Kayak Tours
Written by Intern Elizabeth Jacobs, photos by Anthony Rao
Could it be the best way to experience the essence of Central Florida is by kayaking in a canal or lake surrounded by the native flora and fauna?
Imagine drifting serenely past centuries-old cypress trees with billowing buttresses and knobby knees. Near the shore, there is a green crescent, patiently and artfully fishing amongst the pickerel weeds. You can hear the euphonious chorus of innumerable birds while an alligator, almost indistinguishable amongst the shallow driftwood, warily eyes the human trespassers.
This is Florida unadulterated, and there’s no better way to explore its unbridled spirit than on a guided tour with Jenny and Kenny Boyd.
Passionate about nature, particularly the uniquely beautiful landscape of Central Florida, the Boyds have found their niche. Jenny describes her husband as a natural leader and a boating fanatic, and since both she and Kenny have always found solace in nature, giving kayak tours just seems like a natural progression.
They run Central Florida Kayak Tours, taking excursions through Rock Springs Run, Blackwater Lake, Wekiva River, Silver River and Lake County’s own Dora Canal, but they are also willing to venture into any waterway a customer requests. The accommodating nature of the Boyds doesn’t end there. They cater to their customers and make the tours as convenient for them as possible, providing all equipment and the setting up and cleaning up. Basically, all adventurers need to bring with them, are water attire, a lunch, and enthusiasm.
The tours, ranging from two to seven hours, make exploring easy for adventurers of all ages and all levels of experience. And don’t be intimidated by the kayak’s reputation as an instrument of extreme sports. They are incredibly easy to maneuver and extremely difficult to flip over.
And unlike canoes, kayaks offer more freedom of maneuverability because – seating only one – rowers can individually explore to their hearts’ content. Jenny explained that kayaks are more stable than canoes because the kayaker’s weight is more disseminated. Kayaks are also faster and quieter, enabling one to observe timid amphibians and bashful reptiles. Even rookie rowers can handle these kayaks, but just in case, the Boyds also offer two-seater tandem kayaks.
Perhaps what makes the Boyd’s tours unique and invaluable is the guides’ enthusiasm for and extensive knowledge of the landscape. Along with supplying all necessary equipment, adventurers are also accompanied by a guide who provides an entertaining narration, making sure that nothing goes unnoticed.
Both Kenny and Jenny Boyd can identify almost any plant or animal, and what they don’t recognize, they’ll research. Jenny explains that they are always learning, from customers and from reference books. They also make a point of teaching themselves, looking up anything they don’t know. Additionally, because of their extensive knowledge of the landscape, they know what canals have the most alligators and what trees are home to egret nests. Such creatures can be hard to spot without a guide.
Tours are offered year-round, and are equally exciting in all seasons. In fact, kayak tours are possibly the best way to recognize Florida’s overlooked seasons. Currently, newborn alligators, birds, and other creatures have left their nests and are frolicking in their tropical playground.
In the winter, migrating birds from up north make the warmer climate of Lake County the destination of their seasonal exodus. Consequently, there is no inopportune time of the year to take a kayak tour. As Jenny remarks, “Every tour is different. The birds, the trees, the fowl, the rivers are always changing.”
But the most rewarding part of giving kayak tours? Jenny reflects, “The best part is seeing the expressions on people’s faces when they see something they’ve never seen before. We have people from Europe who have never seen a turtle before, and they get so excited to see one.”
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