Sandhill Crane Kayak Tour: Unique Tennessee Safari

Embark on a thrilling sandhill crane kayak tour in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Get up close to these majestic birds and immerse yourself in the sounds of nature. Limited availability, book now!

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Cherokee Removal Memorial - Witness the sandhill cranes from the seat of a kayak in their warmer winter environment as they escape the brutal cold of Alaska and Northern Canada on this guided kayak tour with Chattanooga Guided Adventures.
    These kayak tours are limited and run Thursday - Sunday, November through mid February during the winter…
What's Included
  • Kayaks available for the tour
  • Paddles provided to navigate
  • Waterproof jackets to keep dry
  • Poagies (warm paddle mittens) included
  • Binoculars for wildlife viewing
  • Group first aid kit for safety
  • Guide tow line for assistance
Additional Information

This exclusive kayaking journey amidst sandhill cranes, situated just beyond Chattanooga, Tennessee, offers a distinct experience that can only be accessed via a kayak seat. It’s an ephemeral annual event that everyone ought to engage in. This is the closest experience to a safari one can anticipate in Tennessee. The sandhill cranes’ calls echo around,…

Location
Cherokee Removal Memorial
Blythe Ferry Lane
We meet out in front of the Cherokee Removal Memorial Office.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(18 Ratings)
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458jeffreye
Feb 19, 2024
Excellent. I would recommend it to anyone. - The kayak tour was an excellent experience. It was relaxing, enjoyable and educational. Zach our guide was a wealth of knowledge and very friendly.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Q9344gekatm
Feb 18, 2024
Truly magiical - Our guide was superb! He set up all the gear for each of us; explained the rules; helped us into our kayaks; pushed us onto the water; shared his knowledge about the environs, guided us on a fabulous tour. Afterwards, he pulled us onto dry land and offered us hot chocolate. What a gracious host! It truly was magical being out on the water, to witness sandhill cranes flying overhead, calling out to each other. I barely felt the cold, as I came wearing three layers of clothing. I’m glad I brought a change of clothes, as the water was a little choppy, splashed into the boat, and got my pants wet.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Patriciapo842ut
Feb 5, 2024
Memorable experience. - Great views. Saw lots of Sandhills. Informative, helpful and fun guide. Despite the cold weather, the kayaks were outfitted to keep us dry and warm.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
F4832mxpaulb
Jan 15, 2024
A Fantastic Kayak Experience With Chattanooga Guided Adventures - We had a great kayak trip with Brandon to see the Sandhill Cranes from the water at the Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge on January 13, 2024 during the Sandhill Crane Festival. Brandon was on time and on task the entire trip. The equipment was top-notch. The weather was fantastic considering the time of year. I've been on a lot of outings with groups and I must say this outfitter, this guide are among the best I've encountered. Thanks for a wonderful time Brandon and Chattanooga Guided Adventures!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Daniellehb1005jb
Feb 21, 2022
Great kayaking experience for experienced or new kayakers - We had a wonderful trip. I'm a birder who loves kayaking, and my friend was a first-time kayaker who was nervous about whether she would be able to do it. We both had a great time! Zach is a knowledgeable and highly-competent guide who brings all the extras. We felt spoiled!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Traci
Feb 21, 2022
Incredible experience! - This was an incredible, first-class experience! Everything we needed was provided, and Zach was an awesome guide. Our group of four highly recommends this trip.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Terrife7728ey
Feb 19, 2022
Awesome day paddling! - Zach, our guide was awesome! Very patient and accommodating to us middle aged women. Had all the gear to make it an enjoyable and safe paddle. His obvious love for nature and education shined through. I learned alot about the sand crane and other birds in this region. No question was unanswered. Will definitely be doing another trip!
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Pampeey2022
Feb 15, 2022
Memorable experience worth doing - This was a breathtaking experience to see thousands of sandhill cranes lining both sides of the river bank. The flyovers were neat and we were lucky enough to spot American white pelicans and other sightings. Zach was an expert guide who made us feel safe venturing out into frigid waters as well as being knowledgeable about the wildlife we were spotting. Would highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
U4037vpcarolynb
Feb 15, 2022
A Truly Excellent Adventure - Marvelous! The kayak trip w Zach was outstanding. We met and departed as planned. He provided all equipment needed including binoculars. He gave a short course on paddling enough for novices but not too much for pros. He made sure we were all comfortable and safe throughout the cold and windy day. His deep knowledge of the cranes, other wildlife, and environs was excellent. Truly a unique and wonderful way to view the sandhill cranes (and hear their remarkable calls!) as well as grey herons, bald eagles, and other types of birds. The price was more than reasonable and the hot chocolate at the end of the trip hit the spot! We will definitely be returning for more kayaking with Zach - you never know what birds you'll see on any given day! Thanks, Zach!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Hike_and_paddle
Feb 14, 2022
Tick off the Bucket List - observing Sandhill Cranes migration - We had a wonderful experience observing the migrating Sandhill Cranes at the Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge. While it was February and in the mid 40's, all of Zach's kit was suited to the weather. The neoprene kayak paddle gloves and extra rain jacket made what could have been a chilly experience very comfortable. Zach is a professional educator and a scientist, and an amateur ornithologist. His instructions expanded our kayaking techniques, and we learned so much about the Chattanooga areas natural resources and the sandhill crane's habitat and behaviors. It was a sunny day, ending with a magical sunset. And the post paddle hot cocoa made a warming end to the perfect afternoon.
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January 2025
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