Think of Florida and you probably picture Mickey Mouse and high-rise beach condos. The Florida peninsula is flat, paved, artificial, sterile, overcrowded and thoroughly "Disneyfied".

But there is another Florida. The Florida Panhandle from the Suwannee River Basin west to Pensacola contains more than one and a half million acres of publicly owned and protected wilderness offering some of the most secluded, wild and awesome paddling in North America. We have clear freshwater lakes, river canyons with towering limestone cliffs, rocky whitewater shoals, meandering streams lined with willows and sandbars measured by the acre, breathtakingly beautiful crystal clear springs, cathedral like stands of lofty Cypress, salt marshes and tidal creeks teeming with life, barrier islands, open ocean and isolated and pristine white sand beaches.

Paddlers in this lush and diverse area frequently see dolphins, manatees, river otters, stingrays, alligators, freshwater turtles, sea turtles, beavers, anhingas, egrets and herons, storks, ibises and loons. Along the shores there are deer, wild hogs, black bear and bobcats. Overhead there are eagles and osprey, terns and swallow-tailed kites. For adventurous paddlers with a taste for genuine wilderness this is a true paradise.

The climate makes it possible to paddle year-round. Winters are mild with only a few cold days a year, rarely freezing. Spring is lovely and fall is gorgeous. Subtropical summer temperatures are easily mitigated by cool waters and by paddling in the early hours of the morning whenever possible.

There are several North Florida outfitters and guides specializing in "soft adventure". Our niche is better described as "deep adventure". Our experienced guides have detailed knowledge of the area and its eco-systems. We share our most secret and treasured wilderness places with physically fit and experienced clients who want to enjoy exciting outdoor adventure in the most remote and beautiful parts of North Florida. We promise natural beauty, solitude, wildlife encounters and adventure.

We believe in the intrinsic value of wilderness experiences. We respect and work to protect our wilderness. We follow leave-no-trace practices and expect our clients to do the same. We offer services to individuals or parties of no more than four. Many of our most exciting places are environmentally sensitive. Larger groups would stress the environment, drive off the wildlife and slow the pace.

We have no "standard" tours. Instead we work with clients to plan and coordinate customized day trips and/or multi-day trips to suit client's schedule and preferences. We are based in Tallahassee, central to the best of North Florida but if you are visiting the area and select another location as a home base, we will come to you. Our service is as unique and flexible as your needs require.

We have a professional planner on staff to provide informed advice and help you identify and book accommodations appropriate to your tastes and budget as well as information on local restaurants and other area services and attractions. Available housing may include wilderness area lodges, beach cabins or villas, historic hotels, B&Bs, an authentic Ante-Bellum plantation house or a variety of wonderful public and private campgrounds ranging from secluded and primitive to full service.

For more information or to begin planning a trip call or e-mail.

850 228-3528
Ecotours@solitaireboats.com