Experience the Intracoastal Waterway in a whole new way—with a Backwater Cat Adventures tour. Glide through pristine waterways on a custom-designed boat, spotting wildlife and soaking up the abundance of natural beauty in Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches.

Learn more about this exciting water-based activity in Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches:

The Boat:

Sure, you can paddle the serene backwaters on a kayak or in a canoe, but zipping along on a specially designed catamaran adds an extra thrill. The folks at Backwater Cat Adventures built these custom 2- 2-seater boats for safety, speed, and stability—giving you a one-of-a-kind experience that the company describes as a “go-kart on water.” Speeds can reach up to 35 miles per hour, making this an exhilarating adventure. Never driven a boat? You’ll get a quick course on how to expertly maneuver your vessel by a Backwater Cat Adventures guide.

The Tour:

Well-trained guides, skilled at navigating the winding creeks and channels, board their own vessel to lead you on the trip. You’ll follow along in your own boat, learning interesting facts about native birds, wild dolphins, manatees, and local ecosystem. Your guide may also make occasional stops to share about local lore and historic sites. The company offers two tour options: a 1.25 and 2.5-hour trip.

The Backwater Basics:

Drivers must be at least 18 years old, while accompanying children must be five and up. If you were born after Jan 1, 1988, you’ll need to take a Temporary Boaters License Course online and show completion before the tour. Required by Florida law, the test is available at Boat-Ed.com and is $8.