WABASSO ISLAND — Exciting, beautiful, educational, and fun are words used by participants to describe their boating experience after their excursions on the Indian River Lagoon and St. Sebastian River with the Environmental Learning Center (ELC.)
The Indian River Lagoon and its tributaries have one of the most diverse environments in North America. In addition to seeing wonderful scenery, including multiple bird species, fish rising to the water surface, and various kinds of native vegetation, many lucky boaters spot dolphins, manatees, and alligators in their natural habitat.
Boating is the best way to explore this environment in a close-up way.
The ELC provides several options for those who want to experience a water based program aboard a comfortable pontoon boat, in a canoe, or in a kayak. People are urged to pick those that best meet their capabilities and interests.
ELC’s pontoon boat, referred by many as a floating classroom because of the educational experience, sails into the Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge. Separate morning and afternoon trips give participants the opportunity to see the bird species that nest, rest, and feed at Pelican Island.
The on board guide identifies the species encountered, discusses the ecology of the lagoon, and how its health can be restored with personal actions. Brown and white pelicans, egrets, ibises, kingfishers, and herons are often on the island or nearby.
Migrating birds gather on the mangrove islands, and manatees and dolphins may be seen throughout the trip.
The fee for this excursion is $25 per adult and $10 per child ($2 less for members and their children.)
Canoe excursions, led by knowledgeable guides, explore “off the beaten path” canoe trails where water birds and mangrove tree crabs abound. Sometimes dolphins and manatees are seen close by the canoe.
The guide will explain ways that participants can positively impact the ecology of the Indian River Lagoon. The fee, including canoe rental and gear, is $15 per adult and $7 per child ($3 less for members and their children.)
Two kayaking excursions are offered by the ELC for both experienced kayakers and beginners. Instruction is included for beginning paddlers.
One trip explores the shallow waters around the ELC’s Wabasso Island campus to see beautiful views of the Indian River Lagoon not accessible from motor boats. The cost, including kayak rental and gear, is only $30 per adult ($28 per member) and $25 per child ($23 per member’s child.)
The second kayak trip explores the St. Sebastian River providing a glimpse of one of the few remaining undeveloped coastal rivers in Florida. Sightings during this jungle-like adventure may include manatees, alligators, ospreys, and eagles. The fee for each kayak excursion is $30 per adult ($28 per member) and $25 per child ($23 per member’s child.)
The schedule of the various boating excursions is available on the ELC’s website at www.DiscoverELC.org.
Reservations, as well as schedule and information inquiries, may be made by calling the ELC at (772) 589-5050 ext. 114.