Experience the Wildlife, Waterways, Woods, and Way of Life of the Big Bend Scenic Byway on these special “Byway Tours,” which can be self-guided or enriched by a local Green Guide. Fun for the whole family, these tours combine fishing, wildlife viewing, photography, hiking, kayaking, and biking. And, when you get hungry, you’re in for a real treat! Enjoy a picnic lunch at suggested sites or try our southern cuisine featuring fresh Florida seafood at an historic lodge or waterfront restaurant. There are no crowds, high prices, or pressures. The Big Bend is slower paced, relaxed, and full of great values! Smiles and very friendly people are the norm. You won’t be disappointed….rain or shine. Go make memories!
Apalachee Bays Inside Passage to Spring Creek
Explore the natural beauty of this protected coastline of shallow inlets, spring-fed streams, marshlands, oyster bars, and deserted sand beaches.
Tour Description
Tour Video Clip
Fort and Lighthouse Tour
This walking and paddling tour features Spanish and Maritime History amidst the breathtaking beauty of the St. Marks River and Apalachee Bay.
Tour Description
Tour Video Clip
Sink and Spring Tour
Experience Karst geology created over millions of years – sinkholes, lakes, disappearing rivers, springs, and underground caverns – on a self-guided walk through Longleaf Pine forest and Gum Tree swamps. Then take a river boat tour to view the world’s largest fresh-water spring and experience up-close encounters with Alligators, Manatees, Bald Eagles, and much more.
Tour Description
Tour Video Clip
The Belle of the Byway
Relive the days when “cotton was king” on this walking tour among 200 historically significant homes and commercial structures, which was designated by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as one of a “Dozen Distinctive Destinations.”
Tour Description
Tour Video Clip
Apalachee Bay Outfitters & Guides
Contact these local Byway businesses if you need equipment, transportation, and information, or would like their expert guidance on one of these tours. In addition, paddlers should purchase Top Spot waterproof Fishing and Recreation Map # N231 online at offshoremapping.com or on the Byway at Panacea Harbor Marina.
Barefoot Charters
(850) 879-0216
Barefootcharters.org
Florida Green Guides
Floridagreenguideassociation.com
Palmetto Expeditions
(850) 926-3376
Palmettoexpeditions.com
Panacea Harbor Marina
(850) 984-5844
Marinas.com
Shields Marina
(850) 270-0584
Shieldsmarina.com
St. Marks Outfitters
(850) 510-7919
Stmarksoutfitters.com
The Wilderness Way
(850) 877-7200
Thewildernessway.net
T-n-T Hideaway
(850) 925-6412
Tnthideaway.com
Acknowledgement
Diane Delaney and Don Lesh, Applied Sustainability Enterprises
Rex Adams, Adams Graphics
Robert Seidler, Seidler Productions
Dixie Partington, The Dixie Theatre
We wish to thank the Big Bend Scenic Byway Members and Businesses for their assistance in designing these tours, as well as: Apalachicola Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, Florida Department of Environmental Protection-Office of Greenways and Trails, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Franklin County Tourist Development Council, Panacea Waterfronts Florida Partnership, St. Marks Outfitters, St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge and Photography Club, St. Marks Waterfronts Florida Partnership, The Dixie Theatre, T-n-T Hideaway, Visit Tallahassee, and the Wakulla County Tourist Development Council.
Financial support of these tours was provided by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity and the National Scenic Byway Program.