Watching Wildlife in the Ocala National Forest and Along the St. Johns River

Watching wildlife in the Ocala National Forest and along the St. Johns River is a panoramic view of nature. The area is home to a large variety of wildlife from birds to fish which draws visitors from all walks of life to get a closer look.

Whether visitors are on a casual outing or an enthusiast viewing a particular species, it won’t take long for the show of wildlife to delight spectators. Few can say they saw a manatee, an alligator or a bear all in the same day. Oh my! In this area of Florida, it’s just another day.

Manatee Watching on the St. John’s River

While manatees are known as gentle giants, you have to be purposeful and patient to see them in their natural habitat. They are shy and will gracefully avoid boats, other vessels and noise in the wild. If you turn your boat motor off and sit for a bit, you may catch a quick glimpse as they surface for a fresh breath of air. A manatee won’t come close to investigate so have your camera ready and stay quiet.

wildlife-info — A diverse group of wildlife can be found in the Ocala National Forest and along the St. Johns River.

Wild Gators on the St. John’s River Shores

Seeing alligators catching a little sun along the shoreline of the St. Johns River is commonplace. Remember this is their natural habitat so observe at a distance and be careful. Alligators are swift swimmers and prefer marshy areas or open water. The slow moving river flowing through the Ocala National Forest is ideal to see an alligator while enjoying a day of boating.

Watch out for Bears

While there are no lions or tigers in the region, there are bears in the wild. The black bear population is mostly concentrated in this region, hence the name of the scenic Florida Black Bear Highway. The 60-mile route is the best place to sight a bear in the area.

Birds on the Wild Side

We’re not talking about snowbirds here. The Ocala National Forest is home to approximately 200 species of birds; especially a large concentration of American Eagles. The area is considered somewhat of a paradise for bird watching enthusiasts. If you are staying with us, be sure to meet the pelicans. Don’t worry they won’t let you ignore them for long along the dock, they keep a close eye on newcomers and old alike.

Watching out for Wildlife on the St. John’s River

Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie and Blue Crab are plentiful in the region attracting both sport and casual anglers. Get advice from the veterans to learn the best spots to snag your catch. While all have their prime seasons, it’s best to check ahead to see what’s biting and where to plan your strategy for the day on the water.

Watching Wildlife – Entertainment at its Finest

Did you know there are several groups of wildlife comedians? Yes, they would be the squirrels who can be seen whizzing around in a rush everywhere and checking things out. And don’t leave out the cute turtles peaking from their shells to see who is stopping by for a visit. These are cute pictures for sure to remember your trip.

Check with the Castaways On The River staff to learn the best spots to watch wildlife in the area. We’ll be glad to accommodate your stay for a bird watching expedition or for those boating or fishing trips. Contact us via Facebook or Twitter, through our website or call us at (352) 759-3422.

Boating Requirements in Florida

Boating is a year round activity here in the Sunshine state. There are a few boating requirements in Florida that must be followed whether you are a seasonal visitor who wants to hit the water to escape the snow back home; or a native looking for a day of fun.

Prepare for Boating in Florida

First, to make sure everyone is on the same page, Florida does not have a “boating license.” What is required however is a Boating Safety Education Identification Card for anyone born after Jan. 1, 1988. The card is proof that the boater passed the approved safety course. Out of state guests can either show proof of boating safety course completion from their home state or obtain a temporary card. Check with the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission on obtaining boater education.

There are some boaters who are exempt from obtaining Florida’s boating identification card. Check the list to see who qualifies for an exemption.

Who Can Boat In Florida?

Did you know?

In Florida a boater must be at least 14 years old in order to operate a personal water craft or PWC.
Additionally, a boater must be at least 18 years old to rent a PWC in Florida. This includes not only a boat, but also jet skis and other vessels powered by an inboard motor.

Other Boating Requirements

Just because you have met the boating requirements in Florida does not allow overlooking other rules associated with boating like fishing, diving, skiing.

Everyone on the boat – driver and passengers – along with those being towed behind for skiing must wear a life vest. It’s the law.
If you plan to fish while boating, everyone aboard must have a current fishing license. Also know what type of fish you are catching and the regulations for the species.
Have the proper flags on display while diving or snorkeling from the boat.

There are a number of other requirements to cover fun activities to know while boating. Check with the FWC or other resources like Florida Go Fishing.

