Discover the Real Florida Take a State Park Boat Tour By Paula Loehr
add contrasting colors and shapes to the water’s edge. On sunny days, the shimmering river reflects Florida’s true-blue skies and puffy white clouds, as well as lush greenery. Be sure to look for wading birds like bright white ibises, sandhill cranes, and little blue herons. In the river’s rippling waters, you might spot a gnarly alligator or some bobbing cooter turtles. Overhead in the sky, watch out swooping osprey seeking fish, red-winged blackbirds, or an iconic bald eagle. The half-hour Loxahatchee boat rides to and from Trapper Nelson’s camp are stand-out natural adventures, but the guided walk at his former homestead is undoubtedly the highlight of the tour. Trapper Nelson’s story is a fascinating throwback to mid-1900s Florida that is worth retelling. According to written accounts, Nelson made his living by hunting, fishing, trapping, and selling animal furs. Standing 6 feet, 4 inches tall and weighing
Have you heard that a whopping 18.5 percent of the Sunshine State’s total surface area consists of water? That statistic translates into a lot of aquatic fun that might be in your family’s future. Fortunately, Florida’s state parks offer a terrific variety of convenient boat tours that explore rolling rivers, sparkling lakes, and freshwater springs, as well as first-rate Atlantic and Gulf Coast destinations. All aboard, adventurous travelers. Florida’s watery wonders await you. Johnathan Dickinson State Park Loxahatchee Boat Tours Location: Central East Florida in Hobe Sound Fun Fact: The seven and a half mile long Loxahatchee River that runs through Johnathan Dickinson State Park is the first ever Florida waterway to be federally designated as a Wild and Scenic River. Tour Details: The Loxahatchee fleet includes Coast Guard certified watercrafts with overhead coverage. Each vessel accommodates 22 to 60 passengers with comfortable seating, stable rides, and plenty of open space for good photo captures. Boats are navigated by knowledgeable licensed captains who lead and narrate tours. Park visitors may choose between two tour options — a one-hour scenic float on the river or a two-hour combination water and land experience that includes a guided walk through the former pioneer homestead of Trapper Nelson, legendary Wildman of the Loxahatchee. Tickets: Consult the state park website for up-to-date ticket information or reservations. Combination boat excursions that include landings at Trapper Nelson’s camp are only available during high-river tides. Calling Johnathan Dickinson State Park in advance to learn day-to-day details about tour schedules is recommended. What to Expect on the Water: The shoreline of the Loxahatchee River is a sub-tropical hodgepodge of Florida mangroves, pine trees, hardwood forests, and ancient cypress trees. Leafy palms and wavy ferns
Water birds like these white ibises are sometimes sighted on the Loxahatchee, credit Paula Loehr
DISCOVER THE REAL FLORIDA
COAST TO COAST MAGAZINE SPRING 2026 | 5
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