Imagine telling your friends you went kayaking and saw lions and elephants! They’d be sure you went on a kayaking safari in Africa, but the truth is slightly less exotic — and a LOT less expensive. Since 1914, the Jacksonville Zoo has given visitors an opportunity to discover and appreciate the Earth’s wildlife right here at home. From mild-to-wild, guests can experience local species, as well as animal species from around the world, in an environment that is friendly and comfortable to both inhabitants and visitors. A visit to the zoo is always a great way to spend the day; but kayaking to the Jacksonville Zoo adds the Action to your Adventure.

A guided kayak trip to the Jacksonville Zoo is the perfect group outing for families and larger groups. Up The Creek specializes in large group tours for the area’s finest resorts and largest companies as well as for school groups, church groups, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts and other organizations. This day trip features a relatively short paddle on Jacksonville’s Trout River, with the outgoing tide, from the Bert Maxwell boat ramp to the dock at the Jacksonville Zoo. After a 2 to 3-hour visit to the zoo, we get back in our kayaks and paddle with the incoming tide back to the boat ramp. Because of the tidal nature of the Trout River, this trip can only be done with morning ebb tides and afternoon flood tides; so check with our staff to ensure the tides are favorable for your trip before making arrangements.

There are souvenirs, gifts and food items available for purchase at the zoo in case you’d like to bring along extra money. There is plenty of room in the kayaks for food and drinks (smaller, soft-side coolers, etc…) if you’d like to bring your own lunch or make lunch arrangements with us. There is no additional charge for zoo admission. Call us, and one of our staff will help you plan the perfect outing for you group.

Approximately 4 to 5-Hours

$85/adult*
$75/children under 15* (*No Extra Charge for Zoo Admission.)

Directions to the put-in:

Bert Maxwell Boat Ramp
500 Maxwell Road
Jacksonville, Florida 32218

The Bert Maxwell Boat Ramp is located in north Jacksonville, just west of the north end of the Trout River (Interstate 95) Bridge. From I-95 Southbound, take exit 358B toward Broward Road and merge onto Heckscher Drive. Turn left onto Broward Road and follow it a short distance until it turns right and becomes Maxwell Road. The boat ramp will be on your right.
From I-95 Northbound, take exit 358 toward Broward Road and merge onto Heckscher Drive. Turn left onto Broward Road and follow it a short distance until it turns right and becomes Maxwell Road. The boat ramp will be on your right.