Paleo Discoveries also offers guided eco-tours of many of the stunningly beautiful waterways here in Indian River County near Vero Beach, Florida. Explore the Indian River Lagoon, Blue Cypress Lake, the St. Sebastian River, Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge and Round Island Park and see the amazing wildlife, scenery and vistas only available to paddlers!
Regular wildlife sightings include dolphins, manatees, herons, ibis, osprey, eagles, turtles, fish and much more. Bring your camera, bring your lunch and enjoy a picnic during your tour.
Our spacious canoes can accomodate everyone and have room to spare. Since our canoes seat 3-4 people, typically 2 paddle and 1-2 people can just sit and enjoy the view or take photos. It's easy and fun; no worries even for inexperienced paddlers. Get out and see our amazing waterways- kids, adults and seniors!
Tours are led by Fred Mazza, a graduate of the Coastal Module of the Certified Florida Master Naturalist Program offered by the Univ. of Florida.
All our eco-tours are 2 hrs in duration and can be arranged by reservation on weekends or weekdays. Generally we do morning hours from 8-10AM or 9-11AM. Custom private tours and special tour hours can be arranged.
Prices are $35. each for ages 11 up through adult, $15 each for kids age 10 and under. (Blue Cypress Lake tour $45./$15.) BYO boat prices $10 less per person. Pay by cash or check on the day of your tour or in advance with your PayPal account. We do not process debit/credit cards.
Paleo Discoveries supplies all safety and convenience equipment needed including life vests, life preservers and comfy seat cushions!
Choose your location, choose your time and book your tour today-no deposit necessary. Call (772) 539-7005 or email us at fredmazza@paleodiscoveries.com
Waterways featured on our tours are-
INDIAN RIVER LAGOON- The IRL in the Vero Beach/Sebastian area is the most diverse estuary in North America; it's home to over 4,000 species of animals and plants including dolphins, manatees, birds and fish. Dolphins and manatees are regularly sighted on this tour and an occasional sea turtle sighting is also possible. The IRL is an uncrowded, unspoiled subtropical intracoastal waterway which makes for a perfect day trip out on the water. Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge is a great location to observe nesting waterfowl. The man-made spoil islands that dot the lagoon make perfect destinations for a shady picnic and some interesting fossil-hunting and shelling. Fossils we've found on the islands include shark teeth, mammoth teeth and bones, sloth, giant armadillo, mastodon, and more.
ST. SEBASTIAN RIVER- The south prong of the Sebastian River is located in Sebastian and is a true tropical river and home to a variety of freshwater animals and some amazing views. Regularly seen are alligators, turtles, fish and birds of every description. Fantastic opportunity for photographers to capture this totally unique habitat in an easy paddle that leaves from Dale Wimbrow Park in Sebastian off Roseland Road.
BLUE CYPRESS LAKE- Named for the huge cypress trees that thrive on the shore (and many times 200-300 yds offshore) of this large lake in western Indian River County. 1/2 hr from downtown Vero. Blue Cypress scenery is unsurpassed in Florida for it's unusual combination of large cypress and wildlife. Alligators, turtles, fish and more are among the many memorable sights you'll see while taking in all this lake has to offer. A true Florida treasure-bring your camera.
ROUND ISLAND PARK- Located in Vero Beach on the Indian River Lagoon south on A1A, this beautiful park allows for an intimate look at the mangroves that border the lagoon. Home to many birds and fish, Round Island paddlers can regularly get up-close looks at mantees which especially like the shelter of the mangroves away from large boats and open water. This a great family-friendly location within easy access of downtown Vero but is still a spectacular location to take in all the IRL has to offer, even to experienced paddlers.
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