GUIDED OKEFENOKEE KAYAK & CANOE TOURS
Paddle Into the
Wild Heart of the Okefenokee
Experience Georgia’s newly recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site on a small-group guided kayak or canoe adventure. Choose from beginner-friendly day tours or all-inclusive overnight paddle camping trips.
PERMITTED GUIDE SERVICE | SMALL GROUPS | EQUIPMENT INCLUDED
A WORLD HERITAGE WILDERNESS
More Than a Swamp.
A Place of Global Importance.
The Okefenokee is one of the largest and most intact freshwater ecosystems in North America. It’s a living landscape shaped by water, fire, wildlife, and thousands of years of natural change.
Here, dark water reflects ancient cypress trees, sandhill cranes call across open prairies and each narrow trail leads farther from the noise of the everyday world.
In 2026, the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, recognizing a place that has always felt extraordinary to those who have experienced it from the water.
CHOOSE YOUR OKEFENOKEE ADVENTURE
Three Ways to Experience the Swamp
From a relaxed half day paddle to an unforgettable overnight adventure, our guided trips offer a unique way to explore the wild, untouched beauty of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge.
HALF-DAY TOUR
A Gentle Introduction to the Swamp
A relaxed, beginner-friendly paddle through cypress-lined waterways and open prairie.
4 HOURS | BEGINNER FRIENDLY
$130 / person
🗓️ October 11 or November 15, 2026
🕒 9:30am | 📍 Okefenokee State Park
FULL-DAY TOUR
TWO SPOTS LEFT OCTOBER 10TH!
Go Deeper Into the Okefenokee
More time on the water lets us reach quieter waterways and see more wildlife.
6 HOURS | BEGINNER FRIENDLY
$200 / person
🗓️ October 10 or November 14, 2026
🕒 9:30am | 📍 Okefenokee State Park
OVERNIGHT ADVENTURE
Camp Where the Road Cannot Reach
Paddle into the wilderness and spend the night surrounded by cypress trees, dark skies and the sounds of the swamp.
2 DAYS - 1 NIGHT | MODERATE
$395 / person
🗓️ October 17 - 18, 2026
Planning your own group or need a different date? Private day tours and overnight adventures may be available by request.
Tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll help design a trip around your group, experience level, and current refuge conditions.
WANT A MORE PERSONAL EXPERIENCE?
Check Okefenokee Availability
Request a Private Okefenokee Adventure
THE WILDERNESS WITHOUT THE PLANNING STRESS
Permitted Guides
Driftwood is authorized by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to guide day and overnight trips in the ONWR
Beginner Friendly
We teach the essentials before launching and keep the pace comfortable throughout the trip
Small Groups
Smaller groups create a quieter experience and allow more individual attention from your guide
All Gear Included
Kayaks or canoes, paddles, life jackets and all required trip gear are provided
You Don’t have to Be an Experienced Paddler
Most guests are new to the Okefenokee and many are new to kayaking or canoeing. We’ll teach you what you need to know and guide you every step of the way.
Beginner introduction and safety briefing
Comfortable pace for a variety of skill levels
Routes matched to conditions and water levels
Your guide is with you the entire time
Your Okefenokee Guides
Driftwood Paddling Tours is a Georgia family-owned service led by Amanda & Matt. We love sharing this wild place and helping others experience it with confidence, curiosity and respect.
Permitted guide service
Medical and emergency response experience
Small-group instruction
Beginner-focused approach
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes. Our half-day and full-day tours are designed to be approachable for newer paddlers. We provide basic instruction before launching and maintain a comfortable group pace. Guests should still be prepared to paddle steadily for several hours.
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Our scheduled fall trips launch from Okefenokee State Park (formerly Stephen C. Foster State Park), located on the western side of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. Detailed meeting and parking instructions are sent before your trip.
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Your trip includes a kayak or canoe, paddle, properly fitted life jacket, dry bag, safety equipment, paddling instruction and an experienced guide. Water and snacks are included on day tours. Overnight trips also include camping equipment, meals, cooking gear and required wilderness permits.
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No. All necessary paddling equipment is provided. Guests who would prefer to bring their own boat should contact us before booking so we can confirm that it is appropriate for the route and refuge conditions.
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Alligators live throughout the Okefenokee, so sightings are common, but wildlife can never be guaranteed. Your guide will explain how to observe animals safely and respectfully without approaching or disturbing them.
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Every outdoor experience involves some risk, but safety is central to every Driftwood trip. We provide a pre-launch briefing, properly fitted life jackets, emergency communication equipment and guidance throughout the experience. Routes may be adjusted when weather, water levels or trail conditions require it.
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The full-day trip includes approximately five hours of paddling at a steady, relaxed pace. The terrain is flat, but guests should be comfortable sitting in a kayak or canoe and actively paddling for an extended period.
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No previous paddle camping experience is required. Your guides handle route planning, permits, meals and group camping equipment, and they will help with camp setup. Guests should be comfortable spending two full days outdoors and sleeping in a primitive wilderness setting.
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After booking, you will receive a detailed packing list. In general, guests should bring weather-appropriate clothing, sun protection, personal medications, a refillable water bottle and any personal items needed for the day. Full-day guests should also bring lunch unless otherwise stated in the trip listing.
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We do not automatically cancel for light rain. Trips may be delayed, rerouted or rescheduled when lightning, strong winds, severe weather or unsafe refuge conditions are expected. If Driftwood cancels a trip, guests may reschedule or receive a refund according to the trip policy.
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Private Okefenokee day tours may be available by request, depending on guide availability, refuge conditions and permitting. Contact us with your preferred date and group size.
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Fall through spring generally offers cooler temperatures and more comfortable conditions for longer paddling trips. Wildlife, water levels and trail access change throughout the year, making every season a slightly different experience.
Have more questions? Reach out to us at 770-383-1035 and you will speak directly to Matt or Amanda
YOUR JOURNEY STARTS HERE
Ready to Experience the Okefenokee From the Water?
Choose an upcoming day tour, join an overnight expedition or contact us to plan a private Okefenokee adventure.