Renting a Boat

The rental facility must provide an instructional overview of all boats over 10-horsepower before leaving the dock. This session is to then be followed up with a demonstration on the water to make sure the renters are comfortable with the vessel.

Our staff at Castaways On The River is ready to help you find the right boat to enjoy a day of fun on the St. Johns River. We have a wide array of rental boats to suit your needs. You can request a boat reservation through our website, on our Facebook page or by calling us at (352) 759-3422.

The St. Johns River: Boating Etiquette Tips

Just like driving a vehicle on the road, operating a boat is much the same but in the water. There are a few general rules of boating etiquette tips to follow for safety but also to be courteous to follow boaters.

boating etiquette wake — A good boating etiquette tip is to control the wake of the boat.

Wake Etiquette

Remember other boats are on the water and a large, rough wake may cause the other boats to rock or cause damage. Consider slowing your speed when passing near other boats to decrease the wake. Keep in mind to also control the wake upon your arrival and departure from the dock.

CA-BoatingEtiquetteSigns — Signs are in place along the river for boaters to follow. In manatee zones the boat needs to maintain a slow speed.

Boating Signs of the St. Johns River

Waterways like the St. Johns Rivers are popular for boaters to enjoy. The river is home to a diverse eco-system that requires careful attention by boaters to protect these areas, especially when it comes to manatees. Posted signs in manatee zones require a slow speed and minimum wake so that the slow moving mammals have time to evade oncoming boats.

Accessing the many springs along the river also requires going slow or idling in order not to disturb the pristine, sensitive environment.

Take time to understand what the various signs and buoys mean while the boat is operating in the water.

Nautical Lingo

Do you know which side of the boat is port and which is starboard?

Port – the left side of the boat if looking at the bow.

Starboard – the right side of the boat.

So why don’t we just say left and right sides of the boat? The term starboard dates back to the days when all boats were operated by oars which were typically placed on the right side of the stern. The side opposite the oar was eventually referred to as the port side; the side used for loading the boat on the dock.

Now you’ll know which side is which when you pull into dock.

boating etiquette litter — Litter is a no-no in boating. Please keep the water clean.

Keep the water clean

Littering is a definite no-no of boating. The water is not a place to discard trash. Provide a receptacle for everyone on board to place trash that will be disposed of once on shore.

Boating Etiquette Tips

Most boaters have at least one thing in common, their love of the being out on the water. So it’s a nice gesture to wave in greeting other vessels. Those using a boat to get to their favorite fishing spots will often chat with other anglers about what’s biting. While there is lots of good advice along the way, be respectful of others who want to enjoy the solitude and quiet on the water.

Ready, Set, Launch!

It’s good boating etiquette to be ready to launch your boat upon arrival at the ramp. If you have to still load gear and park the tow vehicle, others waiting behind you may become impatient. Have everything in place before you get to the launch ramp.

Likewise when you return, clear the path the boaters following you in for day.

Contact Us

Launch your boat from our ramp and spend the day enjoying all that the St. Johns River offers. If you need a boat, we have plenty available to rent for the day or just a few hours if you prefer. Let our staff get you ready for a day of fun on the water. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for updates about the area, check out our website or give us a call at (352) 759-3422.

Florida Springs off the St. Johns River

The St. Johns River offers boaters access to some of Florida’s most beautiful freshwater springs along the Ocala National Forest.

Recreational Activities and Wildlife Exploration

Popular among tourists and locals alike, the Florida Springs provides unique opportunities for recreational activity and wildlife exploration.

Visitors can enjoy swimming in the crystal clear spring water, which remains at a refreshing average temperature of 70 degrees year round.

The springs are also home to a large bird population and many species of marine wildlife, including manatees.

Benefits of Boating to the Florida Springs

Although you can drive to almost all of the Florida Springs, boating offers a scenic experience we encourage you to try. There are also many great fishing spots along the way.

If you do not own a boat, we have rentals! Start planning your next boating adventure on the St. Johns River to some of Florida’s most breathtaking springs. However, please note that not all springs are accessible from Castaways On The River, so be sure to inquire about available routes and destinations to ensure a delightful and safe journey.

Salt Springs

Salt Springs, on the northern edge of Lake George off the St. Johns River along Salt Springs Run, is a popular spring within the Ocala National Forest.

