayak or canoe tour. It sure makes things so much easier, nicer & better for everyone especially you, to be right here. Enjoy being in the country and the fine natural surroundings, not to mention some great bird watching found here on our property. Okefenokee Pastimes is directly across from the main entrance to Okefenokee NWR and a mile from the St Marys river.

Take a break from TV (you might need it) although every Cabin and campsite has high speed internet WIFI reception and decent cell phone service here. All the Cabins are Non Smoking. A butt-can and ashtray can be provided for outside only smokers.

Our Cabins are Clean! & Nice! & Private! & Fun! And at a Reasonable Price! Charming plus Romantic for couples! You could pay allot more to stay at a B&B in town but it would not be cleaner or nicer, just fancier furniture (ours is simple but comfortable). Please go to the Deluxe cabin page for more Cabin info details.

Guided Tour Discounts given to lodging guests:

$25 – discount given to guests in our Deluxe Cabins 2 or more night stay.

$10 – discount given to guests for a one night only stay in our Deluxe Cabins or stay in our Basic Cabins or stay here as Campers.

St Marys River Prices: The Saint Marys River at Night – $285 for one or two add $70 for each additional person. This is not the Okefenokee Swamp but is a beautiful river in it’s own different but related black water way.

Pricing and details for larger Groups Okefenokee Night Paddle:

Price for 5 to 7 people in kayaks or canoe is $115 each. Price for a group of 8 up to 14 experienced canoe paddlers in canoes $85 each person.

Sometimes we can work a special discounted price for schools and non profit groups of experienced canoe paddlers, 8 to 14 paddlers total, especially when they are staying here at Okefenokee Pastimes with us. Call to talk with us about it.

Other groups of more than 6 experienced paddlers with their own boats and transportation may also be given special discounted rates. Please call to talk with us about it.