Anclote River Paddle

Ready for a paddle that bridges coastal beauty with local history? We’re heading out to explore the Anclote River.

BYOK only. An urban paddle, tracking past beautiful waterfront homes, spoil islands and cruising right alongside the famous, historic Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks and taking in the Greek village atmosphere from water level. This is an out-and-back of approximately 8 miles with an extended break at the mid-way point. Afterwards, an optional waterfront lunch at Rusty Bellies.

Skill Level: Intermediate mainly due to distance. (scroll to bottom of page for skill level definitions). Best for paddlers who can maintain a 2-2.5 mph pace & have comfortably paddle this distance before. Accurately assessing your skill level is vital for your safety, the safety of the entire group and the enjoyment of the participants.
Safety Notice: You are responsible for your own safety, being USCG compliant, and filing a float plan. PFDs are required. Coastal Florida presents unique hazards like shifting tides, sudden weather changes, shallow water, mud, rocks, and oyster bars. By participating, you accept these risks and confirm your skills will match these conditions.

Launch: Anclote River Park, this site has easy parking, no fees, beach launch, short portage to water (wheels are suggested), and restrooms are available. Do not go to the boat ramp instead follow the road to the left, go past the first parking on your right (beach parking), go past the ancient Indian Mound on the right and the parking area will be to the right.

Float Plan:
We’ll wet our paddles at 8:30 AM sharp! Please arrive early enough to unload your gear and prep your boat.

The Outbound Journey: Setting out from the launch, we will immediately cross the main boat channel—keeping a sharp eye out for vessel traffic—and head upriver. Our route takes us along the scenic backside of the spoil islands, tracing the waterfront homes before gliding past the historic Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks. We will navigate to the North Anclote River Nature Park, where we’ll land for a well-deserved extended break to stretch our legs, refuel, and relax (restrooms are located here but, I've always found them locked).
The Return Journey: For our inward leg, we will primarily backtrack our route, though we may deviate slightly to explore a peaceful, no-wake zone off the main river. We will make our final crossing back over the main boat channel to return to the launch and conclude our adventure.

This is not a professional tour nor am I professional guide. The day of the event feel free to call or text: 813-442-1615.

Afterwards: please join me at one of my favorite restaurants, Rusty Bellies 937 Dodecanese Blvd., Tarpon Springs, FL 34689. Located at the end of the Sponge Docks (we'll be paddling by it)
www.rustybellies.com

Suggested Items to Bring: For safety & coms, GMRS/FRS radio tuned to Ch 6, VHF Ch 71, plenty of hydration, electrolytes, energy snacks, lunch, a good hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, bug spray, closed toe water shoes, and towel.
Please monitor this event as this is where I will communicate any information, changes or cancellations.

OUR 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.

Skill Level Definitions
Beginner | Distance: 1–3 miles | Wind Max: 5 mph | Waves: ≤ 1 ft | New to paddling; needs instruction on strokes and boarding. Protected water only.
Novice | Distance: Up to 6 miles | Wind Max: 10 mph | Waves: 1–2 ft | Knows basic strokes; handles kayak independently. Protected water only.
Intermediate | Distance: 6–10 miles | Wind Max: 15 mph | Waves: 1–3 ft | Experienced in varied environments\, including open water.
Advanced | Distance: 10+ miles | Wind Max: Any | Waves: 3–5 ft | Seasoned paddler proficient in self-rescue and all conditions.