Visitors can swim and snorkel in the spring. While the spring is home to a variety of turtles, Blue Crabs and bass, fishing and motorized boats are not permitted.

Since Salt Springs is in the Ocala National Forest, the area is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. The spring can also be accessed via U.S 19.

Silver Glen Springs

Also off the St. Johns River is Silver Glen Springs at the end of Silver Glen Springs Run off Lake George. The area is another popular spot for tourists. During the cooler winter months, manatee sightings are frequent as they seek warmer water than that of the river.

Silver Glen Springs also sits within the Ocala National Forest. The crystal clear water gives way to swimming, snorkeling, fishing, kayaking and canoeing. Did you know that the spring’s two vents produce an average of 65 million gallons of water daily?

Juniper Springs

A leisurely boat ride along Juniper Creek off the St. Johns River or by land traveling along S.R. 40 will lead to Juniper Springs. The surrounding complex dates to the 1930s making it one of the oldest in the region.

Like other springs in the area where swimmers can enjoy the pristine waters, the spring is also an access point to the Florida Trail/Florida National Scenic Trail in the Ocala National Forest.

Castaways-Hidden-Gems-2-7-15-16-Pin — The St. Johns River offers boaters access to some of Florida’s most beautiful freshwater springs.

The Land of Springs

Several other springs to consider for day trips include Alexander Springs, De Leon Springs and Blue Spring. You can take the St. Johns River or a feeder creek to reach any of these springs.

The First Magnitude Spring

Considered a first magnitude spring, Alexander Spring in Altoona on C.R. 455 is an 8-mile boat ride east of the St. Johns River.

De Leon Spring’s Rich History

De Leon Springs, east of the river, is steeped in history dating back to when the native Mayaca inhabited the area for 6,000 years and the 1500s when the Spanish began building missions in the region.

Manatees at Blue Spring

If you are looking to spot manatees during the winter months, then head to Blue Spring. It’s the largest spring on the St. Johns River and is known as the winter home of manatees in this part of the state. The spring discharges 165 million gallons of water daily.

Boat Rental and Contact Information

Checking out any of the springs in the area is a great way to spend a few hours or make it an all-day outing to enjoy the unique bodies of water. There is really no better way to access many of these sites than by boat. Hop in one of our boat rentals at Castaways on the River.

For St. Johns River news, updates and more, follow us on Facebook, visit our website or give us a call at (352)759-3422.

National Fishing & Boating Week on the St. Johns River

The weekend of June 13^th and 14^thare the last days of National Fishing and Boating Week 2015. We’re always happy to celebrate a week that spotlights our two favorite things – boating & fishing! Especially since fishing season never ends here in Florida, especially on the river! Call us and book your getaway today!

CA-BoatRental — Set off for a great day of boating and fishing from Castaways on the River in Astor, FL.

Fishing is a great way to spend your recreational time. More than 30 million of us across the United States think so according to the 2011 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation (NSFHWR). That’s how many people went on at least one fishing trip in the past year. Freshwater fishing made up 81 percent of those trips just like our favorite spot, the beautiful St. Johns River.

So why are we all fishing obsessed? It relieves stress! No ringing cell phone, no constant streams of text messaging, it’s your unplug time. It’s well-deserved YOU time!

Fishing is about friendship. For those who love fishing, there is nothing better than spending a long day on the river with friends and family and good conversation. Fishing brings laughter as we try to reel in the one that is just a bit smarter than we are and joy when we finally catch the trophy we’ve been waiting for all day. There’s also the moment of shared disappointment when the one that got away is the only one we wanted.

Fishing licenses in in Florida help fund the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Anglers are outdoorsmen and women. They love the river and will work to conserve it and the life teeming in these waters.

Keeping with the spirit of the National Fishing and Boating Week, we urge you to pass this love along. Bring out that fishing novice friend for some time in the boat. Summertime is high season to bring in bass from the St. Johns River! Take a friend out on the river and share the excitement of getting a bruiser channel catfish. Plan a weekend boil and go out for the day to get a bucket full of blue crab. Castaways on the River offers boat rentals right on the St. Johns River for your convenience.

We would love to be part of your long weekend or week-long escape. Give us a call at 352-759-3422 and make National Fishing and Boating Week 2015 one to remember. For more great information follow our blog and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

Castaways On the river

Castaways on the River

Tag: boating