Quick Details
Single Kayak
1 Person per Kayak
$ 75
Tandem Kayak
Price includes 2 People and Includes 2 Kayak Seats
$ 150
Join a Battle & Paddle Guided Tour!
Step into history on this one-of-a-kind guided kayak tour through the Wild and Scenic Loxahatchee River—the actual site of two of the fiercest battles of the Second Seminole War. Paddle past cypress knees and under jungle canopy while a passionate battlefield historian brings to life the untold stories of resistance, survival, and the cost of expansion.
You’ll explore where soldiers clashed with Seminole warriors, and uncover how this waterway became ground zero for the longest, most expensive, and deadliest conflict in U.S. history. It’s a powerful, immersive way to experience the natural beauty of the area while connecting deeply to the past.
🛶 Perfect for history buffs, nature lovers, and curious minds
📍 Launch from Riverbend Park with expert local guides
📚 Features live narration from a Loxahatchee Battlefield Preservationist
💬 Small group setting for questions, dialogue, and reflection
This isn’t just a paddle—it’s a living classroom on water
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- JOC kayak guide
- Historian from the Loxahatchee Battlefield Preservationists
- Kayak rental, paddle, and life vest
- Safety briefing and basic paddling instruction
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- Gratuities for guides (optional but appreciated)
- Waterproof phone cases or dry bags (available for rent or purchase at check-in)
- Drinking water/snacks (available for purchase)
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- Arrive at Riverbend Park (10 minutes early)
Check in, meet your guides, and get fitted with gear. - Introduction & Safety Briefing (5 -10 minutes)
Learn basic paddling techniques and tour safety tips. - Launch onto the Wild & Scenic Loxahatchee River
Begin your paddle from the Jupiter Outdoor Center launch site where your journey into Seminole War history starts. - Historical River Tour (Approx. 2 – 2.5 hours)
As you paddle, your historian will share vivid stories from the Seminole War, while your JOC guide ensures a smooth and safe experience on the water. - Wildlife Spotting & Scenic Highlights
Keep an eye out for turtles, herons, osprey, otters, and even manatees now and then, as you navigate the lush cypress canopy and hardwood hammock. - Return Paddle to Launch Site
Enjoy a reflective return journey, with opportunities to ask questions and take in the peaceful beauty of the river. - Wrap-Up & Farewell
Land back at JOC, return your gear, and get tips on more ways to explore Riverbend Park or support battlefield preservation efforts.
- Arrive at Riverbend Park (10 minutes early)
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The Battle & Paddle tour offers something rare: the chance to experience history in the very place it happened, not from a book or a screen, but from the seat of a kayak gliding down a Wild & Scenic Florida river. You’re not just hearing stories—you’re immersed in them, surrounded by the landscape that shaped them. The peaceful flow of the Loxahatchee contrasts powerfully with the fierce battles once fought along its banks.
What truly sets this experience apart is the combination of expert storytelling and deep nature immersion. With a battlefield historian guiding the narrative and a seasoned JOC kayak guide leading your journey, you’re supported on all fronts—mind, body, and spirit. This is a collaboration between local knowledge and environmental stewardship, connecting you with Florida’s past and present all at once.
The Loxahatchee River is one of only two in Florida designated as Wild & Scenic, and it lives up to the name. As you paddle through this untouched ecosystem, you’ll have a chance to spot everything from great blue herons and turtles to manatees and osprey. It’s a stunning backdrop for reflection, conversation, and a deeper understanding of what happened here.
This tour invites curiosity, connection, and contemplation. Whether you come for the nature, the history, or simply the adventure—what you leave with is a sense of place and a story that will stay with you long after the paddle ends.
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- Location: Jupiter Outdoor Center, inside Riverbend Park at 9060 W Indiantown Road, Jupiter, FL
- Arrival Time: Please arrive 5-10 minutes before your scheduled tour time to check in, use the restroom, and get your gear.
- Where to Meet: Look for our team under the big thatched-roof Chickee hut surrounded by bikes—a few hundred feet inside the main entrance of the park.
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Travel light but come prepared. We offer convenient on-site items for purchase to make your adventure even easier!
