Backland’s electric paddle tour offers a thrilling way to explore the wetlands. Glide silently through tranquil waters, spotting gators, birds, and more. With expert guides for safety and instruction, even beginners can enjoy the serene beauty. This tour promises an immersive nature experience – but there’s more to discover about what makes it so captivating.
This experience made our article of You’ll Love these 15 Canoe & Kayak Experiences In Crystal River.
Tour Overview
The Backland Alligator Electric Paddle Tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the Crystal River area with minimal physical effort.
This motorized hybrid kayak tour takes participants through the Shell Key Preserve, providing chances to see diverse wildlife like dolphins, manatees, and sea birds.
With a maximum capacity of 4 travelers, the tour is ideal for first-time users and young adventurers.
Priced at $95 per person, the tour includes a 116 hard top paddle board, a Bixpy J2 Motor Kit, and a knowledgeable guide who’ll provide safety and eSUP training.
The tour starts at 9 AM from the Crystal Cove Trailhead.
Experience Highlights
Exploring Shell Key Preserve with minimal paddling effort is the highlight of this electric paddle tour.
Travelers can spot dolphins, manatees, native fish, turtles, and sea birds along the way. The tour includes a stop at the beach, allowing time to rest and snap photos.
Spot dolphins, manatees, native fish, turtles, and sea birds along the way. Stop at the beach to rest and snap photos.
This experience is ideal for first-time users and young participants, as the electric motor does most of the work. With the Bixpy J2 Motor Kit, even novice paddlers can explore the preserve with ease and comfort.
The tour guide provides basic safety and eSUP training, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for all.
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Equipment and Safety
Although the tour is open to a range of participants, there are some health restrictions to consider.
The equipment includes a 116 hard top paddle board and a Bixpy J2 Motor Kit, which the tour guide will provide along with basic safety and eSUP training.
The tour has a weight capacity of 250 lb (110 kg) and is recommended for children 13 and older with parental supervision.
However, it isn’t wheelchair accessible and not suitable for travelers with back problems, pregnant individuals, or those with serious medical conditions.
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Weight Capacity: 250 lb (110 kg)
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Age Requirement: Children 13+ with parental permission and supervision
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Health Restrictions: Not wheelchair accessible, not recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnant travelers, or serious medical conditions
Meeting and Pickup
Travelers should look for a grey RAM 1500 truck loaded with paddle boards at the Crystal Cove Trailhead, located at 3100 N Sailboat Ave in Crystal River, FL 34428.
This is the meeting point for the Backland Alligator Electric Paddle Tour, which starts at 9:00 AM. The tour will return to the same location.
If you have any questions or need accommodations, you can call (714)-323-5004.
Bookings include a confirmation, and there’s a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience starts.
Booking Information
How does the booking process work for the Backland Alligator Electric Paddle Tour? It’s easy and flexible. Travelers can reserve their spot now and pay later.
There’s a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the tour starts, so plans can be changed without worry.
Plans can be changed without worry thanks to the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the tour starts.
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Get tour confirmation at the time of booking.
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Call (714)-323-5004 for any questions or special accommodations.
The meeting point is at the Crystal Cove Trailhead, where the tour guide and vehicle loaded with paddle boards will be waiting at 9:00 AM.
Exploring Shell Key Preserve
As the electric paddle boards glide across the tranquil waters, guests embark on an immersive exploration of the Shell Key Preserve.
This uninhabited barrier island teems with diverse wildlife, including dolphins, manatees, and an array of sea birds. Paddlers can spot them from the comfort of their motorized crafts, conserving energy for beachside stops and photo opportunities.
The tour’s hybrid design allows visitors to experience the beauty of the preserve with minimal physical exertion, making it an ideal choice for first-time users and families.
Guests return to the launch point, having captured memories of Florida’s natural wonders.
Wildlife Sightings
What kinds of wildlife might one spot during the Backland Alligator Electric Paddle Tour?
The tour offers ample opportunities to see a variety of marine life:
The tour offers ample opportunities to see a variety of marine life, including dolphins, manatees, and turtles.
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Dolphins frolicking in the water, their graceful leaps and splashes captivating to witness.
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Manatees, the gentle giants of the waterways, lazily grazing on the surface or resting in the shallows.
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Turtles, both basking on logs and swimming beneath the surface, adding to the vibrant ecosystem.
With the motorized hybrid kayaks, travelers can glide effortlessly through the waterways, maximizing their chances of spotting the diverse wildlife that calls the Crystal River home.
The Sum Up
The Backland Alligator Electric Paddle Tour is an unforgettable way to learn about the stunning wetlands. With expert guides, electric-powered kayaks, and the chance to spot alligators and other wildlife, this tour offers an unparalleled eco-adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or a first-timer, you’ll leave with a newfound appreciation for the beauty and fragility of this unique ecosystem.
📍 This experience made our list of the 15 best Canoe & Kayak Experiences in Crystal River
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