Who Needs a Paddling? Honeymoon Island's New Pass/Beach Time

Experienced paddlers only. Please read full description before signing up. Last year, in April, Mother Nature cut Honeymoon Island State Park into two. This formed a new pass connecting the Gulf of Mexico and St. Joseph Sound. Some call it "Pelican Pass" and other's "Bean Bag Pass". Whichever it is? It's a BEAUTIFUL place!

This will be an out and back of approximately 7.50 miles on the backside of Honeymoon Island, which is St. Joseph Sound. We will not be paddling in the Gulf waters. Majority of this paddle will be in, shallow, grassy flats and no motor zones. But expect some traffic by the causeway. Great opportunity to see wildlife. Such as, dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, birds and if we're lucky the resident bald eagles who currently have at least one juvenile. If you're on a time constraint or in a hurry then, this paddle is not for you.

Float Plan: We will wet our paddles at 8am, paddle under the bridge that connects the causeway to Honeymoon Island, make our way northward following the contour of the island and around the 4-mile mark we'll land at the new pass. Here we will spend at least an hour enjoying the beach. Bring a chair and chill, do some shelling, swim, or take a nice beach walk. For the return leg. We will take a more direct line back, paddling by Grassy Key and going back under the bridge to conclude our journey.

Afterwards, for those that are interested. Let's replenish those calories and re-hydrate at: Ozona Blue Grill – Bringing Families Together just 5 minutes down the road at 125 Orange St., Palm Harbor, FL 34683

Launch site address is for directional purposes (look for the tiki hut and colorful kayaks standing up). We will actually be launching just to the West of this, maybe 100-yds. It's an easy launch as you can drive your vehicle right to the edge of the water. There are restroom facilities nearby.

Items that you may want to bring; plenty of water, snacks, lunch, a good hat, sunglasses, closed toe water shoes, sunscreen, bug repellant, towel, snorkel gear, umbrella and a chair for the sandbar. Remember, it's your responsibility to be USCG compliant (PFD, whistle or air horn). I encourage you to wear your PFD.

Please monitor this event as this will be where I communicate any updates or cancellations.

On day of event, feel free to text or call: 813-442-1615.

YOUR RSVP TO ATTEND A "SUNCOAST OUTDOORS " SPONSORED EVENT IS YOUR EXPRESS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING AND UNCONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE OF FULL PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY AND LIABILITY FOR ALL ASSOCIATED RISKS.

If you bring a guest who is not currently a member of Suncoast Outdoors, you have assumed such liability for that guest. Your guest is free to join our group and register individually, thereby releasing you from any such liability.

Possible risks from participation include, but are not limited to:
Injury from a trip & fall, drowning, venomous snakes, stinging insects, venomous spiders, wildlife encounters, heat stroke, hypothermia, noxious vegetation, weather related injury, insect or airborne transmissible virus and disease, smoke inhalation, wildfire, falling trees.

This is not a professional tour nor am I a professional guide.