- Drinking Water — Other cold drinks also available
- Sunscreen – Forgot yours? We’ve got you covered with our JOC 50 SPF rash guards
- Dry Bag –Protect you phone, wallet and keys (also available for rent)
OPTIONAL
- Bug spray –insects are usually not present once on the water–or try one of our exclusive Bug Sacs!
- Hat and sunglasses –A strap or retainer is a smart addition to keep them secure.
- Towel and change of clothes – Outdoor showers/changing area available
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What to wear:
- Comfortable, quick-dry clothing that may possibly get a little dirty – Kayaking is a water sport!
- Water shoes or shoes you don’t mind getting wet — or leave them on shore.
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Children under 16 should be in a tandem kayak with an adult.
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Extras Available for Purchase
Forgot something? We’ve got you covered! A selection of useful gear and souvenirs is available at check-in or post-tour, including:
- Snacks and Beverages – We have a variety of light snacks and drinks
- Hats & sun-protective gear
- Towels & dry bags
- Sunglass straps & waterproof phone cases
- JOC merchandise & small essentials
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- All participants are required to wear a life vest while on the water.
- Tours run rain or shine, but may be rescheduled in the event of severe weather or unsafe river conditions.
- Wildlife sightings are common but not guaranteed.
- Please let us know in advance if you have any medical conditions, allergies, or special needs so we can best support your experience.
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Q: Do I need kayaking experience to join?
A: No experience needed! This tour is beginner-friendly. Our Jupiter Outdoor Center guide will provide basic paddling instruction and ensure a safe and enjoyable trip for all.Q: What should I wear and bring?
A: Wear comfortable clothes and shoes that can get wet (and possibly a bit dirty), as well as drinking water.Q: What if it rains?
A: Tours run rain or shine! In case of lightning or unsafe river conditions, we will notify you and reschedule or issue a refund.Q: Is there a minimum age to participate?
A: No, but we recommend this tour for ages 6 and up. All participants must be able to sit in a kayak for up to 2 hours and follow safety instructions.Q: Will I see wildlife?
A: While we can’t guarantee sightings, the Loxahatchee River is home to turtles, herons, osprey, otters, and even manatees—so chances are good!Q: Are there alligators in the river?
A: Yes, the Loxahatchee River is a natural habitat for alligators, but they are generally shy and avoid human activity. Our guides are trained in safety and know how to navigate the area respectfully. Encounters are rare and non-threatening. Seeing one from a distance can be a memorable part of the experience!Q: Can I bring my own kayak?
A: For consistency and safety, all participants must use JOC-provided kayaks and gear for this tour.Q: How long is the tour?
A: The total experience lasts about 2.5 to 3hours, including check-in, safety briefing, and the paddle itself. -
Jupiter Outdoor Center’s Cancellation Policy:
Thank you for understanding that Jupiter Outdoor Center (JOC) has honored your paid reservation by removing availability of selected equipment or event space, thereby making it unavailable for others.
Equipment rentals, guides, instructors, camp, and tour space is only guaranteed after a reservation has been made and paid in full. In special circumstances, JOC may choose to secure your reservation with credit/debit card information to be charged upon arrival; however, in the event of a no-show, your card will be charged and the same refund policy stated below will apply.
JOC’s cancellation policy is included in your confirmation email and is also available in the FAQ section of our website.
If JOC cancels a tour or event due to dangerous weather conditions or other circumstances beyond its control, you will receive either a 100% credit or refund. Please note that only JOC has the right to cancel for severe weather or other necessary circumstances.
If you or anyone in your party is unable to be present for the reserved rental, event, or tour for any reason, you must email [email protected] at least 48 hours in advance to receive a 100% credit for future use. Credits will be issued in the form of a digital gift card, and they are fully transferable to another person and never expire. No credits will be given for written cancellations received less than 48 hours prior to the reserved time slot. Any portion of less than one camp day is not refundable if weather causes early cancellation of camp. There is no refund or credit if you do not attend camp or your child is unable to attend. Missed days of camp cannot be rescheduled for any reason. JOC appreciates your understanding in enforcing this refund policy since we have removed availability from our inventory for you, thus making it ineligible for others to reserve and use.