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canoeing and kayaking near Tampa, Florida

Special Events

Mothers’ Day Guided Trip

May 11, 2008

8:00 a.m.

Join us to celebrate Mothers’ Day. We are running a special guided canoe trip Mothers’ Day morning. We will meet at the shop for a continental breakfast (coffee, danish, muffins, etc). Afterwards, we will outfit everyone with gear and head to the river. After a few minutes of introductions and some paddling instruction we will get on the water.

Over the next two and-a-half hours we will explore five miles of the river. You will be filled in on the river’s diverse history, extensive wildlife, and abundant flora. Typically on a guided trip you will see 2 or three times as much wildlife as you will on your own. So, do not miss this chance to see the best the river has to offer, as well as spend time with your mom!

First time paddlers are welcome on this trip. The river’s slow-moving current and flat water make this trip available to anyone regardless of paddling experience.
All canoes will be outfitted with seatbacks for added comfort as well.

General info and rates:

  • May 11, 2008
  • 8:00 a.m. continental breakfast
  • 8:30 a.m. Head to the river.
  • Canoe Escape (813-986-2067 for information & reservations. We do not take any reservations online.)

What’s included: Continental breakfast, all paddling gear, transportation, seatbacks, and guide(s).

What to bring: Mom, small cooler with water and/or soft drinks, snacks, hat, sunglasses, & camera.

Rates are per person
Canoes: $50.00 per person, plus 7% sales tax
Solo Kayaks: $75.00 per person, plus 7% sales tax

Canoe Center Passengers
11 and younger (2 max): $5.00 per child, plus 7% sales tax
12 – 17 (1 max): $13.00 per teenager, plus 7% sales tax

Advance reservation and prepayment required.


We had a great time this season on our moonlight trips. They have now ended until October 2008 when they will resume. Check back for 2008 fall/winter moonlight trip dates in September.

Moonlight Trip season is here!

These unique guided trips are really fun. We will explore 5 miles of the Hillsborough River from Trout Creek Park downstream to Rotary Park (Trip 3). We will start just before sunset and as the darkness takes over, our eyes will adjust allowing us to make out our path by the silhouettes from the moonlight. There is just enough light to make out the shoreline and treetops. Countless frogs, owls, and other creatures of the night often serenade us as we paddle through the “Narrows”. Our trip will take us into Lettuce Lake where we will encounter not only a wide variety of sleeping birds like herons, egrets, and spoonbills, but we will break out the flashlights to shine for ‘gator eyes as well! We will finish our trip with a 45-minute paddle to the take out, and then share in some coffee and desert at a nearby restaurant.

Moonlight trips are an experience all to themselves. If you have not been on one then you have missed out on one of the most amazing ways to experience the Hillsborough River!

  • You must bring 1 flashlight or headlamp per boat (headlamps recommended). A light with a red lens cover is a bonus.
  • We recommend that you bring a small cooler with a few soft drinks and snacks for the river trip. (No styrofoam or glass)
  • No children under 12 allowed, sorry.
  • Trip distance - 5 miles.
  • Trip duration - approximately 3 to 3-1/2 hours.
  • Start times will vary for each date. Details will be given when you make your reservation.

All trips start at Canoe Escape’s main location on Fowler Ave. See the top of our home page for directions to the shop.

Reservations & prepayment are required. Stop by or call our shop at 813-986-2067 to make your reservation. We do not take reservations on line.

Rates include all basic paddling gear, seatbacks for canoes, transportation, guide, and coffee / dessert afterward.

Tandem Canoe or Kayak $70.00
Solo Kayak $60.00
3rd Passenger in canoe $25.00

Rates above do not include Florida sales tax of 7%.

Dates for 2008

October
November

Dates for 2009

January
February
March *
April

*March is our annual fundraiser for Friends of the Park, held in conjunction with the Squiggy Classic. All proceeds (minus cost of dessert and coffee) go to this great organization!

We require a minimum # of 4 boats to run the trip.

Refunds will not be offered because YOU were late and missed the bus to the park. We preset canoes at the launch and have staff working a 16-18 hour day to run these trips. We staff according to reservations, so be on time!

Moonlight Paddle
by Jean Faulk

Paddling along mother earth's womb with the
Shimmering glow of the night star lighting the path,
My spirit is filled with the warm peace of the closing day.
As the moon drifts behind a lingering cloud,
My eyes no longer see the way and my other senses are heightened :
My lips and tongue embrace the flavor of the evening breeze;
My ears reach out to sense each nearby rustle on the riverbank;
My nostrils can almost smell the earth cooling in the rising dew;
And my skin swells to encompass the void and touch the stars.
As the cloud passes and the light returns, I regain my human form
But a sprinkling of dust from the universe has attached itself to my soul
And I see more than the path.


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Canoe Escape, Inc.
9335 E. Fowler Avenue
Thonotosassa, FL 33592
ph: 813-986-2067
e-mail: info@canoeescape.com
www.canoeescape.com