Outdoors & Aquatics

About Adventure Trips

fall adventure trips 2023

 


  1. Fall Adventure Trips

      Where will you adventure to this summer? Find your adventure with Adventure Trips! See below for our local, national, and international fall adventure trip options. 

expeditions fall 2023
  1. Expeditions

       

Puerto Rico Variety Adventure

Trip Information
Date December 9-14, 2023
Location San Juan, PR
Price $850

10,000 Islands Sea Kayaking Expedition

Trip Information
Date December 9-14, 2023
Location Everglades National Park, FL
Price $425

Skiing in North Carolina

Trip Information
Date(s) December 9-14
Location Beech Mountain, North Carolina
Price $700

SOLD OUT

 


  1. Paddle

       

Bioluminescent Kayaking

Come experience one of nature's most unique and breathtaking phenomenon right here in Florida! Only a handful of locations in the world experience "bioluminescence" where movement in the water creates a blue-green glowing effect that mesmerizes you. This trip cannot be fully described, but needs to be experienced! There are multiple biolum trips throughout the summer so be sure to look at all the dates!

Trip Information
Date(s)

August 19 


September 15 + 16


October 13 +14

Location Merrit Island
Price $60

Kayaking through Weedon Island

Weedon Island is a beautiful aquatic and upland preserve near St Petersburg, FL with remarkable kayaking trails through the mangrove island. We will spend the day kayaking through tunnels in the mangroves and getting beautiful views of Tampa Bay.

Trip Information
Date August 26, 2023
Location St. Petersburg, FL
Price $45

Whitewater Rafting Adventure

Get THRILLED and come whitewater rafting with USF Outdoor Rec! We'll spend the weeking camping, hiking, and whitewater rafting down the famous Chattahoochee River. No experience necessary, this trip is perfect for an amazing experience!

Trip Information
Date(s) September 22-24, 2023
Location Columbus, GA
Price $275

 


Kayaking + Beach Day on Caladesi Island

Trip Information
Date October 29, 2023
Location Dunedin, FL 

Sunset Paddle

Come experience the Hillsborough River at it's most beautiful, during sunset! Join us for a guided paddle on the river from the USF Riverfront Park Boathouse with some of our Adventure Trip Leaders!

Trip Information
Date(s) + Time

Sept 5 | 6:45-8:45pm


Oct 3 | 6:45-8:45pm


Nov 7 | 4:45-6:30pm


Dec 5 | 4:45-6:30pm 

Location Riverfront Park Boathouse
Price $15

 

 

 

 

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camp trips
  1. Camp

       

Camp + Explore Amelia Island

Trip Information
Date(s) October 7-8
Location Jacksonville, Florida
Price $135

Camp and Snorkel at Florida Springs

Trip Information
Date(s) October 13-15
Location Ocala, FL
Price $160

SOLD OUT

 


  1. Hike

       

Caving + Hiking in Tennessee

Trip Information
Date(s) September 29-October 1
Location Sweetwater, Tennessee
Price $265

Hiking through Providence Canyon

Trip Information
Date(s) October 20
Location Lumpkin, Georgia
Price $180

Fall Foliage Hiking

Trip Information
Date(s) November 10-12
Location Charlotte, North Carolina
Price $250

Appalachian Foothills Backpacking

Trip Information
Date(s) November 23-26
Location Foothills Trail, South Carolina
Price $45

 

 

 

 

hike trips

snorkel beach fall trips
  1. Snorkel + Beach

       

Snorkeling at Rainbow Springs

We'll be spending the day relaxing at one of Florida's most beautiful springs and exploring the trails around the State Park. Bring your swimsuits and prepare yourself for the spring's year-round 72 F water! (22 C) 

Trip Information
Date September 17
Location Dunnellon, FL
Price $50

Snorkeling at Devil's Den + Rainbow Springs

This trip will allow participants to experience one of Florida’s natural wonders and hopefully see some marine life that they have never seen before. We will spend the morning snorkeling in one of Florida's only cenotes, and then go to Rainbow Springs to snorkel in some of the clearest water in the country. 

