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The Journey to Key West

Welcome to Captain Erik, LIVE, where we take kayaking to the extreme. I’m your host, Captain Erik, and I’m excited to take you on an epic journey from Tampa Bay to Key West – LIVE! As an integral part of our production, you get to experience the thrill and excitement of this adventure alongside me as I broadcast every single step of our 258-nautical mile journey in real time. 

Warning: This journey is not for the faint of heart. We’ll be peddling through some of Florida’s most stunning and treacherous waters. We’ll face powerful currents, unpredictable weather, and all manner of sea creatures. But do not fear. Together we can meet the requirements and emerge triumphant. So what are you waiting for? LET’S GO!!! 

Next Launch Date: November 19, 2023!

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*Sales end when the Captain lands in Key West.

 

TODAY’S WEATHER

TRIP TRACKER

CAPTAIN’S LOG

Day 1 - Englewood, FL

Launch: Manasota Boat Ramp

Pickup: Aingers Fishing Pier Park

Housing: We stayed at the Beach Shack in Manasota Key. We HIGHLY recommend this housing option. It was clean, comfortable, and fully stocked with every amenity including cold beer in the fridge upon arrival. 

www.beachshackofmanasotakey.com

Food: Food stores. 

Day 2 - Aingers Creek Park

Launch: Aingers Creek Park

Pickup: Placida Park

Housing: We enjoyed the Beach Shack so much we went back for a second night. If you are looking for a place to stay in Florida be sure to check this one out! 

www.beachshackofmanasotakey.com

 Dining: Food stores. 

Day 3 - Placida, FL

Launch: Placida Park

Pickup: Carmen’s Kayaks, Bokeelia, FL

SUCH nice people with good hearts and a great business. We highly recomend kayaking this bay with a local dolphin, manatee, and tarpon running through!

www.carmenskayaks.net

Housing: We were charmed by the Tarpon Lodge. This historic site is a romantic blast from the past where you can watch the sunset from the anarondak chairs on the dock, poolside, or from a hammock.

www.tarponlodge.com

Dining: The Tarpon Lodge restaurant is a local’s favorite fine-dining restaurant. Fresh local catch, homemade bread, and vegetarian options make this a memorable evening for everyone. They highly recommend making a reservation.

Day 4 - Bokeelia, FL

Launch: Carmen’s Kayaks, Bokeelia, FL

www.carmenskayaks.net

Pickup: D&D Bait Matlacha and Tackle This is a great local bait shop! Well stocked, very organized, and the owners/staff were a delight. We will definitely launch here again when we come through town! 

Find them on Facebook! 

Dining: We ate at a local Italian restaurant called Michele’s. Waterfront dining, music, a kids play area, and hot food made it an enjoyable experience.  

www.micelis.com

Housing: We stayed in Ft. Meyers at a friend’s place. 

 

Day 5 - Matlatcha, FL

Launch: D&D Bait Shop 

Find them on Facebook! 

Pickup: Sanibel Boat Ramp 

Dining: Food stores. 

Housing: We stayed in Ft. Meyers at a friend’s place. 

 

Day 6 - Ft. Myers (Maintenance)

We lost one of our motors on Day 5. We spent this day finding and purchasing a new motor for Bob. We HIGHLY recommend Jeff at Estero River Outfitters. Cool location, great service, and everything you need including bait & tackle! 

www.estero-river-outfitters.shoplightspeed.com

Day 7 - Sanibel, FL

Launch: Sanibel Boat Ramp 

Pickup: Lovers Key State Park

Housing: Ft. Meyers (same location) 

Dining: Food stores 

Day 8 - Lovers Key, FL

Launch: Lovers Key State Park

Pickup: Collier County Public Boat Ramp

Housing: Ft. Meyers (same location)

Dining: Spanish Mackerel catch 

Day 9 - Collier County, FL

Launch: Collier County Boat Ramp

Pickup: Coast Guard 

Housing: Headed home to rebuild…

Dining: Food stores 

Meet Our Sponsors

Ways to support the journey

Venmo

You’re not allowed to use the “V” word on TikTok, but we’ll let you use it here. It’s just like PayPal with a bit more personality. 

NOTE: Venmo is only supported for those residing in the United States. 

Cash App

Similar to Venmo, but newer. Either one is fine with us. Many fans prefer to send money directly which is why we have it. Just don’t use the “C” word on TikTok or they’ll block your ass in the chat.  

Gofundme

We’ve shipwrecked and are in the process of rebuilding our vessels so we can get back on the water. Help us MEET THE REQUIREMENTS by donating here!

Cameo

Receive a personalized video for Mother’s Day, or any occasion. Perfect for a good laugh, or a pick-me-up. Video’s can also be gifted!

Amazon

If you’re not okay with sending money to some stranger online, we completely understand and you can still help! We have created a list of things we need for the journey on Amazon.

NOTE: Although we are affiliates, we won’t earn shit from these purchases.

YouTube

We know many of you prefer and trust YouTube. No fear, unfamiliar systems, or learning curves.

We get it. We have been on YouTube for a LONG time, so if you dig deep you’ll learn some stuff about us. In the meantime, we post on here as often as we can and will have more content soon!

NOTE: We won’t be live-streaming on YouTube until they allow better quality from a mobile device. 

Instagram

We use it, but they don’t pay us anything. If you’re a fan, help us build our following and get verified so we may make a few pennies putting in effort on this platform.

Facebook

F-ck Facebook. But as a business, it’s a must. So…you can find us there too. We announce all live-streams if you want an additional notification.