Backland Alligator Electric Paddle Tour

The Backland Alligator Electric Paddle Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore Florida’s captivating ecosystems. Gliding silently through serene waters, adventurers can spot alligators, birds, and other wildlife in their natural habitats. This guided tour provides safety training and modern paddle technology, ensuring a memorable experience for beginners and nature enthusiasts alike. With a focus on environmental awareness, participants can enjoy the beauty of Florida’s waterways while discovering the thrills of electric paddleboarding. What secrets might these ancient wetlands unveil?

Key Points

• This tour offers a motorized hybrid kayaking experience around Shell Key Preserve, allowing for wildlife sightings such as dolphins, manatees, fish, turtles, and sea birds.
• The tour utilizes 116 hard top paddle boards equipped with Bixpy J2 Motor Kits, suitable for first-time users, young users, and those preferring viewing.
• The experience includes a beach rest stop and photo opportunities, with a maximum capacity of 4 travelers for a guided and safe experience.
• Children 13+ are allowed with parental permission, but the tour is not recommended for individuals with medical conditions or serious back problems.
• The weight capacity of 250 lbs limits participation, and prospective travelers are advised to assess their physical capabilities before booking.

Tour Overview

The Backland Alligator Electric Paddle Tour in Crystal River, USA, is a 5.0-rated experience that 100% of travelers recommend.

This motorized hybrid kayaking tour around Shell Key Preserve offers opportunities to see a variety of wildlife, including dolphins, manatees, native fish, turtles, and sea birds.

The tour includes a beach rest stop and photo opportunities.

With a maximum capacity of 4 travelers, this tour caters to first-time users, young users, and those who prefer viewing over paddling, providing a guided and safe experience with basic training on the specialized equipment.

Experience Highlights

On the Backland Alligator Electric Paddle Tour, travelers can embark on a motorized hybrid kayaking adventure around the Shell Key Preserve.

It’s an ideal experience for first-time users, young users, and those who prefer viewing over paddling.

Along the way, there’s an opportunity to spot dolphins, manatees, native fish, turtles, and sea birds.

The tour includes a beach rest stop and photo opportunities, allowing participants to fully enjoy the natural surroundings.

With 116 hard top paddle boards and Bixpy J2 Motor Kits, the tour provides a unique and easy-to-use mode of exploration.

Wildlife Encounters

As participants glide through the tranquil waters of the Shell Key Preserve, they’re likely to encounter a diverse array of wildlife.

Curious dolphins may swim alongside the electric paddle boards, while manatees gracefully surface for air. Vibrant native fish dart through the shallows, and sea turtles bask on the sandy beaches.

Overhead, a variety of coastal birds, from pelicans to ospreys, soar and dive.

The tour provides an unparalleled opportunity to observe these incredible creatures in their natural habitat, offering a glimpse into the rich ecosystem of the Crystal River waterways.

Equipment and Safety

Although the electric paddle boards used on the Backland Alligator Electric Paddle Tour are equipped with a Bixpy J2 Motor Kit, tour participants also receive basic safety and eSUP (electric stand-up paddleboard) training from the knowledgeable guide. The tour includes the following safety equipment and guidelines:

Equipment	Safety Guidelines	Weight Capacity
116 hard top paddle board	Maximum of 4 travelers	250 lb (110 kg)
Bixpy J2 Motor Kit	Children 13+ with parental permission	Not recommended for those with medical conditions
Tour guide	Accessible for first-time users and young users

This ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.

Meeting Point and Time

The meeting point for the Backland Alligator Electric Paddle Tour is the Crystal Cove Trailhead, located at 3100 N Sailboat Ave, Crystal River, FL 34428, USA.

The tour starts at 9:00 am and returns to the same meeting point. Participants should look for a grey RAM 1500 truck loaded with paddle boards, which is how the guide will be identified.

The tour duration isn’t specified, but it’s likely the group will return to the starting point by the end of the experience.

Travelers should arrive at the designated meeting time to ensure they don’t miss the start of the tour.

Accessibility Considerations

The Backland Alligator Electric Paddle Tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and may not be suitable for travelers with back problems, pregnant individuals, or those with serious medical conditions.

The motorized hybrid kayaks and paddle boards used on the tour have a weight capacity of 250 lbs, which could limit participation. Plus, the terrain and water conditions may pose challenges for those with mobility issues.

Prospective travelers are advised to consider their physical capabilities before booking this tour. While the opportunity to see wildlife is enticing, safety and comfort should be the top priorities.

Group Size and Bookings

The Backland Alligator Electric Paddle Tour limits group size to a maximum of 4 travelers per excursion. This ensures an intimate and personalized experience on the water.

Reservations for this popular tour are recommended, as spots fill up quickly. To book, travelers can call the provided phone number or check the tour’s website.

The guide will be easily identifiable at the meeting point, a grey RAM 1500 truck loaded with paddle boards. With a maximum weight capacity of 250 lbs, the tour caters to a wide range of participants seeking an unforgettable eco-adventure in Crystal River.

Additional Details

While the Backland Alligator Electric Paddle Tour is an exhilarating eco-adventure, it may not be suitable for all travelers. The tour is not wheelchair accessible and is not recommended for those with back problems, pregnant individuals, or those with serious medical conditions. Plus, the tour has a weight capacity of 250 lb (110 kg) and is only open to children aged 13 and above with parental permission and supervision.

Accessibility	Restrictions
Not wheelchair accessible	Maximum weight capacity: 250 lb (110 kg)
Not recommended for those with back problems	Children 13+ allowed with parental permission and supervision
Not recommended for pregnant travelers	–
Not recommended for those with serious medical conditions	–

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Personal Floating Device?

No, you cannot bring your own personal floating device. The tour provides all necessary equipment, including a 116 hard top paddle board and a Bixpy J2 Motor Kit. The guide will provide basic safety and training on the equipment.

How Much Experience Is Required to Operate the Electric Paddle Board?

The tour includes basic eSUP training, making it suitable for first-time users. No prior experience is required to operate the electric paddle board safely under the supervision of a knowledgeable guide.

Are There Any Alternative Meeting Points or Start Times Available?

The tour meeting point is the Crystal Cove Trailhead, but there may be alternative options available upon request. The start time is generally 9:00 am, but flexibility with timing can be discussed when booking the tour.

Can I Extend the Tour Length or Customize the Itinerary?

The tour length can be extended or the itinerary customized, but it would require prior coordination with the tour operator. Travelers should contact the company directly to discuss any special requests or modifications to the standard tour experience.

Are There Any COVID-19 Safety Protocols in Place During the Tour?

The tour operator follows COVID-19 safety protocols, including requiring guests to wear masks, maintain social distancing, and complete health screenings. Hand sanitizer is provided, and equipment is disinfected between uses. Guests are encouraged to review the latest guidelines before the tour.

The Sum Up

The Backland Alligator Electric Paddle Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore Florida’s natural wonders. Guests can glide silently through serene waterways, spotting diverse wildlife in their natural habitat. With safety training and modern equipment, the tour caters to both beginners and nature enthusiasts, providing an unforgettable adventure that promotes environmental awareness. Whether seeking tranquility or excitement, this guided tour is a must-do experience for anyone visiting the region.