Trip Information
Date September 24
Location Dunnellon
Price $80

SOLD OUT


Learn to Surf

Come join USF as we hit the waves near famous Cocoa Beach! This trip is ideal for beginners who have always wanted to learn to surf! 

Trip Information
Date(s)

September 30


November 4 

Location Cocoa Beach, Florida
Price $75

Camp and Snorkel at Florida Springs

Trip Information
Date October 13-15
Location Ocala, Florida
Price $45

SOLD OUT


RecWell Beach Retreat

Trip Information
Date October 28
Location Honeymoon Island, Florida
Price $50

Snorkeling at Alexander Springs

Trip Information
Date November 5
Location Ocala, FL
Price $60

Tubing + Snorkeling the Icketucknee River

Trip Information
Date December 3
Location High Spring, FL
Price $75

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


bike fall
  1. Bike

       

Mountain Bike Mondays 

Trip Information
Date(s)

September 11


October 9


November 13

Location Flatwoods Trail
Price $20

 


Mountain Biking at Balm Boyette

Trip Information
Date October 1
Location Riverview, FL

Bike to Beach at Honeymoon Island

Trip Information
Date October 22
Location Dunedin, FL
Price $60

Sunday Ride

Tampa Bay is known for its scenic bike trails, so join us each month as we explore Tampa by bike!


Trip Information
Date(s)

September 24


October 29


November 26

Location TBA
Price $20

 


  1. Climb

       

Rock Climb in Tennessee

Trip Information
Date November 10
Location Chattanooga, TN
Price $60

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  1. Nature Rx

       

Mindfullness Walking Information

Take some time to be present with yourself in nature. Join us for a walk around the green spaces on campus, including guided mindfulness activities. 

Date(s) + Time

September 20 (5pm)


October 18 (5pm)


November 29 (4pm)

Location

MLK Fountain near Marshall Student Center  

Cost

$0


nature-rx-fall

  1. About Our Adventure Trip Program

       

USF RecWell’s Adventure Trip Program eliminates barriers for you to get outdoors and connect with the natural world on various adventures.

Do you want to try something new, meet new people, or see fascinating things in nature? How about all three! Most of our trips are beginner friendly, additionally transportation, gear, food, and trip leaders are provided.

So whether you want to explore Florida more through our Passport to Florida programs, travel throughout the United States on trips experience nature through activities like hiking, caving, whitewater rafting, and backpacking, or you want to take a journey outside the US on one of our Adventure Abroad trips, we have an adventure for everyone!

In addition to pre-planned experiences, we offer custom trips for student organizations, friend groups, or University departments!


  1. How to Register

       

How To Register: Online in our Campus Rec Shop   Click the Trip name above to go directly to that trip’s page, then sign in with you USF NetID.   Not a USF Student? Simply create an account with your personal email address, rather than entering a NetID   In Person: Visit the Outdoor Resource Center (https://www.usf.edu/student-affairs/campus-rec/outdoor-recreation/outdoor-resource-center.aspx) in REC013 during operating hours   Most trips have 10 or fewer spots and registration fills on a first-come, first-served basis   Email us (adventure@usf.edu) with registrations questions and waitlist requests

Don't see a trip that piques your interest? Not a problem! Reach out to adventure@usf.edu to get more info about setting up your very own Custom Adventure Trip


  1. What's Included?

       

Transportation from USF Tampa campus   All trips meet in parking lot 6 on campus (hyperlink: https://usf.box.com/s/ihep0sen48x794xjhvh0cmtcrma29t3q) , behind the Campus Recreation Center    If flights are required for a trip, those will not be included in the trip price, participants will need to purchase their own flights. Please wait for specific instructions about travel logistics from the Trip Leaders before buying flights.   All equipment and gear for outdoor activity   Could include bike, helmet, tent, sleeping bag, backpack, trekking poles    Food    We plan trip menus according to your dietary restrictions/preferences and allergies   Occasionally, groups will eat at restaurants while traveling. These meals are not included in the trip cost. Your trip leaders will inform you of any meals not included in the trip price.   Trip Leaders   Recreation & Wellness staff who have been trained to help you get outdoors! All staff are certified in American Red Cross First Aid and CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, and most are certified in NOLS Wilderness First Aid or as NOLS Wilderness First Responders


