Anclote Light Open House - Level 3

Trip leader: Anthony Sousa, anthony.g.sousa@gmail.com, (727) 455-2615

We will paddle from Fred Howard Park to the south end of Anclote Key for a special visit to the 137-year-old Anclote Light. Our paddle day is one of the monthly volunteer-hosted open houses at the lighthouse. We will have the opportunity to receive a tour of the lighthouse grounds and even climb the 127 steps up to the lighthouse deck and view our paddling playground from 110 feet above the ground. The views are spectacular! After our lighthouse tour we will have the option to paddle to the beaches on the southern end for a lunch hang out and kayak skills playtime.

Location notes: Meet at Fred Howard Park in vicinity of Shelter #6. We will launch from the small beach across the footbridge from the Shelter #6 area. Restrooms are available. 

Schedule notes:

• Suggested arrival/prep time is 8:30 a.m.  
• Ready circle and trip brief at 9:00 a.m. 
• Launch by 9:15 a.m. 
• Approximate return by 1:00 p.m. (or earlier if needed at group discretion). 
• A schedule note about climbing the lighthouse: If it is really busy, we’ll get a ticket and an assigned climb time. If that happens, while we wait we will plan to walk around the grounds or explore the trails to look at the unique flora/fauna of Anclote Key (with a Florida Master Naturalist!)

Additional information: Bring cash. A minimum $7 donation is requested for the tour and climbing the lighthouse. All proceeds go to the non-profit Anclote Key Citizens Support Organization: https://www.anclotecso.org/. Other Anclote Key “swag” will also be on sale.

Difficulty: Level 2/Level 3. Total distance is about 7-8 miles. The route features a 2-mile open water crossing (twice) that can be choppy depending on weather and conditions. Sustained wind of 10-15 knots will make this a Level 3 only trip.

Required / suggested / restricted: 

• Sea kayak of at least 14 feet with sealed bulkheads/flotation, PFD with whistle, full spray skirt, paddle, sun protection clothing/sunblock, water/hydration, food/snacks, emergency medications (if applicable). Bilge pump and paddle float are optional, but recommended.

• Hard-soled shoes with toe protection are required for walking the boardwalk with possible exposed hardware and splinters, walking the lighthouse grounds, and climbing the metal lighthouse stairs.

• The lighthouse area and adjacent trails can be buggy, especially if it is hot and wind is light. Bug clothes/spray recommended.  

• Pack a lunch to have the option for eating lunch on the beach at Anclote or back at Fred Howard Park, at the discretion of the group.

Trip leader candidates and current trip leaders: Would you like to co-lead with Anthony? If so, please reach out directly. Thanks!