During a September kayak trip on Lake Monroe, we saw 26 different species including great blue herons, a tree full of egrets, and a bald eagle at close range. David’s expert knowledge helped us to identify many types of warblers and shore birds.
Kayaking Southern Indiana
Public & Private Tour Options
Spectacular Vistas
Embark on an Enchanting Kayaking Adventure on Lake Monroe!
Get paddles at the ready as we go on a breathtaking journey through the picturesque landscapes of Indiana’s Lake Monroe. Our guided kayaking tours will take you through the serene waters and scenic vistas of the lake’s headwater areas, including the stunning North Fork Wildlife Area. This experience is perfect for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers of all abilities, bringing you closer to a variety of birds on the lake located just southeast of Bloomington
Don’t fear, on our public tours, we’ll be sure to paddle at a leisurely pace as we search for birds, enjoy the scenery, and talk about the history of the land and water. Private tours include all this if requested but can also be scheduled to cover more water and move at a pace that meets the group’s wishes. This is a fantastic opportunity to create lasting memories with friends (old and new!) and learn something new so book your kayaking adventure with us!
***Please check our Kayak Info for important information regarding this tour.***
Tour Highlights
Paddle through feeding areas for Great Blue Herons, Great Egrets, Green Herons, and Wood Ducks
Get your binoculars ready for the high probability of viewing Bald Eagles
See and hear the Prothonotary Warbler, aka “the swamp canary”, in spring and summer
View and photograph migrating shorebirds at close range during late summer
Paddle on the water during an awesome sunset
Experience sunset paddles that offer a decent chance at observing beaver, deer, and other wildlife
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Trip Details
Trip Details
Public Tour Price
$50/person ($35 if you bring your own kayak)
Private Tour Price
$50/person ($150 minimum for 1 or 2–person private tours). A $15 discount is available to anyone that brings their own kayak.
Meeting point
For North Fork, Pine Grove, and Sunset Kayak Tours, meet at the Pine Grove SRA boat ramp. For Crooked Creek paddling adventures, meet at the Crooked Creek SRA boat ramp. Meeting at the Cutright SRA boat ramp is an option for private tours.
Seasons
Late April to Late August
Duration
Plan on spending about 2 hours on the water
Group size
6 for public tours. For private tours, group size is limited to 6 participants unless you bring additional kayaks.
Kayaking restrictions
Children must be at least 8 years old and accompanied by an adult
Included
- Kayaks
- Life jackets
- Paddles
- Binoculars
Not included
Transportation to the boat ramp
What to bring
- Water bottle
- Appropriate clothing for the season & kayaking
- Jacket
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Your own binoculars
- Phone/camera
About your guide
David Rupp, owner of IndiGo Birding, will lead this trip. David has over 25 years of birding experience and loves to share his joy for birding.
What to Expect
After meeting at the agreed starting location, our guide will assist you in getting situated in your kayak, then lead the way around the lake at a leisurely pace. In this place of great natural beauty, we’ll keep an eye out for majestic birds and soak in the splendor of our surroundings. During our kayaking adventure, our knowledgeable guide will provide you with fascinating insights into the history of the land and water, as well as the diverse bird species that call this area home.
Important Kayak Info
All of the kayaks are sit-in, single-person kayaks. You must be able to lower yourself into a kayak and get back out at the end (with assistance). We will be seated in the kayaks for about two hours. There are no restroom breaks. A canoe is available as well, particularly if the size of your group is a little larger. If you are concerned about one person’s ability to paddle, or if you are concerned about your ability to get in and out of a kayak then I’d recommend the canoe. Please let me know ahead of time if you are interested in reserving it.
See How Previous Guests Sang Our Praises
This kayak outing was the perfect way to discover the early-summer birds on Lake Monroe. David was an excellent guide, and our group enjoyed a comfortable and engaging tour, spotting over 30 types of birds as well as other wildlife. We learned a lot about the history of the local area as well. Just a perfect morning!