  1. What to Expect

       
  • On most trips, you don’t need any experience. Really! If a trip requires experience, we’ll indicate what experience you should have on the Registration page.
  • After signing up for a trip, within 1-2 weeks before the trip your Trip Leader will reach out with all of the information you will need, including meet up location, what you need to pack, and any other specifics for your trip.
  • Overnight trips will include a pre-trip meeting. This meeting is mandatory for trip participants. It will include valuable information, such as appropriate clothing, necessary gear, what food to bring, the trip plan, and any necessary paperwork.
    • Once you sign up staff will be in contact about 2-3 weeks before the trip to schedule this meeting.
  1. Adventure Trips Categories

      Not sure what kind of adventure you’re seeking? Maybe these categories will help you narrow down what you’re looking for! 

Adventure Trip Categories

Local Adventure – Explore Tampa Bay and it’s natural setting whether it is on the bike on Downtown’s Riverwalk, kayaking through Weedon Island, or walking through Ybor City. 

Urban Exploration - Adventure is everywhere, we will experience some of the great outdoors around some of our favorite urban areas.  

Passport to Florida - See the real Florida at some of America’s best State Parks and natural beauties all across the state including springs, beaches, and forests. 

Classic - Hiking, trekking, biking, paddling, and camping adventures, made for beginners and outdoor types. 

Appalachian Adventure – Come with us on a trip to the mountains. We will explore one of the oldest mountain ranges on the Earth; hiking, camping, and backpacking through its rolling peaks and cascading waterfalls. 

Adventure With Confidence - Come out and learn a new skill or improve your current skills. These trips are meant to provide a hands-on experience for anyone wanting to try new ways to get outside! 

Adventure Abroad - Want to travel the world, off the beaten path? Take trips around the world, exploring some of nature’s most specular places and immersing ourselves in the local culture. Getting to spend time outdoors in remote landscapes, as well as explore the local culture in cities and towns along the way. 

Nature Rx – Reconnect with the natural world and yourself. Discover awe-inspiring destinations combined with rejuvenating activities like mindfulness walks, plant identification, yoga and meditation to recharge the body and nourish the mind. 

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  1. Policies

       

View Our Trip Policies Here!

  • We want our trips to be safe, fun, and memorable.
  • Due to weather and other safety concerns, trip itineraries are subject to change.
    • Trip Leaders will communicate any changes in a timely manner.
  • Outdoor Recreation practices strong Leave No Trace ethics. (LNT.org) Pack it in, pack it out!
  • All students participating in Recreation & Wellness Programs are expected to follow the University of South Florida Student Code of Conduct.
    • Should violations of said Code occur, participants risk expulsion from the trip and barring from participation in future programs.
  • Outdoor Recreation does not condone hate speech, bullying, emotional or physical abuse, or racism on any of our trips. Use of such language or actions could result in expulsion from the program.  We pride ourselves in a creating an inclusive community space where meaningful dialogues and personal growth can take place.
  • Adventure Trips are Alcohol Alternative Programs, therefore no alcohol is allowed to be consumed during the trip. Any underage consumption could result in University judicial consequences.
  • No illicit drugs or drug paraphernalia are allowed on trips in any fashion.  Breach of this rule will result in an immediate expulsion from the trip and could result in University judicial consequences.
  • We reserve the right to cancel a program due to inclement weather, natural disasters, or extenuating circumstances.
    • In the event we must cancel a program, a full trip refund will be provided.
    • You can find the full refund policy on the Trip Registration page. 
  1. Contact Us

       

Email: adventure@usf.edu
Location
: USF Recreation & Wellness, Room REC013
Phone: 813-974-6381