WEEKI WACHEE

An avid outdoors woman, paddler, adventurer and conservationist; Taylor loves all the birds, wildlife and lush vegetation that Florida has to offer (but manatees and ospreys are most probably her favorite)! She loves connecting people to nature by sharing the local ecology, and human impact on the flora and fauna of Florida! She holds an Advanced Florida Master Naturalist designation and draws on this depth of knowledge and experience as a former journalist, teacher and professional storyteller to create engaging stories for all ages. Taylor is passionate about infusing her tours with her love of nature and all things Florida! Just an hour south of Sarasota she can’t wait to show you how to search the beautiful beach paradise of Don Pedro Island for fossilized shark teeth and shells! When she’s not leading clear kayak tours you can find her exploring Florida by paddle or on foot with her partner, Danny and their two dogs, Sam and River, doing yoga and continuing to learn more about Florida! She is an active volunteer with Florida Horseshoe Crab Watch, Eagle Watch and Save the Manatees. In addition to her Naturalist designation, Taylor is a Manatee Guardian Guide certified through Save the Manatees and is CPR/BLS certified with the American Heart Association. Explore Florida with her on IG @taylorinthelandofflowers

Danny’s love of all things water began at a young age. Growing up in Miami he spent every spare moment on the beach. He went from running into waves as they rolled on the beach as a kid to riding them as an amateur skim boarder, surfer and paddler of all water crafts. Danny’s father, a former competitive paddler for the Cuban National Team introduced him to the sport of kayaking at a young age. His parents nurtured and encouraged his love of nature and all things outdoors. As a Florida Master Naturalist an avid nature lover, adventurer and explorer his passion for the environment and conservation drives him to introduce more people to the joy of these experiences through offering unique clear kayak ecotours on the Weeki Wachee River and Pine Island an hour north of Tampa and at Don Pedro Island just south of Sarasota. Danny also shares his love for all things Florida flora and fauna as an avid content creator with a focus on storytelling and videography. In addition to his certification as a Naturalist, Danny is CPR and ACA certified, a Guardian guide with Save the Manatees Club, volunteers with Eagle Watch and participates in Florida Springs advocacy. Follow along on his adventures at @danenriquez on IG.

Gary is one of the most experienced kayakers you will ever meet. He began paddling whitewater in the Pacific Northwest at the age of 12 and grew up navigating a variety of rivers in southern Oregon and northern California 55 years ago. For 21 years, Gary owned his own business as a licensed outfitter and fishing guide. Later, he earned a Bachelors degree in English and a Masters degree in Education, spending 20 years as a high school teacher and 26 years as a soccer coach. Since retiring from the classroom in 2021, Gary has returned to the water and shares his skills and knowledge of the ecology, wildlife, and environment of Florida’s Nature Coast with the many guests who have paddled with him. He loves sharing his passion for kayaking and enjoyment of the outdoors with all who meet him. Even though he has spent a decade paddling and fishing on Florida’s Gulf Coast, he will readily admit that he learns something new every day and is eager to pass on his knowledge to his guests.

Hi! I’m Davis! I am a Weeki Wachee local that has fallen in love with the ecology and conservation of the Weeki Wachee river. I spend more time around manatees and other Florida flora and fauna than anything else and wouldn’t have it any other way. Nothing interests me more than an adventure in the outdoors! I am CPR/BLS certified with the American Heart Foundation and a volunteer with M.A.T.E.S. (Manatee Awareness Through Education and Stewardship) I am dedicated to providing the most educational, super exciting, totally radical kayaking and paddle boarding experiences on the most beautiful river in the world, the Weeki Wachee!

My name is Vincent Cruz better known as Vinny. I have been paddling since the age of about 7. Just about 26 years on the water!  I love nothing more than being on the water and being able to educate people about the many different types of wildlife we have on our waterways and our amazing ecosystem. The Pileated Wood Pecker is the one animal I look forward to showing everyone while we are on tour. The amazing Manatee is also something I look forward to seeing and educating people about during our trips. When I am not on the water I am spending time with my wife and kids. But, coming home to our 3 dogs and 4 cats everyday is something I look forward to so much! Nothing better than seeing those tails wagging and eyes get big when they see me come home! Anything else you want to know, let’s get a tour booked and ask for “Vinny”! I love having amazing conversations with the many people I take out daily and look forward to meeting and talking with you!!

Cassie hails from the Great Lakes State, but has spent an accumulated 11 years here in Florida soaking up the sunshine and spending time with family, while exploring the Nature Coast. Having worked in the Everglades National Park, she knows the answer to the age-old question: “What’s the difference between an alligator and a crocodile?” Cassie is passionate about education, community, conservation, sustainability, and keeping our Florida waterways beautiful!

Hi! I’m JB. I know what you’re thinking. Can someone this good looking really paddle a kayak? Yes! And you can too! When I’m not out paddling on the water, I like to practice yoga and make music. Throwing caution to the wind, I recently moved back to Florida to follow my heart and start a new life with my partner, whom I have known as a friend for a long time. So far, everything is going great. But feel free to check in with me if I see you out there. I love chatting with guests and hearing their stories and sharing some of my own. I take great pride in creating a vibe out on the water that makes everyone feel very comfortable and safe. I hope to see you out on the Weeki Wachee sometime soon and share a little bit about the area’s flora and fauna!

Hi! I’m Michael, a self proclaimed Florida boy through and through. I grew up in a little town of 1,200 so the slow life is where I feel most comfortable. I’ve never been the homebody type, spending all of my time growing up playing baseball, learning to scuba dive, travelling the country with my parents, and generally playing in the dirt whenever I got the chance. Seems not much has changed because I still do all those things as an adult! I am currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Resource Conservation, with a Minor in Soil & Water Sciences. I’m hoping this leads me to a career path where I can spend more time outdoors protecting the flora and fauna I fell in love with as a kid for future generations!