Canoe/Kayak Day Tour of Mississippi Wildlife & Fish Refuge

3 Reviews5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 3 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor | Illinois, USA
Paddle to Beach Island in half an hour.
Slow moving water amid interesting islands full of nature.
Rope swing
Lilly pads bloom in late summer.
Room in the canoe for up to 5 small persons. Max wt of passengers is 695 lbs. Max wt. of persons is 250.
Snapping turtles love to sun themselves on logs.
Launch on a shallow beach.

Loading Options

2 to 4 hours (Approx.)
Mobile Ticket

Overview

The Mississippi backwaters in this area is an untouched natural habitat. No other canoe/kayak rental company will put you into the heart of this wonderland. Take a day tour or overnight camping trip on the river. The sound of nature will calm you. Stop and listen. Visit an island with a sandy beach. Thousands of lily pads bloom huge yellow flowers in late summer. Large flocks of water fowl stop by in spring and fall. Turtles are common sights. Tall trees grow on numerous islands.
Max capacity of canoe (people): 695 lbs.
Max capacity of canoe (total weight including equipment): 775 lbs.
Max wt. of individual person in canoe: 250 lbs.
Max number of people in canoe: 5 persons
Max capacity of both Pelican kayaks: 225 lbs
Mac capacity of both Quest kayaks: 275 lbs

We have one canoe and four kayaks so we can accommodate up to 9 people (within weight limits).

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

2122 S River Rd, Galena, IL 61036, USA

Open in Google Maps

From Galena, take Blackjack road toward Chestnut Mountain Ski Resort. Go 6 miles and turn right at the "Goldmoor Inn" sign. Pass the Goldmoor Inn and go all the way to the bottom of Sand Hill Road. Turn right on River Road. Meet at the railroad crossing. We will drive a short way to the launch site.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Take an adventure through Mississippi river backwaters surrounded by islands teeming with life and full of beautiful tall trees. There is an island with a sandy beach about a mile from the launch site (great place for a picnic). Islands and trees break the current and winds in this area. Even on windy days the ride is normally smooth and easy, and current is always slow.
Many species of birds, fish, turtles, and other wildlife make this place home. Early spring and Fall bring huge flocks of migrating waterfowl. There are several Bald Eagle nests in the area. In late summer acres of lily pads bloom huge beautiful yellow American Lotus flowers.
Start times are flexible and may need to change based on weather.

We have one canoe and four kayaks.

Max wt. limits.
One Canoe:
Max wt. passengers: 695 lbs.
Max wt. passengers and cargo: 775 lbs. (guide weighs 200 lbs)
Max wt. individual passenger: 225 lbs.
Max no. passengers: 5 (139 lbs. avg.)
If you want the canoe book two kayaks. In other words, to book three kayaks and the canoe you would pay for 5 kayaks. The canoe is twice the cost of the kayaks.

Two Kayaks (Pelican): Max wt. 225 lbs.
Two Kayak (Quest): Max 275 lbs.

Required: Boat safety education card or Coast Guard's 16 minute safety video. Liability Waiver.

Tour guide is available for an additional $50.

What's Included

  • Boat(s), paddles, life preservers, whistle, maps
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel pickup not offered
  • Tour guide is available for an additional $50

Additional Info

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We’re here to help.
Live Chat, Text, Call, or Email our friendly customer support with your questions.

Activity code: C-142125P3

Reviews

5.00
3 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 3 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor

5 stars
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