You may be aware that the The Ocklawaha River is the largest tributary of the St. Johns River, and that the health of both Rivers is affected when one is impacted. If you have followed our advocacy efforts, you’ve likely been a part of the discussion regarding the Free the Ocklawaha Campaign.
As you make plans for the New Year, we encourage you to consider taking a closer look at this vital ecosystem. St. Johns Riverkeeper works with three captains who are happy to take you out for an up-close and personal experience on the Ocklawaha! Each offers a different adventure – check out their brief overviews below and contact them directly to book a trip.
Tour the Ocklawaha with…
Erika Ritter
Ritter is a native Floridian who takes pride in sharing that her family has been in the area since the 1800s. She has been fishing since she was three years old and looks forward to sharing the “Real Florida” with you: wild and scenic! You will enjoy a slow-speed nature tour and discuss the river’s history as well as present environmental conditions.
Email: acruisingdowntheriver@gmail.com
Website: http://www.captainerikasfloridaboatcharters.com/
Lars Andersen
For the past 24 years, Andersen has been a lead guide on numerous waterways in our watershed. The Ocklawaha and it’s main tributary, the Silver River, are a couple of his most popular tours. Andersen is also a nature and history writer who has accumulated many good stories and wild lore over the past 35 years of writing about our wild areas. He always enjoys sharing his expertise and personal anecdotes on his tours!
Email: riverguide2000@yahoo.com
Website: https://adventureoutpost.net/ocklawaha-river-silver-river/
Karen Chadwick
Chadwick is committed to make your day on the water a memorable experience customized just for you. There are a multitude of opportunities for your very own adventure. She is very well versed in the history of this area and can regale you with stories relating to the fossil records and historical events that have taken place along the shoreline. There are a variety of destinations you can view on her site and she is happy to discuss the options with you.
Email: karenchadwick95@yahoo.com
Website: https://northstarcharters.net/
After Your Tour…
We hope you enjoy your tour of the Ocklawaha River, and that your time spent there further encourages you to speak out to protect this ecosystem and the St. Johns into which it flows by supporting our Free the Ocklawaha Campaign. The science and public support are on our side. It’s time to finally breach the Rodman/Kirkpatrick Dam and restore a free-flowing Ocklawaha River!
Share the photos from your experience with us! Tag @sjriverkeeper on Instagram or Twitter, and St. Johns Riverkeeper on Facebook.