Paddle/Kayak and Vegan Eats: Ichetucknee Springs State Park (June 20)

What to expect
Join Florida Voices for Animals for a full-day outdoor adventure at Ichetucknee Springs State Park. For this event, we plan to do the full 3.5-mile paddle route using kayak or paddleboard rentals, followed by lunch on the way back. This trip is about nature, fun, and community time together. Based on how long we spend at the park, we will decide on a restaurant stop afterward.

Event plan
Departure time: 5:30 AM sharp
Park arrival target: 8:00 AM sharp

1. Departure and travel
   This is a full-day event, so we will leave in the early morning and drive to the park together or meet there directly.

2. Check-in and rentals (around 8:00 AM)
   We’ll meet at the South Entrance / General Store, which is the official entrance for watercraft rentals. From there, rental guests are shuttled to the launch area for the longer route.

3. Group paddle / kayak trip
   We want to do the full 3.5-mile paddleboard or kayak run.
   Duration on water: about 2 hours

Important: There is a limited number of watercraft allowed per day, so please be on time. If we arrive late, we may not get entry for the paddle rental run. If enough people join, we will also check whether group pricing may be available.

1. Lunch / restaurant stop
   There are a few lunch options available on the way back, and we’ll decide at the park depending on our timing and how long we spend on the water.

2. Return
   We expect this to be a full-day outing and plan to head back after lunch, roughly aiming to return around 4:00 PM.

Details
📅 Date: June 20, 2026
⏰ Departure: 5:30 AM
⏰ Park arrival target: 8:00 AM sharp
🛶 Activity: 3.5-mile kayak or paddleboard run
📍 Meetup / rental location: South Entrance / General Store
🏠 Address: 12087 SW US Highway 27, Fort White, FL 32038
🚗 Drive time from Tampa: about 3 hours
🅿️ Park entry fee: $6 per vehicle
🚻 Restrooms: available at the park, including the south entrance area
🛶 Rental rates link: https://ichetuckneesprings.com/ichetucknee-springs/plan-your-day/kayaking/
Starting rates: single kayaks from $40, paddleboards from $55, tandem kayaks from $60, and canoes from $60. Rental price includes life vests, paddles, and transportation. Park entry fee is separate.

Important notes
Please be on time. Rentals for the longer paddle route are limited daily.
The South Entrance is the correct place to meet for rentals.
Group rates may be available if enough people join.
Bring water, sun protection, and clothes you do not mind getting wet.
We are carpooling from Tampa. You can contact me on 813 368 6122 for co-ordinating.
This is a full-day event.

What to bring
Water, sunscreen, towel, change of clothes, waterproof bag if you have one, and anything you need for a long summer day outdoors.

Notes
Please RSVP so we can estimate interest and check whether group discounts may be possible.
If you are running late, let us know as early as possible.
See you on the water and afterward for lunch 🌿🛶💚